The sights and sounds of Lock 23 are its own as the busiest lock on the NYS Canal System.

Laughter from Lonnie Crast is also a familiar sound of Lock 23, despite the demands of the job.

Retired for more than 33 years in the military, Crast started working as a canal structure operator in Brewerton six years ago. He cares for it like it is his home — a busy home. Almost 4,000 boats have traveled through the Lock so far in 2020.

If you're following Lonnie around on the job, just try to keep up. He has a long list of chores, but this is a labor of love.

Surrounding the lock are bright safety rails that are being painted this season. Lonnie says canal staff also has to keep their eyes on the gears of the lock.

”We have to grease the pit,” Lonnie says.

And even the simplest task is all in a day’s work. Light bulbs working are a key to water levels and the safety of boaters all around the lock. You won't find a burned-out bulb here.

And the best part for Crast is letting the boats through the lock.

Lonnie chats with two people on a pontoon that had just past through the lock a short time before.

"That was a short trip," he joked with the couple.

For the boats to pass through the lock, it needs to fill up or drain.

“It only takes four to five minutes to fill up or drain out. It's very fast,” says Lonnie.

Lonnie loves to chat with the boaters coming through.

“The people are enjoying themselves, That's obvious. And it's easy for us to enjoy it right along with them,” says Lonnie.

The next time you travel the NYS Canal System, make sure to boat through Lock 23, then hopefully you too can share a laugh with Lonnie.

The system fees have been waived through 2021 for all boaters.