I am combining these days, not because they were boring to us, but out of fear they may be boring to the reader, assuming there are those that are following our little adventure. With a fan base as small as ours, it’s pretty critical if we lose one or two. So to my mom and dad, who I know still read and look at pictures, this blog will be fewer words and more pictures.
The canal is so interesting, but unless you are experiencing it with your own eyes, the pictures can start looking a little redundant. Each lock has its own personality, it seems. The current, the lock master, the way you hold the boat in place are just some of the variables along the canal. Through today, July 25, we have traversed 22 locks, since we started the Erie.
The towns where we have stayed are: 1. Dunsbach Ferry– Blain’s Bay Marina; 2. Amsterdam–Riverlink Park Dock; 3. Canajoharie Riverfront; and tonight 4. Brewerton City Docks.
Blain’s Bay was pretty rough and it won’t make the cut if and when we are crazy enough to do this again. The Riverlink Park Dock in Amsterdam was great. The restaurant directly behind the docks was closed Mon-Tue, so we stayed close to home for the evening, but the location gave us great dockage and an opportunity for me to change the oil in the engine. To all my southern friends, the things we think about Northerners, generally, are not correct. I find that more often than not, they go out of their way to accommodate and communicate positively in the day-to-day of life. To my Northern friends who know me well, and love me anyway, I apologize for the gross generalization of people from a different part of the country. For example, the supply house for the oil and filters was 10 miles from the Riverlink Park Dock. I told the guy I planned to call an Uber and have them pick up and deliver me. Long story short, 30 minutes later, Hudson River Tractor Supply showed up at the dock with the delivery in their truck. I know that’s great customer service, but he did go the extra mile, understanding we had no transportation. We have found that most folks are fascinated by what we’re doing, so they just start talking and asking questions. Who doesn’t love boat people, right?
By far, the most beautiful bridge we’ve seen. 
20′ is the minimum height on the canal. 
The reflections often remind us of our farm. 
Many of these bridges are no longer used. 
Down in the valley, the valley so low….. 
The dams, when they exist, are adjacent to the lock; pretty impressive.
After Riverlink, we drove 18 miles to the village of Canajoharie. They offer free dockage to transients on a first come first serve basis. Though there were some minor negatives to the environment, by 10 pm, all was quiet, and we slept great.
The Honey Queen in the background 
Sunrise–foam on the calm water of the Erie
The next leg was to Utica. More locks, 35 miles, and a beautiful day on the water. We woke up this morning to 58 degrees, feeling like late October to us, but just another day to the locals. Like home, one day we’re looking for shade and light clothing, and the next looking for an extra blanket at bedtime.
Homemade oat pancake and bacon sandwich. Life is rough on the boat. 
…along the way. 
…the still of the morning. 
the colors of the canal. 
1. Unique lock on the canal 
2. The only one where the gate drops 
3. We clear the opening by 3 feet. 
Amanda says it looks like a guillotine. 
Waiting on the water to rise. 
That’s me waving. Amanda is busy protecting our investment. 
1st lock with several boats 
…along the way 
The lock gate, closed, is beyond the rail bridge
The restaurant, Aqua Vino, sits on the dock. We literally stepped off the boat, walked 30 feet and were seated at our table outside. A lovely dinner of shrimp scampi for Amanda and Veal Parmesan for me and we had our long walk back to the boat. Our calorie intake today certainly exceeded the burn. I enjoyed visiting with several Canadian boaters docked near us. I’m amazed that they can turn their mind’s switch from French to English and never miss a lick.
The Aqua Vino restaurant in the background on the dock; Honey Queen on the left and our friends, “On Missions” on the right. The Happy Journey has been happier with our new friends as a buddy boat.
When we passed this place on the way to the store, my warped mind was out of control with many captions. But after regaining my senses, I decided it would become the theme of our trip of a lifetime. But you must admit, this motel name does make your mind wander. By the way, it was next door to a clinic.
Rising again at 7 am, we pulled off the wall at Aqua Vino’s and began the home stretch of the Erie Canal. More locks and more beautiful water made for an interesting 43.4 mile day. About half of the trip was spent negotiating the canal. The other half was crossing Lake Oneida. Almost 25 miles long, East to West, we enjoyed setting the autopilot, sitting back, and letting the boat do most of the work. Long straight stretches, typically enjoyed when “outside” in the ocean are rare when doing the canal. We know we will have more of these days as we approach the Great Lakes.
We made a quick side trip to Rome….New York, that is. 
These little tug boats almost looked like toys. 
I love these kinds of shots. 
A bridge over a dam. 
We are amazed how many different bridge designs we have seen.
Arriving at 2:30, we tied to the city dock in Brewerton, NY, one of many free docks offered to transients. This was an especially nice respite, in that we didn’t have a train driving through the bedroom window every 15 minutes the whole time. My bride prepared a gourmet meal, we watched Jeopardy and Andy Griffith, and I got caught up on the blog. What a productive day!
Sunset in Brewerton. 
Just a little something Honey through together. 
1000’s of ducks and geese. They really do go North for the summer!
Oswego Canal, here we come!