Waterford to Whitehall, NY June 1 - 4, 2016

June 1 - 4, 2016

Concerned early this Wednesday morning as to the amount of moisture which had accumulated overnight in the refrigerator, I began to wipe trays, racks and containers with one, then two, then three dish towels which became more and more irritating. Where WAS all this moisture coming from? And, darn, I see a laundromat visit in my near future with all the towels. Bravely, I tasted a tad but could identify no flavor. Unloading the frig one item at a time, I soon discovered a soaked box of Black Box Chardonnay newly opened the night before; and super sleuth Clay spotted the pinprick hole 11 o’clock of the spout configuration as I tried to drain the remainder into an empty wine bottle and a couple water bottles. What a mess! And, how did that happen? Life is an adventure, that’s for sure.

This occurrence defined my day as I loaded my wheeled tote bag with laundry and set off for Clinton Laundromat. Clay tackled the task of washing the boat while also awaiting the arrival of the Bike Barn fix-it man who would fix our bikes in the course of the day. Prior to these events, we transacted an 8-quarters pump out and relocated the boat for 50-amp power with the help of two new boater friends. Bikes were returned early eve with an accompanying invoice which reflected the pick-up and delivery charge as well as the expense for rectifying damage done by salt water. Ugh! Sure wish we had space for inside storage for our folding bikes.

Early Thursday our morning walk took us across the bridge where we re-provisioned at Hannaford’s Grocery and wheeled their shopping cart back to the harbor for later pick-up. What a service this grocery store offers! And, much appreciated by us boaters! Clay also made note of the Price Chopper located just downriver (Hudson) from Waterford which has a dedicated dock for boaters. We saw a catamaran named Cadillac docked with crew shopping there; Cadillac would later become our overnight companion in Fort Edward.

Thursday’s stats: six locks and 37+ miles on the Champlain Canal. Prior to departure, Clay recruited a fellow boater to help lower our mast; the weight requires additional crew. We had been alerted to low bridge clearance on the waters of the Champlain Canal, so Clay felt it mandatory we reduce our height from 20’. We cruised and locked uneventfully and arrived in Fort Edward, welcomed not by the Cadillac crew already docked there, but by a quartet of middle school aged boys who volunteered to help us tie up. My first question to them was, “Do you know what you’re doing?” I didn’t want to be responsible for smashed or lost fingers (experience is a great teacher)! I managed to make sure each had a task as they chattered away, warning us of the just-happened bank robbery at ‘that bank’ (pointing to within spitting distance). Clay noted the police activity and crime scene tape rapidly being strung around the bank building perimeter. I was too busy managing young boys to pay too much attention to the crime scene. We saw numerous media reports of the robbery on Albany, NY local news NBC, but we felt we were safely surrounded by police…and that, unless the robber had sneaked aboard, he was long gone.

Friday’s stats: four locks, but not sure the number of miles as my concern was the upcoming bridge C14 which stated clearance was 15’. Further notation in Skipper Bob, “This figure applies to ‘high water.’ Under normal pool conditions there is 17’ under this bridge.” SaSea Sally’s clearance with the mast down is 16’8 ” which gives new meaning to the term ‘low bridge’ in my vocabulary; ‘everybody down’ isn’t an option with the canopied fly bridge currently being the tallest structure, and four inches is slim clearance. But Clay dismissed my concern saying, “If Joe (and Pat, Glory Days) can make it, so can we.” God, are you listening? I’m gonna be doing a lot of praying at these low bridges (found out from lockmaster that there are multiple bridges not just this one). Found out further from the lockmaster that C14 clearance, “is usually a few more inches than 17’.”

I wanted to go below as we cruised under bridge C14, but instead I called sister Susan to go thru with me (got her answering machine, so she was no help at all). Made it fine! On to and thru Locks 8 and 9, Captain Clay decided to dock at the Fort Ann free dock for lunch. His comment that the dock looked rickety gave me no reassurance that this was a good idea. (Want my job?) But stop we did, secured to cleats without assistance, and stoked up the ovens for lunch (not really, it was a cold-cuts type lunch straight out of the frig). Glad we’d not opted for lunch out because ‘out’ in Fort Ann didn’t offer much. But the Captain was pleased with his decision to ‘hang out’ a bit and take a few pix. We logged a few steps on my Fitbit then moved toward Whitehall, NY, our overnight destination.

With Lock 12 in sight (by the way, there is no Lock 10), I was eager to complete the last lock (12) and be done with the Champlain Canal System; maybe I have a skewed view of this experience by the time I’ve finished some 32 locks in far less days? But Captain Clay, with Skipper Bob’s advice, pulled up short of Lock 12, docking on the west wall in the town of Whitehall south of bridge C30. With three 50/30/15A power stands, showers, and restrooms available, this was a good choice. And, I noted that the nav chart gave bridge C30 a vertical clearance of 15’, no wiggle room. What’s with that? The LAST bridge on the Canal, and I have to deal with stress? No notation in Skipper Bob, so… We’ll save the stress of bridge clearance and Lock 12, with its accompanying ‘flooding,’ for tomorrow.

Whitehall is ‘a typical “rust belt town” and is trying to recover. A couple of bars and restaurants and a Laundromat are all that is left in the downtown area. Most of the storefronts are decorated like they are open, but most stores in downtown Whitehall are closed.’ Clay scouted the possibility of dining out, but found nothing; so glad I’d planned an alternative.

Saturday morning, following our morning walk, Clay chose to visit the Skenesborough Museum adjacent to the west wall where we were docked. I opted to explore the across-the-bridge neighborhood on foot, circling around to meet up Clay as he finished his museum visit. Although closed, the museum folks allowed him a quick peek. Note: ‘Whitehall is known as the birthplace of the US Navy. Our first small navy of 12 vessels was constructed here in 1776. These vessels were used by Benedict Arnold to prevent the British from invading the colonies. The Skenesborough Museum provides an excellent display of the history of the defense of the Hudson Valley.’

Because I’d traversed the bridge under which we’d soon pass, I had a comfort level I didn’t have the previous day. I was confident we would clear with no problem. Further, with 31 locks under our belts, I felt Lock 12 would be just one more (tho’ it did give me a run for my money, so great was the turbulence; Clay metaphorically compared it to a ping pong game between our bow and stern ball fenders!)

Lock 12 spilled us onto the waters of Lake Champlain. We passed first through a very narrow passage which opened up onto the much wider Lake. I was glad to have paper nav charts aboard and began to acquaint myself with the course toward Chipman Point, VT where we planned to overnight this Saturday night. As we travel in a generally north direction, I will sign, seal and send this your way in hopes that you once again will enjoy the tales of our travels aboard SaSea Sally.

Little Falls to Waterford, NY, May 28 - 31, 2016

May 28 - 31, 2016

Cruising time was just under four hours after we departed Little Falls which incorporated four lock chambers, the first of which was a 40’ drop. Like draining a bath tub, these are rather easy rides down; but I hold the lifeline (lock rope) as if my life depended on it. That solitary lock rope is the only thing securing us to the chamber wall to maintain position. Clay keeps the engines idling as the diesel fumes escape and inevitably head my way; he knows better than to shut the engines down, having experienced a rather turbulent ride in a 93’ chamber on the Tennessee River and an even more turbulent and emphatic string of sentences from his first mate in that process. He’s also learned to occasionally assist my handling with a bow or stern thrust (we are so very fortunate to have both thrusters)!

The second, third and fourth locks in succession measured 20’, 8’ and 8’ respectively to usher us into the town of Canajoharie at the Canajoharie Riverfront Park with electric pedestals but no water hook-ups. Now that I’ve learned to spell and pronounce “Canajoharie,” I find it’s just as much fun to type. The town was named either after an Indian tribe or the river gorge and pools nearby; take your pick – we were fed both stories. We understood from our guide book that the Canajoharie Library and Art Gallery has one of the finest small art galleries in the US. At the heart of its collection of 350 paintings by American artists is Winslow Homer oils and watercolors. We found the Gallery closed probably due to Memorial Weekend, but we noted the significant influence around town of the primary benefactor Bartlett Arkell who was the founder and first president of the Beech-Nut Packing Company. Arkell built the original Canajoharie Gallery in 1927 based on galleries he had experienced in his travels to Europe. Almost all of the paintings in the permanent collection were purchased by Arkell for the people of Canajoharie. The American painting collection includes 21 works by Winslow Homer, and significant paintings by many distinguished artists including: George Inness, William M. Chase, Childe Hassam, Mary Cassatt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Robert Henri, and other members of The Eight. Permanent and changing exhibitions also feature selections from the museum’s Mohawk Valley History collection as well as the Beech-Nut archives of early twentieth-century advertising material.

In downtown Canajoharie, the historic bank clock, much like the Bank of Louisiana clock, had charming permanent lettering on each of the four facades of the base stating, “Honoring All Who Served”—quite appropriate for Memorial Weekend. We took note of Canajoharie’s version of a road roundabout which had placed “keep right” signs on the post of a stop light in the middle of the main intersection of town.

Having secured a dinner recommendation from a random gal in the park pavilion, we explored the menu at Mercato Café then trotted back to the boat to freshen up before dining. Define as you wish the term “freshen up,” but, after a day on the river, I knew a boater’s definition and planned to do so.

“Oh What a Night!” Maybe we should have been a little bit more selective in our restaurant choice this Saturday evening; we found the Greek maître d’/waiter to be far more ‘hospitable’ than we wished. What initially appeared to be charm (I use this term loosely) became an irritant when our fella wouldn’t leave us alone! He wove tale after tale in his accented English of his time served in the Greek Navy and in the US Navy as a Navy Seal, even pulling out his wallet to show us his badge/insignia. I’m not one to be rude intentionally, so I don’t know how. But he became more of a dining companion than a waiter. I’m gullible so I was politely absorbed in his stories until I realized his details didn’t quite add up. His stories became more fishy as the evening wore on. The slit across his throat by the Chinese and the resulting implanted steel plate in his jaw must have been a repair job by the finest cosmetic surgeon available; I saw absolutely NO evidence of a scar nor of any sign of this occurrence ever happening. His repeated reference to his restaurants (he has four) became suspect when he referenced the gal in the kitchen saying, “I’m just helping her out.” Who owned this restaurant anyway? Clay and I began to doubt it was he. With a sigh of relief, we paid the bill, adding a polite tip, and escaped into the night air. Note: Food was good, but I wouldn’t repeat the experience. Further note: The pavilion gal must do take-out!

I awakened with a migraine so was slow to rise this Sunday morning. But we pressed onward with three locks and 23.2 miles to our next stop, Amsterdam, NY. I had just applauded Clay’s regaining his boating skills when he came ‘crashing’ into Lock 12; I felt need to apologize to the lockmaster, though it could have been far worse (and I’m sure the lockmaster had seen such). In anticipation of a large number of boats and boaters this holiday weekend, we were amazed at so few; but we were equally amazed at the ignorance (or disrespect?) of many of those boaters we did encounter. Their failure to slow down in passing gives us larger boats turbulence and imbalance we neither cherish nor welcome. Having boated with Loopers who are conditioned to give a ‘slow pass,’ our expectations are such; need to teach these northerners a thing or two.

We arrived at Amsterdam shortly before 2 p.m. and snugged in at Riverlink Park in stiff winds. We experienced lots of huge lightning bolts, loud thunder and big fat raindrops as we zipped up the fly bridge canopy and hooked up to water and electric. Once we were secure, Dan in a “Dan’s Backyard BBQ” tee shirt arrived to collect our docking fee. I kiddingly told him he was late to catch our lines but punctual in catching our $1/ft overnight fee. (I really wasn’t kidding; you think he coulda given us some assistance for the $1/ft!) He indicated the storm brewing and said the Riverlink Park Café was closing early and staff was outta there.

The storm really wasn’t bad, but we did get a lot of heavy rain overnight to create flash flood conditions early Monday morning. We awakened to find our fenders riding high—too high to be effective in their purpose. SaSea Sally’s hull was totally unprotected from potential damage from the dock wall. Thus, we found ourselves relocating at 7 a.m. Fellow boaters readjusted lines and fenders based on their positions along the dock wall as well; we were in good company. Everyone had travel plans for the day, but the Erie Canal was closed. Too much water and too much debris. Big trees floated by as did tree branches and big wads of vegetation of one sort or another.

Expecting another overnight here, Clay and I set off on a morning walk to find activity; I can guarantee you there’s nothing in Amsterdam, NY – at least not in a radius surrounding the Riverlink Park. We found evidence of a LOT of federal grant money being spent on a dedicated pedestrian bridge over the river; we found evidence of an attempt to establish a decent mall adjacent to the Park, but it seemed to be having trouble catching on. We passed many derelict buildings and even poked our head in a bar where some elderly gents were drinking coffee and welcomed us to a cup; Clay noted he and Bob had stopped here for a beer months ago.

Back to the boat, we, being the sole eastbound boaters, unexpectedly got the all clear sign from the lock master just before noon; westbound boaters, just after noon. We had a planned travel day of three locks and 37+ miles rescheduled for tomorrow which delightfully became today’s agenda. We knew it would be slow going with debris to dodge, but we were quite pleased to be moving on. We were unaware as to the perils ahead, especially those at Lock 9. As we passed through Lock 10, the lockmaster gave his explanation for the high water and excessive debris saying the Catskills Dam released water (to feed the electricity needs of NYC over the Memorial Day Weekend) and failed to alert the Erie Canal powers-that-be. Thus, all of this mess and treachery was avoidable…but not now.

Our Cruising the New York Canal System, Skipper Bob Publications, is a hugely valuable resource, giving information on such things as locks, marinas, lock walls and free docks, guard gates, cautions and historical notes to name a few. Mile 28.3 along the Erie Canal is Lock 9. Mile 28.2 is a ‘Caution – may be strong current from adjacent dam; watch as you approach Lock 9 (from the east).’ Translation: We would be facing this strong current as we exited Lock 9. UNDERSTATEMENT. Sally’s translation: Traversing the waters in and around Lock 9 was like whitewater rafting with downed trees in a trawler (not advisable!) Oh my! Clay first sought the advice of the lockmaster as we entered the chamber. With such a massive amount of debris approaching and in the lock chamber, all we could do was take it slow—very slow.

After water emptied from the chamber and now with the lock gate open, we saw what lay ahead. Huge trees swirled in the fierce eddy set up by the dam waters and accompanying current. No words can explain the sight. I was shaking like a leaf with a racing heartbeat and looking at Clay as if he had all the answers. He again solicited the advice of the lockmaster who drew our attention to the bull nose (short cement wall protrusion) as an obstacle to avoid; further advice was to pick your moment and gun it. With all the huge trees, timing was everything and ‘gunning it’ wasn’t particularly desirable (bent props a huge probability). With Clay’s strategy defined, my strategy was to pray – and pray I did. End result: Clay’s timing was spot-on; turbulence was wild but manageable; God and Clay did good! I wish never to repeat that experience! As I said, it was like whitewater rafting in a trawler…with obstacles!

Apparently, Lock 8 has notable current and eddy potential just as Lock 9, but conditions aren’t notable enough to make Skipper Bob. We cruised uneventfully the remaining miles to Schenectady Yacht Club where we had another high-stress moment docking in cross current; the memories of Wilmington, NC were far too fresh to take this docking lightly (even though that experience was many months ago). But we made it with the assistance of many able-bodied souls on shore (I think there were at least 4-5 fellas handling our lines which speaks for the force of the current).

Calling this location a ‘yacht’ club is a stretch of the imagination. More appropriately called Schenectady Boat Club, the facility did have a small pool, showers, a large pavilion, and a club house in addition to the very small and very rustic dock master’s office. Clay insisted we make the uphill trek to the pool (kinda like walking up ski slopes the incline was so steep) where we parked ourselves poolside with a deep sigh that we had successfully managed this Memorial Day Monday. Too, we’d avoided the forecasted storms – oops,  no we hadn’t. I felt the storm almost before I saw it; my alert sent us scurrying back down the slope to the boat but not before huge splops of rain doused us. Because Clay had been in the pool and me not, I graciously conceded the first shower position to him. Aren’t I nice? Tho wet, I truly wasn’t soaking; so  it was an easy call. He was both soaked and shivering.

Tuesday morn, we found a small residential neighborhood nearby for our morning walk after which we disconnected, stowed lines and fenders and departed with an easy backing out of the slip. We had a beautiful sun with a brisk breeze and the feel of low humidity. Gorgeous Tuesday. But cottonwood has been showering us the past few days, even to the extent of our morning walking route looking like it had recently snowed. So the resulting allergens had my eyes itching and Clay’s nose sneezing. So be it. Thank goodness for allergy eye drops and Benadryl aboard.

We had six locks and 16.4 miles to travel today to arrive in Waterford, NY, the junction of the Mohawk River (Erie Canal) and the Hudson River (Champlain Canal). This is the point at which I had exited to MO last August, and a crew change resulted in friend Bob Mustell helping Clay move the SaSea Sally westward on the Erie to storage at Winter Harbor, Brewerton, NY. I was looking forward to something familiar! Locks 2 through 6 lie within a 1.5-mile stretch of waterway just west of Waterford; the quick repetition of five lockings left me pretty pooped as we arrived at the crowded Waterford Harbor Visitors Center dock. We jockeyed for position and found ourselves at the west end of the line-up where power petered out (faulty wiring was the reported problem). We had power enough (30 amp) to charge batteries and handle lights and pumps, but no 50 amp so no ac, no hot water heater, no stove. But I was glad to be tied to shore and finished with the locking procedure for a few days!

We were immediately invited to join the Loopers bunch heading to McGrievey’s for drinks/early dinner. I insisted on a shower before accepting and suggested the same for Clay. Once joining the jovial group, Clay and I both opted for wine/beer and some boat stories. Having just completed 22 locks of the Erie, we were a good source of recent knowledge for those headed westward. One glass of wine did me in which was readily apparent to Clay. He knew coming back at a later hour (it was only 5 p.m.) for dinner at McGrievey’s wasn’t gonna happen and was wise to stop mid-block and pick up orders of Chinese take-out. Back at the Waterford Harbor, Clay dock-hopped while I snoozed. I did manage to rally for a quick bite, but left the clean-up to Clay which I seldom do. Putting it in perspective, Clay sits at the helm and drives the boat (and does a fine job, I  might add), while I chase around handling everything else (pretty much literally here). No wonder this little first mate was plum tuckered out!

We’re overnight here a couple nights while we do a bit of re-provisioning and have our folding bikes fixed. After salt water exposure even though relatively new, the bikes are in need of repair and a once-over. So, as we hopefully put in some down time, I bid you a fond farewell until I can once again get the keyboard humming with another update.

Rome to Little Falls, NY May 25 - 28, 2016

May 25 - 28, 2016

Two-plus hours and one lock after departing Rome, NY, SaSea Sally arrived in Utica, NY, where Clay was eager to show me the Utica Train Station which he’d visited with Bob Mustell months earlier.  We docked at Aqua Vino Marina which also housed a restaurant overlooking the river/waterway (I don’t know whether to call the waterway a ‘river,’  a ‘canal,’ or another more appropriate term; so ‘waterway’ works at present.) We donned tennis shoes and socks and traversed the incline to the main road. It always amazes me that, from the water, our surroundings seem rather remote and isolated; but only a short distance away we often find major roadways, thoroughfares and overpasses; multitudes of retail establishments; and wheeled vehicles galore! McDonald’s, CVS and Walgreens, Ace Hardware and numerous gas stations often dot the scenery as well.

Turning left out of the Aqua Vino parking lot, we hoofed it (we’re really logging steps today!) a distance to the exquisite, vintage, and still-functioning terminal building. The massive marble columns, tall ceilings and polished wooden-slatted benches made quite a statement! We stopped at the barber shop housed in the terminal building, chatted with Leo, the barber owner and operator, and marveled at this unique shop in its original condition; it reminded me so very much of my Grandpa Ridgway’s (Slatts was his nickname) Rex Barber Shop in downtown Columbia, MO. While I snapped a few more pictures for a Facebook post, Clay struck up a brief conversation with the train ticketing agent, inquiring as to various routes of travel into and out of Utica.

Following our return to the boat and a brief afternoon nap (I was pooped), we chose to eat at the Aqua Vino restaurant. Not only was it very nearby with an appealing outdoor dining patio, but we’d heard reports of its very fine reputation and delicious food. Our entrees certainly lived up to the reputation; and we had the most delightful young lady as our waitress who gave us the full scoop on the town and on Saranac (beer) Thursdays sponsored by the local Saranac Brewery where a portion of the proceeds (cumulatively totaling some $400,000+) go to the United Way. Further, we learned that the marina/restaurant owner was also the owner of the local hockey team, the Comets. John’s comment when I relayed this experience, “Nice! Sounds like a very hospitable little place.”

Thursday’s travels took us through Lock #19 with a guide notation (21’) (R&P). Clay suggested I try the P-for-pipe routine, further indicating that I should select from our lines a grungy white line to use in the process. Bob Mustell, it took no effort to identify and select the one you used in August, 2015! We had an easy ride down the 21’ of vertical drop and exited the lock chamber to cruise on to the Village of Ilion, NY, which Clay intended as only a brief stop to take on fuel, to pump out, to tour the Remington Arms Museum, and to make the short trek to Aldi’s for re-provisioning. But his concern over the performance of the two recently-installed diesel engine batteries necessitated an overnight stay. We accomplished the aforementioned and enjoyed the overnight tied to terra firma! And, dinner was a breeze with leftovers enough from Aqua Vino; I like dinners of this sort…makes it SO easy for me after a day of travel which often leave me exhausted. I think the ‘pooped’ feeling comes from the new routine (extremely active…and to think I feared I’d be sitting most of the time on this Loop adventure), the fresh air, and the stress (Clay commented recently he’s living a stress-free lifestyle; I guess that means I’m absorbing all of the stress for the both of us).

Too, shoulder pain is keeping me awake many of the nighttime hours. And there’s always apprehension as we approach each lock; Clay is regaining his driving skills which gives me a greater comfort level; but locking for crew (me) is dirty and sweaty, but someone’s gotta do it. It is quite obvious which boat cleat we use for locking; the residue has accumulated and really needs to be washed away (Where is my Man Friday? Oops, I guess I AM Man Friday…or rather Woman Friday!). I was thrilled with new ropes extended down to us each of the first two locks, but those ropes have gotten dirtier, slimier, and more disgusting with each passing lock.

What a pretty and picturesque spot for a forced stay this Ilion Village was! The harbor area was city-run with an attendant who was most attentive to our needs. Although he lacked the ambassador-for-the-city attitude we might have welcomed along with maybe a bit more enthusiasm, he was responsive to our needs. We enjoyed affordable docking as did the RV’ers in the adjacent parking lot; their pedestals were a lot like our pedestals (it reinforced one aspect as to why Loopers often trade their boat in on RV’s; Clay, don’t go there!). The grassy areas were well-manicured, and the landscaped areas were colorful and quite attractive. Not only was there a marina office with an adjacent, independent building housing laundry and shower facilities, but there was a small playground area as well as a snack bar which displayed its popularity with the locals as the evening wore on. Clay was disappointed in finding it closed after 8 p.m. when he went for an after-dinner ice cream cone. Canopied picnic tables dotted the yard adjacent to the dock wall, providing shelter and convenience for picnickers.

Remembering one item I’d forgotten at Aldi’s, I had time for a quick dash before departing Ilion Village Friday morning; again I’m logging steps. Clay took the opportunity to wash down the boat deck which was littered with dead bugs. In fact, he’s used the expandable hose almost all of the days we’ve traveled for that very reason. We stowed lines and fenders upon departure about 11 a.m. and set sights on Little Falls Canal Harbor. I’m starting to view each day in terms of the number of locks to be tackled and the number of miles to be traveled. Today’s stats are one lock and 9.1 miles. Along these stretches of canal waters there are speed limits; again, I’m grateful to Kim (Ess-Kay) for the Boaters Resource Guide. The Guide also sets an expectation for travel time, another help. I’m also grateful to Kim for throwing in an extra pair of well-fitting work gloves which I imagine I’m gonna need…thanks, Kim.

With no dock master on duty when we arrived at Little Falls Canal Harbor, we were nonetheless able to connect to water and power and acquire a town tourist pamphlet push-pinned to the office bulletin board. Kudos to the folks here for thinking of our needs in their absence! With temps in the 90’s (where is the perpetually-cool weather I was expecting on this leg of the Loop?), we welcomed the power to air condition the salon as I whipped up a quick lunch aboard. Our lunches are casual and nutritious, often finger food especially for Captain Clay.

It was nice having the Little Falls town pamphlet to set my upcoming walking tour expectations. But Clay had thoroughly explored the town last fall, so he was quite adept at playing tour guide.  “Little Falls, NY combines the charms of a small town with the conveniences of a much larger city. Of course you’d expect to find welcoming people, beautiful scenery, family-friendly activities, and plenty to do outdoors. But you might be surprised to find that Little Falls also has an espresso bar, gem shop, arts center, French restaurant, antique center, local hospital, and extensive civic services and amenities…nestled in a dramatic natural setting among steep hills that descend to the Mohawk River ad Erie Canal.” On our hour-long trek, we first visited Canal Place, a waterfront area which sported restaurants, an ice cream shop, a multi-vendor complex marketing antiques and various retail items, and a small park. We stuck our heads in the town museum and were greeted by two very enthusiastic volunteers anxious and proud to welcome us to their town. We climbed the hill past more restaurants, shops, and pocket parks and found a CVS and Price Chopper calling our names for an air-conditioned stop. Man, but it’s hot out…unseasonably so for this time of year in New York.

Back to the boat, we were hailed by the dock master who readily solicited our overnight fee and gave a brief history of the harbor front. This 1918 Barge canal terminal building was renovated to include his dock master’s office, meeting room, showers, restrooms and laundry He also informed us of charcoal grills available on the lawn and of a 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning Dixieland Band practice to occur in the harbor building meeting room.

Clay quickly snatched up the idea of the charcoal grill because the refrigerated brats were pushing the expiration date, and the thought of cleaning up the charcoal grill post-brat-grilling was far more palatable than cleaning up the onboard Magma Grill! Add a couple of lamb burgers and some marinated asparagus for our dining pleasure (a repeat menu if you’ve read the previous emails), and we were both happy with the results. Once the galley was cleaned up, I plopped into bed shortly after 9 p.m. and emphatically reminded Clay that 9 p.m. was Loopers’ midnight!!!

Despite early-to-bed, I slept awful this Friday night. Gotta figure out how to handle the lines, fenders, shoulder exercises, and shoulder pain soon…I do NOT want to be at the helm!

Saturday morning brought another hot one! Clay and I retraced much of our walk from the afternoon before as we put in some cardio time this morn. Our destination, should we be required to cite one, was the farmers market which was few in vendors but plentiful in plants, home-baked goods, and a few craft items. En route we encountered a group of pink-clad female joggers, all sporting shades of pink in either shirts or shorts. In my turquoise and black attire, I opted not to join them; it was obvious I did not get the dress code email/text today. I split off from Clay as we neared the harbor and chose to follow the ‘Canalway Trail Erie’ as it was called. The complex of roads in this area simply forced the trail to circle around on itself, but it also branched off in an eastward direction where I chose not to go.

At the marina office, I found Clay chatting with volunteer Chris who generously offered each of us a cold bottled water. Clay pointed out the recycling bins where I later stowed my cans and bottles, figuring the deposit money would help repay them for the water. Chris followed me back to the boat as Clay finished swabbing the deck (actually again rinsing the collection of bug carcasses which had accumulated) and helped us shove off towards Canajoharie, NY, our next stop. Stats: 4 locks and 18.2 miles.

On that note, I will once again sign, seal and send this email on its way. I’m hoping Clay will post these past few email writings to the blog and add a few accompanying pictures, but in the meantime you can see many of our photos on Facebook. Blog address is: www.saseasally.blogspot.com