Finale

I know that it has been a long time since we last posted and everyone is asking if we very left Collins Bay.  We yes we did the next day.

We woke up to a very windy day. The Admiral was very happy that we had come across Lake Ontario the day before as she certainly would not have been happy!! The trip to Trenton was choppy but no problem. We did see evidence of the high water on the Lake, apparently 4-5 feet above normal!

Sandbagging on houses along Bay of Quinte

We Arrived at Trentport and needed help to tie up as the wind was very strong and blowing us off the dock. It is amazing that dockhands taking the lines still think that they can hold 65,000 lbs. without cleating the line!!!!
It was nice to see the Denali waiting for us. Thank you Doug and Mickey. We drove into Trenton for an early dinner and then back to the boat for an early start back to Rigaud. Fortunately we did get away in plenty of time to stop at the SAAQ so Bill could renew his driver's license but not his health card as they do not take scanned copies!! Jennifer was able to overnight it to us for Monday so that Bill could get it done before heading to Maine on Tuesday.
We are looking forward to the Lobster Run. Nice to be on solid ground if even for a short time!! Home for a couple of days then back to the boat to start the journey up the Trent. Bill's sister Marilyn is joining us so that the Captain doesn't have to work so hard!! Hopefully the water level will be down as when we left we could not have gotten under the bridge at Trenton.
The Lobster run was great fun with good friends and good times. After spending a few days at home, we went to the cottage to pick up the kayaks, then on to the boat to drop off some stuff and then on to Toronto. Bill's sister Marilyn had arrived from Vancouver so it was a very nice evening all together.
The next day it was off to Bayport with Jennifer's car to drop off the Denali and then back to Toronto.  Saturday,. Jennifer drove us to Trenton and we started up the Trent as by now we could get under the bridge.

Heavy water flows along Trent System

A great trip that was uneventful, yet challenging given the high water flows, the heavy weeds near Peterborough and especially the slalom course as you leave lock 45 at Severn Bridge entering into Georgian Bay. Marilyn was a great help and as it was her first trip on the Trent seemed to enjoy herself. Unfortunately the weather was not the greatest but we still had a good time. Jennifer joined us for a couple of weekends. She handled the locks while Sandy drove the car to the next spot where we would spend the evening.

At the end of it all we decided to take a few weeks off the boat.  A trip home to Rigaud for a week then to the cottage to finally open it for the season.

 

We have now been back in Georgian Bay for 2 weeks and will continue to cruise until labor day.  Jim and Debbie Pyke on Drift Away arrived last night so they will join us on our cruise for the next few weeks.

It was a lot of work to do this blog but it was worth it to have a permanent memory of a one in a lifetime trip (at least for us)!!!!
We were on the boat travelling for nearly 9 months. A long time to be away from home, friends and family. Fortunately Jennifer was able to join us for a good part of the trip and Bill's sister and Sandy's sister were both able to come for a visit. While we were at Longboat Key we were able to see Fred and Liz and Bill was able to join them for several golf outings. We also went to the Bahamas with Chuck and Sylvie. We did get together with Jean and Rusty and also saw Stuart and Patsy twice, once going down and then again returning.We also had a quick visit with Doug and Mickey and Betty who were visiting with the Taylor's at the same time that we were there. It was so good to see familiar faces and spend time with friends that we knew. Our time on the Chesapeake was much more fun as we were sharing this experience with Jim and Debbie and Abby!! Being able to see so many friends along the way definitely contributed to our fabulous journey.
Bye and thank you for following us.

Captain Bill and Admiral Sandy



Sent from Sandy's IPad

Winter Harbor to Collins Bay, Wednesday May 31

Another early morning!! This time on the fuel dock at 7:00!!!!  Winter Harbor has a credit card operated fuel pump so that you do not have to wait for the marina to open in the morning. The owner did come to chat with us. He is very personable and knew that we had stopped with them in September. The marina offers loaner cars for provisioning or going for dinner which is a nice plus, they also have very good fuel prices. A good place to stay.
Wonder of wonders no rain!!! 
We passed through lock 23 and then made the turn into the Oswego Canal. You could certainly see the amount of rain that they had received as there was a very significant flow over the dams and down the river. 

Of course we had a nasty little shower once again but at least this time we were not in a lock!! One of the lowest clearances that we came to was after leaving lock 8 because Lake Ontario is almost 5 feet higher than normal. 

Upstream of Lock

The lock master advised us to go slowly and not have any bounce!! We were careful and were ok.
The owner at Winter Harbor had said the he still had boats waiting to go north as the docks or marinas that they were going to were still under water. 

Oswego Entrance

Once we left the Oswego and entered into Lake Ontario we checked the weather and decided to continue on as seas were calm and winds light. 
Our destination was The Bartschat's old marina, Collins Bay! about 45 miles away. An easy trip across and we made it just after five o'clock.  A long day on the water.
As we approached Collins Bay, the captain called the marina and said that there were marks noted on the chart but he couldn't see them!! They answered that they had not put them in as yet because the water level was too high and therefore the chains to secure them were not long enough!! We were going to go on a T dock but would have had to wear rubber boots to go ashore!! So we ended up at a slip and only hung over about 15 feet!! Lots of help to secure the lines and all was well.
The captain went ashore to check in with Canada Customs which fortunately was a non event. Once back aboard we treated ourselves to a drink and could relax!! Both really tired so a quick supper, a bit of tv and into bed!! One more day!!!

Little Falls to Winter Harbour. Tuesday May 39

Another early start!! This time there were 4 of us to go through the lock. Because of the Sunseeker's width there wasn't room for us to go beside him so it became a bit of a challenge to fit everyone into the lock. After 2 locks the Sunseeker took off and we thought that we wouldn't see him again. We were wrong!! This section of the canal because it has been dug has a 10 mph speed limit. Therefore when we approached the next lock who do we see but the Sunseeker!! After going into the lock the lock master mentioned  to us that the captain had not been very happy at having to wait. The lock master explained that it should have taken him an hour and twenty minutes to reach the lock not the twenty minutes that he took!!! So he could just wait for us !!!  After that lock the Sunseeker kept his speed down, although at one point he called back to us and said that he was having a hard time going that slowly as his engines were overheating and that we would have to pass him!! Then he decided to just speed up and slow down until he got to the next lock. A couple more locks and then he got ahead of us and was gone. We have encountered quite a few delivery captains on this trip, some who are very professional and a credit to their job and others not so much.

We had to wait for this barge to come up at the lock

Just to keep the record straight it was raining again!!  We crossed Lake Oneida and as we approached Winter Harbor the captain was concerned about the height of the bridges. One of the lock masters had said that over the last couple of days we had received nearly 2 inches of rain, fortunately the New York Canal System does a very good job controlling the water levels, so although we did duck a couple of times we had no issue. The captain was hoping to refuel before we got to our slip but lo and behold the Sunseeker was on the fuel dock!!  So we elected to just tie up and relax.. Good thing as another squall with thunder and lightning came through just after we were settled. 

Amsterdam to Little Falls, Monday May 29

An early start again!! This is starting to be a habit!!! More rain!!! 
More locks, more rain, more debris!! Enough said!!! It is a pretty area but in lousy weather you really can't enjoy it!! The Admiral is getting very tired of being wet and having to change clothes multiple times to stay warm and dry!!!!
Arrived at Little Falls to a warm welcome by the volunteers that staff the visitors centre. They have done a great job of converting an old warehouse into a very nice facility with a lounge, recreation area, laundry, washrooms and very friendly people. The people are doing their best to make it a destination stop along the way.  We think that they are succeeding! 
After we arrived a 108 foot Sunseeker Express joined us on the dock.  It was carbon wrapped rather than gel coat. A sleek looking machine but not to our taste.

Waterford to Amsterdam, Sunday May 28

6:15 wake up call!!! We wanted to be part of the first locking of the day, 7:00, so it was up early to prepare. There were 3 of us in Lock 2, two trawlers and ourselves. This is a series of 4 locks in a short distance. Oh joy!! The rain started again!! The Admiral was soaked and cold!!  Not a happy camper. 

Runoff over the dam

We all proceeded through the locks with no issues, just wet. 

There was a huge amount of debris floating along the waterway, some pretty big logs so it was just like looking for crab pots on the Chesapeake only this time logs!! Not something that you want to hit!! 

We arrived at Amsterdam early afternoon. A nice spot but there is an active train line very close by. Freight and passenger trains pass by frequently, blowing their horns, but somehow after a while you don't hear them!!??!! We decided to have dinner at the waterfront cafe by the dock. A nice change with good food reasonably priced.
At least the rain had stopped so we could walk to dinner and not get soaked, still sweater weather though. A bit of tv then off to bed.

Catskills to Waterford Saturday May 27

We left early in the morning, overcast and cool but at least no rain! This is still a pretty area with lots of mountains and greenery to enjoy. In the last two days we passed some interesting lighthouses that had been built in the mid 1800's. 

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This lighthouse, built on a shoal at the junction of two routes, the main shipping channel and a recreational channel, was the  scene of a fiery wreck in 1845 that killed 50 of 300 passengers on the steamboat, Swallow. 

As we got closer to Lock 1 at Troy N.Y, we passed by a more industrial area including Albany. We were all prepared with garbage bags on our fenders to try to keep them clean as the lock walls are pretty grimy. It had been a while since we passed through a lock but all went well and we arrived at Waterford at about 1:00. Time to catch up on some laundry and maybe a nap!!

May 26 Croton-on Hudson to Catskills

Not an early start but off the dock by 9:45.  This is probably one of the prettiest stretches which we have been to on our journey.  

Travelling up the Hudson with large hills on either side and lots to see.

West Point

It takes you past West Point and other very historic mansions.  We lucked out in that the sun actually honoured us with it's presence during the nicest stretch.

Staff Houses?

It was a 65 mile trip up the Hudson but as luck would have it, I had an incoming tide the whole way so never saw less than 10 knots.

Unique sailboat crewed by young adults 

We are now at dock about 35 miles S of Waterford where we will stay on the wall.  Tomorrow we start the trip up the Erie/Oswego canal. The marina is just off the river and nice and quiet. We were serenaded by a clock nearby which chimed the hour and also played some very nice music. There was a groundhog enjoying a dinner of fresh new grass just off the dock. A very tranquil evening and much enjoyed  by us both.

The CIA where we had dinner last night

Our first night on our own since we joined Jim and Debbie in Swansboro, North Carolina.  It has been fun travelling together with many shared meals, lots of laughs, and experiences to reminisce about when we are next together. Of course the highlight was enjoying being Aunt and Uncle to their most adorable Golden Doodle Abby!! 

Esopus Lighthouse, built in 1872

Roundout Creek, Kingston.  Kingston was the capital of New York in 1877 before the British burned it to the ground.

Saugerties  (sawmills) Lighthouse

I do keep on getting alerts that there are two tugs each pushing two large barges each taking six 20-foot by 60-foot beer tanks, too large to be trucked down the state Thruway.

 They are moving  slowly, 5 mph, a day apart and could take an hour to pass through each lock. This could cause some delay to boaters.They are on their way to the Gennesse Brewery in Rochester.  

Thursday, May 25 Great Kills to Croton-on-Hudson

The wind had picked up overnight and after two days of no breeze the boats had crossed anchors.  The first order of business was to get them uncrossed so we backed around until the anchors were clear.

Jim got his anchor up but I had more difficulty.  I guess the manoeuver to uncross the anchors had buried the anchor very well.

After a little bit of work we were off to go through NYC.  Unfortunately, it was raining hard and visibility was poor.  The waves were 3 - 4 ft and the admiral elected to stay below rather than risk the  trip up the stairs.  Fortunately she called me on the VHF to advise me just before I turned on the autopilot to see what was going on.

With his AIS, Jimmy kept me apprised of the approaching high speed ferries and we progressed through NYC with no incidents but very dissapointed that we could not see much.

Drift Away passing the Statue of Liberty

We arrived  at Croton-on Hudson, rented a car and quickly did some provisioning.

We then drove to the Culinary Institute of America for dinner at the Bocuse Restaurant.

Set on a bluff overlooking the beautiful Hudson River, the main campus is unmatched by any other culinary school in the world. You can’t help but be swept up by the energy and enthusiasm of the students and faculty, all of whom have one thing in common—a deep passion for all things food. Whether you’re a student seeking a food-focused degree, an entrepreneur hoping to succeed in the thriving food business, or a home cook wanting to expand your skills, you’ll find inspiration here.

Dinner was great and well worth the 1 hour and 15 min drive. It was a great way to enjoy our last evening together as we start to make the journey back home. 

New York Day 2 May 24

Up and at`em early!  Again, took the express bus in but stayed on until Times Square.  We then boarded a topless double decker for an ”uptown tour”.  This tour does a large circle around Central Park including the upper west side.

It went by  Lincoln Center, 

Cathredal of St John the Devine, and lots of Museums.

Museum of Natural History

After the tour we searched for a NY Deli experience and found a hole in the wall with good food!

We then went on the "Downtown tour"  This took almost 3 hours  due to the lousy traffic of NY.  The guide kept saying NY'ers would be taking the subway!  We saw a lot of very unique buildings as the architecture is very varied.

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Times Square

Flat Iron building 

Interesting Apartment  Building

Near the  end of the tour, in the financial district we came across these sculptures.

This 7,100-pound (3,200 kg) sculpture stands 11 feet (3.4 m) tall and measures 16 feet (4.9 m) long.The oversize sculpture depicts a bull, the symbol of aggressive financial optimism and prosperity, leaning back on its haunches and with its head lowered as if ready to charge. The sculpture is both a popular tourist destination which draws thousands of people a day, as well as "one of the most iconic images of New York"

This sculpture was added later. At just over four feet tall, she appears ready to take the bull by its horns.

The bronze statue of a girl, fists on her hips, staring down the famous 7,000-pound “Charging Bull” sculpture near Wall Street, captivated passers-by and drew an overwhelming response online, where many viewed it as a powerful symbol for International Women’s Day.

We got off the bus early as it was getting late and we needed to get a bus ticket and find our transportation home. It was about 8:00 by the time we made it back to the boat so only a bowl of soup then off to bed to be ready for the next leg of our journey. A great couple of days in New York but so much more to see and do!! It will just have to wait for another visit!!

Tuesday May 23 NYC Day 1

After taking Abby ashore, we all piled into the dinghy and docked at the Great Kills Yacht Club.

We walked up two blocks as advised by the Harbour Host of the AGLCA and paid our $6.50 each in quarters, thanks to Debbie who hoards Jim’s change.  The express bus took us directly to Lower Manhattan and we got off near the 9/11 Memorial.

We walked around the area. It was very busy with lots of people taking selfies!! There are two reflecting pools where the two towers were located with a stone railing around each inscribed with the names of everyone who perished as a result of the attacks. It is a very moving memorial surrounded by a park, unfortunately some people treat it not as a solemn tribute but rather as a party place!!

After that we went into the Museum.  They have done a magnificent job on this.  Most of the museum is underground.  It explains the history of the towers, how they were built and a rigorous explanation of the attack and the heroism of the people who responded.

We saw how the building is anchored to the “Schist” (bedrock) of NY and the massive size of the supporting steel structures.  

We also saw how they were twisted and bent when the buildings collapsed.

 

Building Anchor

We spent about 3 hours inside until the amount of information became just too much but it is a very worthwile experience.

A Mural celebrating NYC

We then tried to find a typical NY Deli and walked two blocks to eat.  Pizza and Calzone! It was good and very inexpensive with $3 .00 beers.

Occulus

Interior of Occulus

We then walked the area and went into the “Occulus” a new building over a train station that houses upmarket shopping.

By this time we were tired so back on the xpress bus (a 1-1/2 hour ride) and back to Great Kills on Staten Island for a restful evening.