Erie Canal Lock #17

And here it is--- the famous Lock 17. When we were secure against the wall, using the icky slimy ropes hanging down, the lock tender let the door drop behind us, and raised us up 40'.

Along the Erie Canal

There are a lot of beautiful wooden boats up here docked along the canal. Picture on the left is an example.

We are at the terminal wall (sounds final!) in Canajoharie. We found the two places that are essential-- the Post Office and the Ice Cream Store. We have passed through 13 locks and under a lot of low bridges. Our highest lift so far has been 35 feet. Yet to come is Lock 17, the highest on the Erie Canal, at 40'. So far, we've only looked like newbies one time!

The Entrance to the Erie Canal

No mules named Sal in sight, but here we are, ready to begin locking through. As soon as our mail and prescriptions arrive, we'll be westbound toward Lake Ontario. From here, and for a long while, we will be seeing very small towns, and reminders of the industry that used to flourish along the Canal. We're doing well, and waiting for some sun!

As you can see, the boat is ready for transit-- mast and antennas (antennae?) down, a million fenders on each side. Also pictured is the gate on the lock. The lockmaster will empty the chamber, and we will go in and grab some lines to secure the boat. Then he will close the doors and raise the water level, (and us) to the top. Pretty cool!

Escape from New York

Whew! What a zoo... Ferries, water taxis, crazy people everywhere. We're anchored north of Croton Point, across from Haverstraw, NY. It's quiet and peaceful. We're listening to satellite radio, and updating the site, all from here. Ah-h technology.

Made it to New York

Well, we're not actually IN New York, we're in New Jersey, just across the river from NYC. The view is spectacular. The robot was right about the ocean (first time this year!--) at 2-4. It's a little more than we like, but we were determined to get here today. Even on a gray day, the Statue of Liberty is an inspiring sight, especially from our own boat!

Manasquan, NJ

Had great days on the Chesapeake Bay, and also on Delaware Bay. It went downhill from there! We didn't spend any time in Cape May, (well, except for dinner from the Lobster House!) because the weather robot said that we'd have a good day in the ocean the next day. I guess you know how that turned out..... as soon as there was no turning back the VHF went crazy with storm warnings, and the sky coming at us was pitch black. We had high winds and waves, and lightning all around. The first safe inlet was Absecon, (Atlantic City,) and we were relieved to get in. The next day, the robot said 5-10 and 2 foot seas. And, I bet you know how that turned out, too.... 20 knots on the nose, waves and rollers at somewhere around 4 feet. You'd think we'd quit believing that robot!! Anyway, we are safe in Manasquan,NJ, and are going to rest up for a few days here. We're beat!

Finally on our way!

Finally got out of town today! Came up the Bay from Oxford to Knight Island on the Sassafras River. Weekends are kind of crazy--- everybody is out on their boats playing. Ordinarily, we try to stay put on the weekend, but we had a weather window, and we ran! Feels good to be cruising again.

Still, still and even still in Oxford

Well, we have our ducks in a row, (so to speak)--- but the weather on the Bay has not cooperated. Frustrating-- eager to get going, but knowing what kind of creaming we can take on the Chesapeake. We're not willing to take that. We keep having to remind ourselves that this is PLEASURE cruising, not a delivery trip. Bob is looking for stuff to fix. (That could be dangerous!) Oh well, now we're hoping for Saturday.