May 22-25, 2016
May 22 - 25, 2016
As we are now underway and have news to report, I will
report that news...
Docktails are such an integral part of the Looper lifestyle
that Clay wasted no time in making plans for Sunday evening’s get-together. As
we closed the lid on our very small cooler to land-travel (courtesy car) to
nearby Winter Harbor Marina for docktails, Jill and Glen (The Last Dance)
arrived at our boat with their equally-small cooler in hand. We were caught
unaware as Clay’s plans were to board their boat, but we graciously welcomed
them aboard ours. Communication is HUGE, whether it be land, sea or air; home
or away. Clay muddled through some explanation as to why we were ill-prepared;
I came right out and said, “Oops, we were just leaving to join you on your
boat.” Might as well be up front with it!
With many summers of Canadian travel in their recent past,
Jill and Glen were a wealth of information. We enjoyed exchanging boating and
personal stories as well as absorbing as much as we could of their vast
knowledge. I actually left Clay in charge of absorbing knowledge while Jill and
I shared twinship stories, hers being a fraternal twinship with brother Jack. I
commented, “Your parents must have had a great sense of humor!” We ended the
evening over a late dinner of crockpot balsamic chicken and rice, the recipe of
which I shared with Jill.
With plans to depart Ess-Kay Yard Monday, we motored to
their pump out/fuel dock to tend to both tasks as well as to an assortment of
other miscellaneous ones. It became evident rather quickly that a Monday
departure wasn’t gonna happen. Holding tank issues and replacement of
accompanying but unavailable air filters delayed us another day; our relocation
also necessitated a plan b for dinner as grilling wasn’t an option, so near was
the fuel source.
I was up early Tuesday to cycle a belly-load of laundry
prior to our departure; I knew not when my next laundry opportunity would be.
With laundry done, online bills paid and a quick market check, I was in
hurry-up-and-wait mode. Marina owner Kim and I tossed around various clichés
appropriate to a boating lifestyle: expect the unexpected; life is all about
plan b; and others. Kim’s gift shop was well-supplied with attractive
merchandise as well as with useful and often necessary boater items; my only
purchase from the gift shop, though, was a pair of neon green well-fitting work
gloves for upcoming canal lock ropes. I’d heard stories of the condition
(awful!) of the ropes, so wanted to be prepared. My knowledge was heresay;
Clay’s was firsthand. At his insistence, I accepted his offer of a second pair.
We departed Ess-Kay Yard at 11 a.m. and submerged ourselves
in adjusting to the boating lifestyle again. Almost immediately after passing
under the first of three nearby bridges, we were hailed by the USCG and boarded
for inspection. Having passed a US Coast Guard Auxillary inspection just days
prior, we were comfortable with our compliance. I guess it’s nice to have this
behind us (passed with no issues), because no boater looks forward to being
boarded by the big boys. I laughingly told ‘agents’ Jason and Justin that I was
going to reference them with no disrespect intended as the ‘Big Boys’ or ‘Big
Guns’ in my blog. They laughed, commenting they would also appreciate
‘handsome, cute and attractive.’ QED.
SaSea Sally’s chart plotter guided her across Lake Oneida
this beautiful Tuesday morning with the Captain at the helm; Lake Oneida is the
largest body of water on the Erie Canal, with several marinas along both the
north and south bank. I called sister Susan to chat a bit, commenting that I
was resurrecting both good and bad boating memories rather quickly on this
initial day of travel. Bugs. Wind. Fresh air. Sunshine. Too much togetherness.
I always reference my experience as camping on water…not too far from the
truth! At least I don’t have lions licking the moisture off my abode’s
sides…that would be a first!
Captain Clay’s first stop of the day was Sylvan Beach, a
popular recreation area on the Northshore of Lake Oneida. Two fellow boaters
helped us tie to the wall after which we grabbed a quick bite of lunch aboard
then explored the town. We found the amusement park, swim beach, restaurants,
laundromat, post office ATM, and pizzerias all within five or so blocks of our
docking location; it was obvious that all were gearing up for Memorial Weekend
opening where we assumed massive crowds would congregate to enjoy fun and
frivolity. Note to selves: make plans NOW for this upcoming holiday weekend
when all of the crazies will be out in full force! We should follow the mantra
of many Loopers who travel during the week and hole-up on the weekend.
Reboarding SaSea Sally, we were again underway with the
Captain announcing the first of twenty-two locks upcoming. Thanks for the
heads-up, Clay! Oh to be prepared ahead of schedule…not. This was an ‘up’ lock,
with the chamber filling and us riding up 25’ with a rope available. The
resource book which Kim passed my way referenced the vertical distance to be
traveled as well as the ‘amenities’ provided (R for rope, P for pipe, C for
cable). Stiff winds made it mandatory that we tie to shore and await our turn
into the chamber, so I assessed the wall with its rings (not cleats) and
determined that I would need to jump off with stern line and boat hook in hand,
then secure the stern line, retrieve the other lines and secure them, then take
a deep breath that I ‘done good, gal!’ Other than having to deal with a pesky
knot in the stern line, all went well. As we entered the lock chamber, Clay did
a masterful job avoiding a root wad with attached massive downed tree which
some ‘crazies’ tried to push aside with bare feet and legs as their pontoon
boat exited the chamber we were to enter. (We all should know a pair of bare
legs/feet is no match for a massive root wad…beer-impaired was Clay’s only
comment!) Clay and I both, post-locking, agreed that we were tense with this
first passage. We breathed a sigh of relief as we motored toward Lock 21.
Another ‘up’ lock, I was apprehensive as to my left shoulder
and biceps ability to withstand all the work required of them today! Too, I
began to remember how God and I became such good friends over the past two
years. We, once again, had to secure the boat to shore prior to entry but I
pattern well. The only catch-my-breath moment came when my foot tilted over a
sloughed-off area of the wall as I secured the boat. Glad I was in boat shoes
and not in flip flops! I don’t relish the thought of being sandwiched between
the boat and the wall…ever!
We motored on to Rome, NY ‘free dock’ and tied solo (without
help) at what appeared to be the most secure end of the no-amenities stretch of
floating dock. Clay prepped the Magma grill for its trial run of 2016 and
grilled lamb burgers and asparagus. Dinner was delicious and the Magma grill
performed beautifully.
Shortening our morning walk this Wednesday morning in Rome,
NY, in anticipation of sightseeing, Clay and I returned to the boat for
breakfast then regrouped for a hike to and tour of Fort Stanwix. We arrived for
the 10 a.m. tour to find a group of disabled older folks gathered in the
visitors center. A big chunk of change went into this Marinus Willett Center
and the Fort, one of over 390 parks in the National Park System operated by the
National Park Service. The Center provides visitor orientation and exhibits as
well as state-of-the-art storage space for over 400,000 artifacts in the park’s
museum collections.
The park ranger began his program: “For thousands of
years the ancient trail that connects the Mohawk River and Wood Creek served as
a vital link for people traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Ontario.
Travelers used this well-worn route through Oneida Indian territory to carry
trade goods and news, as well as diseases, to others far away. When Europeans
arrived they called this trail the Oneida Carrying Place and inaugurated a
significant period in American history—a period when nations fought for
control of not only the Oneida Carrying Place, but the Mohawk Valley, the
homelands of the Six Nations Confederacy, and the rich resources of North
America as well. In this struggle Fort Stanwix would play a vital role.”
Because the park ranger was modifying his tour based on the
disabilities of various group participants, Clay and I chose to excuse
ourselves after a brief orientation to tour the Fort. We were greeted by
period-costumed docents who elaborated on the various Fort structures and
expanded our knowledge. As we departed the area, I was pleased to see the group
wheeling along the path to tour the Fort. As I reviewed my morning’s
complaints, I realized how little I truly have to complain about; yes, my
shoulder aches (actually my whole body) after yesterday’s travels and locks,
but I have my health and a whole lot more!
On that note as we stow lines and fenders and pull away from
the dock at Rome, I will again sign, seal and send this email.
May 22 - 25, 2016
As we are now underway and have news to report, I will
report that news...
Docktails are such an integral part of the Looper lifestyle
that Clay wasted no time in making plans for Sunday evening’s get-together. As
we closed the lid on our very small cooler to land-travel (courtesy car) to
nearby Winter Harbor Marina for docktails, Jill and Glen (The Last Dance)
arrived at our boat with their equally-small cooler in hand. We were caught
unaware as Clay’s plans were to board their boat, but we graciously welcomed
them aboard ours. Communication is HUGE, whether it be land, sea or air; home
or away. Clay muddled through some explanation as to why we were ill-prepared;
I came right out and said, “Oops, we were just leaving to join you on your
boat.” Might as well be up front with it!
With many summers of Canadian travel in their recent past,
Jill and Glen were a wealth of information. We enjoyed exchanging boating and
personal stories as well as absorbing as much as we could of their vast
knowledge. I actually left Clay in charge of absorbing knowledge while Jill and
I shared twinship stories, hers being a fraternal twinship with brother Jack. I
commented, “Your parents must have had a great sense of humor!” We ended the
evening over a late dinner of crockpot balsamic chicken and rice, the recipe of
which I shared with Jill.
With plans to depart Ess-Kay Yard Monday, we motored to
their pump out/fuel dock to tend to both tasks as well as to an assortment of
other miscellaneous ones. It became evident rather quickly that a Monday
departure wasn’t gonna happen. Holding tank issues and replacement of
accompanying but unavailable air filters delayed us another day; our relocation
also necessitated a plan b for dinner as grilling wasn’t an option, so near was
the fuel source.
I was up early Tuesday to cycle a belly-load of laundry
prior to our departure; I knew not when my next laundry opportunity would be.
With laundry done, online bills paid and a quick market check, I was in
hurry-up-and-wait mode. Marina owner Kim and I tossed around various clichés
appropriate to a boating lifestyle: expect the unexpected; life is all about
plan b; and others. Kim’s gift shop was well-supplied with attractive
merchandise as well as with useful and often necessary boater items; my only
purchase from the gift shop, though, was a pair of neon green well-fitting work
gloves for upcoming canal lock ropes. I’d heard stories of the condition
(awful!) of the ropes, so wanted to be prepared. My knowledge was heresay;
Clay’s was firsthand. At his insistence, I accepted his offer of a second pair.
We departed Ess-Kay Yard at 11 a.m. and submerged ourselves in adjusting to the boating lifestyle again. Almost immediately after passing under the first of three nearby bridges, we were hailed by the USCG and boarded for inspection. Having passed a US Coast Guard Auxillary inspection just days prior, we were comfortable with our compliance. I guess it’s nice to have this behind us (passed with no issues), because no boater looks forward to being boarded by the big boys. I laughingly told ‘agents’ Jason and Justin that I was going to reference them with no disrespect intended as the ‘Big Boys’ or ‘Big Guns’ in my blog. They laughed, commenting they would also appreciate ‘handsome, cute and attractive.’ QED.
SaSea Sally’s chart plotter guided her across Lake Oneida
this beautiful Tuesday morning with the Captain at the helm; Lake Oneida is the
largest body of water on the Erie Canal, with several marinas along both the
north and south bank. I called sister Susan to chat a bit, commenting that I
was resurrecting both good and bad boating memories rather quickly on this
initial day of travel. Bugs. Wind. Fresh air. 
Sunshine. Too much togetherness.
I always reference my experience as camping on water…not too far from the
truth! At least I don’t have lions licking the moisture off my abode’s
sides…that would be a first!
Captain Clay’s first stop of the day was Sylvan Beach, a
popular recreation area on the Northshore of Lake Oneida. Two fellow boaters
helped us tie to the wall after which we grabbed a quick bite of lunch aboard
then explored the town. We found the amusement park, swim beach, restaurants,
laundromat, post office ATM, and pizzerias all within five or so blocks of our
docking location; it was obvious that all were gearing up for Memorial Weekend
opening where we assumed massive crowds would congregate to enjoy fun and
frivolity. Note to selves: make plans NOW for this upcoming holiday weekend
when all of the crazies will be out in full force! We should follow the mantra
of many Loopers who travel during the week and hole-up on the weekend.
Reboarding SaSea Sally, we were again underway with the
Captain announcing the first of twenty-two locks upcoming. Thanks for the
heads-up, Clay! Oh to be prepared ahead of schedule…not. This was an ‘up’ lock,
with the chamber filling and us riding up 25’ with a rope available. The
resource book which Kim passed my way referenced the vertical distance to be
traveled as well as the ‘amenities’ provided (R for rope, P for pipe, C for
cable). Stiff winds made it mandatory that we tie to shore and await our turn
into the chamber, so I assessed the wall with its rings (not cleats) and
determined that I would need to jump off with stern line and boat hook in hand,
then secure the stern line, retrieve the other lines and secure them, then take
a deep breath that I ‘done good, gal!’ Other than having to deal with a pesky
knot in the stern line, all went well. As we entered the lock chamber, Clay did
a masterful job avoiding a root wad with attached massive downed tree which
some ‘crazies’ tried to push aside with bare feet and legs as their pontoon
boat exited the chamber we were to enter. (We all should know a pair of bare
legs/feet is no match for a massive root wad…beer-impaired was Clay’s only
comment!) Clay and I both, post-locking, agreed that we were tense with this
first passage. We breathed a sigh of relief as we motored toward Lock 21.
Another ‘up’ lock, I was apprehensive as to my left shoulder and biceps ability to withstand all the work required of them today! Too, I began to remember how God and I became such good friends over the past two years. We, once again, had to secure the boat to shore prior to entry but I pattern well. The only catch-my-breath moment came when my foot tilted over a sloughed-off area of the wall as I secured the boat. Glad I was in boat shoes and not in flip flops! I don’t relish the thought of being sandwiched between the boat and the wall…ever!
We motored on to Rome, NY ‘free dock’ and tied solo (without
help) at what appeared to be the most secure end of the no-amenities stretch of
floating dock. Clay prepped the Magma grill for its trial run of 2016 and
grilled lamb burgers and asparagus. Dinner was delicious and the Magma grill
performed beautifully. |
| Sal in the Park--a Rotary wheel??? |
 |
| Ramp to shut-off the entry to the fort |
 |
| Moat and fortifications |
Shortening our morning walk this Wednesday morning in Rome, NY, in anticipation of sightseeing, Clay and I returned to the boat for breakfast then regrouped for a hike to and tour of Fort Stanwix. We arrived for the 10 a.m. tour to find a group of disabled older folks gathered in the visitors center. A big chunk of change went into this Marinus Willett Center and the Fort, one of over 390 parks in the National Park System operated by the National Park Service. The Center provides visitor orientation and exhibits as well as state-of-the-art storage space for over 400,000 artifacts in the park’s museum collections.
The park ranger began his program: “For thousands of
years the ancient trail that connects the Mohawk River and Wood Creek served as
a vital link for people traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Ontario.
Travelers used this well-worn route through Oneida Indian territory to carry trade
goods and news, as well as diseases, to others far away. When Europeans arrived
they called this trail the Oneida Carrying Place and inaugurated a significant
period in American history—a period when nations fought for control of
not only the Oneida Carrying Place, but the Mohawk Valley, the homelands of the
Six Nations Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America as well. In
this struggle Fort Stanwix would play a vital role.”
 |
| Cathedral and complex at Rome, NY |
On that note as we stow lines and fenders and pull away from
the dock at Rome, I will again sign, seal and send this email.
