A bit
of a slow start this morning as our starboard engine refused to start. While he fiddled with the engines I took a
walk down the dock to a boat we met in Waterford – Mother Ocean. They weren’t home the night before when we
stopped by. This time they were getting
ready to get underway but as soon as Dennis heard we were having problems, he
turned off their engines and popped down to see if he could help. Jan fixed me a cup of coffee and we chatted
while the guys worked. Nothing seriously
wrong – just a weak linkage and they got it started before our coffee was
gone. Neither of the guys drink coffee
so they had a chocolate milk and we both got underway! They followed us out into Lake Oneida.
A
beautiful, graceful lighthouse stands guarding the river
Once
out on the lake we knew we had chosen a perfect day to cross the 20 mile lake
to Brewerton.
And
of course there are the ever present fishermen
As we
come into Brewerton I caught a great shot of Jan on Mother Ocean.
Right
behind them was EZ at Sea who we had drinks (lots of cold water to combat the heat!) and snacks with last night! We Loopers are getting to be a regular
parade!
We
are docked at Brewerton’s free dock – brand new last year. Nice bumpers on the dock and good cleats to
tie to. The local kids love the train
bridge next to us. These beauties liked to
show off more than jump.
The
boys did their showing off by climbing high and jumping.
The
afternoon brought one of those days that you hear of but doesn’t seem
real. Bob and I started out on a walk
down the main street of town. Like so
many others, it is small with some beautiful old buildings.
This
house drew our attention as being well cared for and pretty.
Bob caught that it was a restaurant that we’d
heard good things about but quickly noticed the for sale sign. There was another sign in the window that we
walked up to the porch to read – “Come see us at Barado's on the Water”. About that time a lady came out of the
restaurant and asked if she could help us.
We explained who we were and what we were doing. She explained that she had sold the restaurant
to a friend and was looking for a retirement activity – perhaps boating or
RVing and was very interested in hearing of our adventures. She offered to drive us over to
the restaurant and arrange a ride back but we explained that we were traveling
with another boat and needed to clear it with them, but invited her to come see
the boat. She came bearing gifts of
lettuce, tomatoes, and zucchini from her hydroponic garden, as well as wraps and goodies from her café! Her name is Jenny and if you read this Jenny –
I need your picture!!! I can’t believe
we didn’t get one. We gave her a tour of
both boats and then said goodbye. We
opted to dinghy over to the restaurant after she made reservations for us. The restaurant was in a beautiful location.
Once
there the bartender came over and informed us Jenny had bought us a round of
drinks! What an angel she is. I pray she finds just the right retirement
for her! She definitely has the gift of
giving!! Thank you for a memorable day, Jenny!
Dinner
with friends – Dennis and Jan
Coming
back to the boats at twilight – so pretty!
A
special day all around!!
Docked
at Brewerton Free Dock 6/13/17
Mother
Ocean was long gone by the time we got up – they like to leave EARLY!! Some people think we leave early! (around 7:30). It was another beautiful morning on the
canal.
As we
head to our last lock on the Erie Canal this is the sign that led us there!
Lots
of pretty AFFORDABLE looking homes along here.
And
then, of course, the estates
The
last Erie Lock:
We
followed the blue work boat the whole way today as well as a smaller fishing
boat. Lest you think that we are done with locks – never fear – more locks
ahead on the Oswego Canal!
Decision time if you hadn’t made
up your mind yet – Erie Canal to Buffalo to the port and Oswego Canal to Lake
Ontario to the starboard. We are going
starboard. 7 more locks to the Lake!
The
Oswego Canal is still operated by the New York Canal System but the dam
approaches are set up a bit different.
The
Locks are pretty much the same though
Remember
I’d said we haven’t had a lot of spectators going through the locks? We couldn’t have asked for a more happy,
supportive group than this one! The blue
boat blew their horn for them and the kids were thrilled.
Directly
after the lock was a lift bridge – the only one on the Oswego Canal!
We
went through Lock #7 and docked at another free wall in the town of Oswego. There are as usual no services but a good tie
up. This one is right between two locks ½
mile apart, so it’s like a little protected pool.
Our
first Looper friends we ever met pulled up behind us on Act III (his career was like Bob - military 20 years, 2nd career 20 years and now...ACT III!) with their
buddy boat Sandrobber (Sandy and Rob J) Shortly after that Drift Away pulled in
too! Party time J. After enjoying docktails we walked into town
for a burger and saw our first glimpse of Lake Ontario
More
on Oswego tomorrow!
No comments:
Post a Comment