Cape Vincent to Brewerton

Approaching Lock 8 our first lock on Oswego canal

We left Cape Vincent by 8:30 and travelled on plane to Oswego. By the way, when we checked into the customs at Cape Vincent, we noticed that the previous day a familiar name was on the sheet: Jim Duff.

Barges parked on canal

No vibration!  Seas were 1 – 2 feet but not uncomfortable at 24 Knots.  Thus we really began our journey, entering the Oswego canal.  Locks operate a little differently than the Trent-Severn.  Only one lockkeeper and they are all motorized and quite large.  There are weighted lines, which you grab on to and hold.  Good thing I brought my contractors gloves.  We took the precaution of covering the large inflatable fenders that Chuck lent us in heavy-duty garbage bags.  These save the fenders, but you still make a mess of the side of the boat.  Guess I will be doing some cleaning of topsides along the way.  Sandy, always the one for a neat and tidy boat brought the fenders in after one lock.  No more, there was grunge etc. all over

Bascule bridge before Lock 1

They make extensive use of spillways

We proceeded through 7 locks on the Oswego and then turned on to the Erie Canal for one more lock before arriving at our destination for the evening; Winter Harbour Marina in Brewerton. In total we did 70 miles. We will be staying for two nights as we are not in a rush and need to provision etc.  They lend you a car to go out and do your errands.  Will also be refuelling.  Looks like some of the least expensive fuel we will see: $2.21. The interesting thing here is that they have credit card enabled fuel pumps.  Just put your credit card in and pump your own!  The marina seems to specialize in indoor storage for boats for the winter.  One of the boats we met in the Trent had this location as their destination.

Extensive dock with a boat lift

As all we are going to do today is shopping, do not expect an update later today.  MFP please take note.