In the Erie Canal

Preparations for the mast to come down (sails off, mast supports put on deck, radar off the back stay, and other stuff that Bob does that I don't know about) as well as the mast removal (done by staff at the marina) were completed in one day. We arrived at Riverview Marina on Catskill Creek the afternoon of June 1st. By the evening of June 2nd, everything was done (in addition to assisting at crucial moments, Barb and I had done laundry and taken a cab to get groceries) - so we were able to go out with Barb and Ken for dinner to celebrate a productive day - and my birthday. I'm not saying how old I am but after my birthday next year, I'll be able to get discounts at Shoppers Drug Mart on Seniors' day.

The next day was a short travel day. We went through the federal lock at Troy (lock number 1) and in the early afternoon, we arrived at Waterford where we tied up along the wall. If you are lucky to find a space, there is a long free dock with power and water at Waterford but all spaces were full. We were happy enough to be at the wall where we still had access to washrooms and showers. From here on in, as we progress through the Erie Canal, we'll likely be able to dock for free most nights. In some places where a few services are offered, the cost is minimal ($1 a foot) and there are also the usual marinas if you want a proper dock with all the frills. Some people spend weeks ambling along the canal and stopping here and there to explore. It would be a fun thing to do. It's very pretty and there's lots of history to discover in the towns which grew up in response to the trade and commerce made possible by the canal.

Last night, we ordered some exceptionally good pizza and had a farewell dinner on board Plumpuppet. From Waterford it's possible to enter either the Champlain or Erie Canals. This morning, Barb and Ken went into the Champlain Canal on their way back to Lake Champlain where they keep their boat and we began our trip through the Erie canal toward Oswego on Lake Ontario.

From Waterford, you go into the Waterford Flight - five locks one after the other which take you up 169 feet.

Just out of one lock in the five of the Waterford Flight (see the open lock gate at the side) and moving into the next lock just up ahead. It was a beautiful day to be going through this scenic part of the canal.

A perfectly beautiful day in the Erie Canal

Docked for the night on the wall at Fonda - where THE Fondas once lived.
See the boat in front of Sea Change? - What do you do when you don't want to sail anymore? Remove the mast from your boat et volia - a power boat.