Let's do the Erie Canal

Wanda & Donald
Hannacroix, NY

This blog is dedicated to Donald & Wanda who keep their boat in Shady Harbor. They are not Loopers, but we met them briefly one weekend night during the time our boat was out of the water being worked on. Later in the week, Wanda came by the marina one day to check on something and saw that Sea Jamm was still out of the water. (And, although we were living on the boat with electricity, we couldn't cook on board because the water running from the sink would run into the boat yard.) Seeing our situation, Wanda invited us over to their house for dinner that evening. What gracious hospitality offered to us, pretty much strangers. Well of course, we went, and shared a lovely evening meal and fun conversation getting to know one another. Donald and Wanda will not only be placed on our Christmas card list, but have a place in our hearts as well.

During Sea Jamm's convalescence and after we had taken the rental car back to Albany, Alan and I would take walks into New Baltimore every day. New Baltimore is a little village along the Hudson. It has no stores. Only a small post office which is “for sale”. But it has charming houses, and even more charming inhabitants. We stopped to talk to a lady gardening. She had just got back from her last chemotherapy and needed a diversion she said. When we were ready to walk on, she invited us into her home for a cup of tea. We declined reluctantly, but once again, we are reminded that kindness matters. I passed by a couple of times after that to take her up on her offer, but she wasn't home.

Little village & community of New Baltimore

One of my favorite houses.  The gentleman that lives here was always outside and we would enjoy stopping to chat with him.

The gentleman that lives in the stone house grows white poppies.

Nearby trail that carried us along the Hudson and to streams with a waterfall.

Our delay at Shady Harbor brought us many Loopers.  Some new and many we had met earlier.  They have caught up to us!

Kip entertaining us during one of our many docktails.

Grilling out one night with Phanthom, Nellie Mae, and Contentment.

Brian, the owner of the marina and the restaurant, treated us with "Little Beers," a Licor 43 topped with heavy whipping cream served in a small shot glass that resembled a beer glass.

Docktails aboard Phanthom, Herb's 54' Trader yacht.  He said he bought this boat for its "big porch" so he could entertain.  He is our 77-year-young friend who is looping (for the 2nd time) all by himself.

Nick and Nikita watching as they lower Sea Jamm back into the water.  Nick is manager and dock master of Shady Harbor.  He lives above the marina office and store.  During the Winter, they bring in the docks and boats and completely close the place down because of the ice and snow.

The guys in the red shirts are the mechanics who labored to make Sea Jamm new again.  They have her safely back into the Hudson.

Last of the Hudson

Finally after 10 days we are back on the water

Saturday, June 09

With her shiny new propellers, a strut alignment, and clean bottom, Sea Jamm is finishing the Hudson and headed to the Erie! Because we have seen Albany, Troy and a lot of the Erie by car, we are wasting no time.

You got to love those fishermen.

State university in downtown Albany.

Crew rowers enjoying their Saturday morning.

The Erie Canal connects the Hudson River with Lake Erie and Ontario. It took about 8 years to construct the original canal. The present canal was completed in 1903 with 34 locks. There are 3 parts and we are only doing the eastern and middle sections (We'll be taking the Oswego canal to Lake Ontario). We have about 220 miles to cover, with 27 locks and many villages along the way to explore or shop. So sit back and enjoy the cruise with us.

Part of the original Erie Canal.
Waterford, NY

Bob, the lock master of Lock 2 painting between locking boats.  The machine in his little building is what he uses to raise and lower his lock.

Saturday, June 9^th

Lock #8 wall

Scotia, NY

Lunching at Jumpin' Jack's Drive-in restaurant.
Scotia

When we are walking around after lunch, we find the "cotton" of the tree I've been trying to name.  In our last blog I had no idea what was blowing around like snow.  It is the Cottonwood!    And the locals call it "June snow". 

Back on the water. . . 

Saturday night. 

Many of the locks have free walls where you can tie up to and spend the night. Locks close at 5 PM, so you have to schedule your traveling around those closures.

Chicken for dinner. I actually cooked! We have no electricity, so we used the generator for the first time in a long time.

Sunday, June 10th

Bronze Mother and Child on the Mohawk.
Amsterdam, NY

Look at the detail of the fish and bait he's about to bite.

St. Johns- St. Marks Lutheran Church
Canajoharie, NY

Sleeping Under a Bridge

Sunday Night

Lock #17 wall

Little Falls, NY

This lock was impressive as being the highest lift lock on the Erie. It's also believed to be one of only two locks in N. America where the entrance gate is lifted above the boater, like a guillotine. And, yes, we slept under a bridge.

Next morning after sleeping under this bridge.

Monday, June 11th

A guard gate, used to protect the river and locks from flooding.

My friend Karen got a shot of us locking up.  These Amish were watching the lifting and talking to the Captain as the first mate was busy keeping the boat steady from the stern.

An old blue tug.  See the old fashioned fenders.

Monday Night

Sylvan Beach

Instead of shrubbery or flowers, Sylvan Beach decorates with pieces of driftwood.

There is a rather large carnival in the town that is there year-round but only open on weekends and during the week when it's warmer.  And, it is not open because it is not warmer yet. 

We pulled right up to Crazy Clam and had dinner.  See Sea Jamm's reflection in the window to the left of the red umbrella.

Tuesday morning

One of our favorite things is to find the local breakfast place.  Today for breakfast we shared one of the best frittatas made with Italian sausage, mozzarella, and fresh vegetables.

Leaving Sylvan.

Our wake crossing the calm and sunny Oneida Lake.

Tuesday night

Winter Harbor, Brewerton, NY

Our home for the next 3 nights waiting out rain and wind. No one wants to do a lock in a 25-knot wind!  We will see you again, soon, on the great Ontario.