Hello there.
Thanks for your lovely comment. I'm pleased that you can live vicariously through this writing because it's an experience that I wish I could take the world on.
Yes, it gates are heavy to keep the water in and out (strong currents) as well as the paddles to lock the gates. In the photo above you can see the weight of one of the gates, 2500 KG, so together it's 5000 KG of pushing and pulling for the gates. It's tiring to do several of them while cruising. Some days I might do 12 locks or more.
Still, it's a fun experience and the stunning nature is soothing:)
Happy Sunday!