The Wilson Dam and lock is three miles up stream from Florence. Normally, it is possible to monitor traffic at the lock on the radio. When it is clear someone is locking down, make a quick call asking for a lock up before starting the boat. However, the lock has been on restricted operation since last fall when the guide wall on the upstream side sunk.
It is now too dangerous to lock tows through in the dark so the lock only operates between 6 in the morning and 6 at night. As always commercial traffic has the priority. Pleasure craft are only guaranteed a lock through at 6 am. If there is no commercial traffic, a PC might get through during the day or at 6 pm.
We called the night before to let the lock attendant know there would be two pleasure craft wanting to lock up in the morning. We were told to call at 5:30 and be ready at the lock by 6. Okay, we can set an alarm. Only issue was the lack of light. Sunrise was 6:38 am. At 5:30, it was still pitch black.
So it was a long three miles to the lock. Fog raising from the river in twisting strands reduced visibility even more. John was driving essentially blind. The only guidance was the chart plotter and one flashlight. The range on the flashlight is a mile so I could light up the sides of the channel and sweep across our path looking for fishing boats or logs. But, at that strength the battery in the flashlight would only last for 15 minutes. Possibly enough time to reach the locks.
We made it of course but it was somewhat nerve wracking.
On to the next adventure.
Moon Dance IV 
The more those nerves get whacked the better you become. The TSW is going to look like a pond by the time you return with all this experience. Enjoy.
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