Yes folks, we're up!!!

Picture it. 0630. Ron's awake and going over the daily charts (he's on the helm today) and I'm thinking about getting up. We wanted an early start this morning to enter Lake Ontario. Suddenly out of nowhere, the public announcement siren sounds. Ear piercing for about 30 seconds and then the announcement: "THE RIVERS ARE RISING RAPIDLY -- EXIT THE RIVER IMMEDIATELY!" Over and over they say this. We were tied up along the east wall of Lock 7. Lock 8 is approximately a half mile away. No Lockmaster could be hailed because they aren't "open" until 0700. Last night we had re-rigged the bridge. We'd cleared the last low bridge for a while with one to go which had an air draft of 21 feet -- and we are 20'4" with the antenna and that can be easily lowered. The mast was again in place, the bimini up and we were good to go. Ahh, rivers RISING! Ron ran for the bridge to lower the electronics, while I removed all curtains, and did the engine check. We had extra line out if the need should arise to retie the boat. Still no information. Still no lock master, still no radio info we could find, nothing. I suggested calling the police. They didn't know anything about it but would check. They got back to us a few minutes later. They were lowering the hydro dam and fisherman have drown because of it. The police officer says it can raise literally feet in no time at all. But, he said, if you're in a boat, don't worry about it. Ahhhh, maybe the announcement could have addressed itself to PEOPLE IN THE WATER!! as on FEET! THEIR OWN!! Yes, folks, we're awake!