So, plans changed. We weren’t making as much progress as anticipated yesterday out of Newark, so I called Alex and re-routed her and Madeline to Baldwinsville. We had intended to stay at the marina there – even called ahead for a slip. Tying up was an issue, though. Pleiades bottomed out at the dock, the docking was very crowded, and getting out could be a real issue if the wind shifted onshore. It was a great place for the girls to find us, however; just a half-mile off the 690 freeway and with docks visible from the street. We actually only beat the girls by about a half-hour. After doing the pickup (and transfer of goodies – thanx, Vicki) we bade farewell to Madeline and shoved off.
The next lock was less than a mile away, and after waiting for them to open for a few minutes, we decided to bag it and tie up at the town wall overnight. Drank beer and got to the closest restaurant just after they closed the kitchen, so back to the boat for spaghetti and vino (Captain’s Choice, from Trader Joes!!). I made the spag and even got a compliment from Alex. Didn’t have any appropriate meat, so I cut up a bunch of dried sausages (like Slim Jims, just not as spicy) and threw them in. Pretty good, I’d say.
Got up early and were on the canal by 8:30. Hit a bit of a rainstorm crossing Oneida Lake. I was helming and saw what looked to be two piles of sticks in the middle of the lake. Got closer, and saw a bow wave (!). Turns out these were two replica ships like the Nina and Pinta with their masts down for canal passage. Sure looked strange head on, though. Talked to a couple of guys at Lock 20 who were canoeing the canal. They confirmed Pinta (or was it Nina?) and said that it had actually been the ship seen in the movie “1492”. Apparently, they had talked to the crews in the lock.
The other pic is of one of the last remaining sections of aqueduct left on the Erie Canal.
Spent the night just outside Lock 19, since it was rainy and getting dark. Ziggy was on the bow with a flashlight to watch for buoys and flotsam. Currently in Ilion, NY, which is the headquarters of Remington arms manufacturing. Probably will stop on the way back and take the tour.
Wifi getting real spotty (go figure – we’re getting closer to NYC!!). Even the AT&T drops out once in awhile. As a consequence, the daily updates may turn to every other day or something. It’s not because I’m tired of typing…
Hi Dave! Finally got my s@#$ together to post to you. Have been enjoying your blog and have laughed out loud a few times (Star Trek, shower findings and musings and Bridges of Tonawanda Cty, Ch. 2 - loved it.) E.H. remains the same although recent bear siting created a small buzz. Lad missed that action but was caught at the Uphill last night - Ian and I walked down to haul him home. Damn dog. Damn Wings, too! Anyway, keep up the good work and safe travels. Cindy
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