Navigating the Canals in Italy.

From Lignano, we continued westward along the Canale de Lustri, then turned southwest into the narrow Canale dei Pantani.  If you are wondering what the tidal range is for the area, it is only a difference of three feet, and we were not yet at “high-tide.”

Needless to say, we ran aground. For boaters from the Pacific Northwest, this was a new experience. There’s nothing you can do about it except wait for the rising tide when the boat floats free from the mud.

We made the best of it, using the stop as a lunch break with a spread of fresh tomatoes, cheese, crackers, prosciutto and fruit along with wine. A perfect Italian pastime under the afternoon sun!  After about 45 minutes, we were on our way once again to the town of Carole.

Locks and Bridges in Italy

At Bevazzana Sinistra, we came to our first lock; it remains open except on flood tides caused by a full moon and excessive rain. Canal locks are generally automated, operated by a lock attendant, and bridges that need to be opened also have an attendant.

Our next challenge was a short distance away, maneuvering under a low bridge at Bevazzana Destra.  Yes, we remembered to lower the Bimini top on the boat to avoid damage.

Continuing west on Canale Lugugnana and Canale Cavanella, we circled another lagoon area with “fish houses” and made our way south along Canale Saetta, arriving at the town of Caorle after 5 ½ hours total travel time for the day.  The many fish houses along the way are scenic and quite intriguing.  Ten minutes before entering Caorle, boaters must make a call (phone number provided by Le Boat) to have a bridge opened before entering the harbor. We were about to make our phone call (no radio communication onboard), when we saw the bridge opening for a commercial boat, so we continued through.

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