Burlington Bay

Sat. 7/14-Tues. 7/17:  Having discovered we have WiFi in the harbor we decided to do an update (Even Colin didn't know that apparently all of downtown Burlington is wired).
After our grueling journey and two days of boat cleaning inside and out (Mike, you may post an inspection when we meet up with you.), we have reverted to our usual sloth-like behavior.  Although several boat projects have been accomplished we have been lounging, reading, swimming, and sailing while hogging this mooring hook for almost a week.
Have been cooking on board for the most part (Went for apps and cocktails at the Icehouse, very tasty).
We see Colin in the evening, but he is busting his ass trying to get on top of things so that he can take off next Tues, Wed, and Thur.  Plan is to cruise the lake for a few days.

Lake Chamlain

Sun July 8: Adventure #1. Moved into Fort Edward Yacht Basin. "I wouldn't go in if it were me," said some of the lockmasters. Went down to 5'6" under the bridge but no problems. Very nice! And free dock, water, & power! Took the day off from traveling & Bill's cousin Steve & wife Kay joined us for the day. Then adventure #2: Took guests for boat ride & grounding practice in the Hudson Dredging Project. Took only couple of min. For work boat to pull us off. Beer & apps at Anvil Inn Fabulous! Mon July 9: last 5 locks & surprise #1: lock 12 Marina in Whitehall no longer steps masts...flooding last year eroded the base of his lift. So onward to Chipman's Point Marina who will step the mast tomorrow. Tues July 10: Worked all day. Stepped mast & rigged boat. All electrical working except new led mast light. Guess we'll have send Colin up the mast in Burlington. Wed July 11: Motored (This is a sailboat isn't it?) to Maritime Museum. Gorgeous anchorage. It's difficult to describe how beautiful the lake is here. Thur 7/12: Visited the museum. They have done a great job here. You really get a sense of the history and what life was like here. Motored (again) to Burlington. Colin and our nephew Derek visited. Colin stayed the night (Dad I can't wait to sleep on the boat.) Fri 7/13: Took Colin to work and started to wash the boat. I don't think I have ever seen a dirtier vessel. 93 degrees this afternoon. Dinner in town sounds like a good plan. We did not even have phone service for several days. We will try to ppst pics tomorrow.

Learning how to blog

The first 5days of our trip (with a few pics) were added to our first katlynn party post.then we realized that we were supposed to make a new post...not just edit the first.

Champlain canal

Thur. 7/5. Eight locks. Overnight in Amsterdam. The railroad is alive and well here. Trains every 20 minutes. Largest lock 40 foot drop.

Fri. 7/6. Seven locks. Stuck at lock 4 due to f$@&in steamboat festival in Waterford.

Sat. 7/7. One last Erie lock before Champlain Canal. Eight more locks. Overnight in Fort Edward. Would not lift bridge (clearance 15' 5") for our 15 foot radar. "just go slow" they said. It was very very close!

No wi-fi since Illion, so more pics to come later.

Bon Voyage Party at Katlynn Marina

Okay, we finally have WiFi, so we are able to update all on our trip so far.

Thurs. 6/28: Thank you Ellie for helping Uncle Bill check out the steering before we take off on our journey.

Fri. 6/29: These Honda generators NEVER break down!" said the Honda Rep about our new Honda 2000 generator that won't start.

Sat. 6/30: Left the broken generator at the repair shop and headed for Oswego. Pictured above are former boatmates Fuzzy, Felicia, and Freddy (lower right).  They and their friends decided to join us on our cruise to Oswego.  After the wind died they they thought we were lunch, we decided they were toast.  After their unfortunate demise they were buried at sea.  Record time to Oswego.  Tied up to the wall Sat. and Sun.  Front row seat for the fireworks.

Sun. 7/1 and Mon. 7/2:  Worked like dogs for two days to get mast stepped.  I have to say that the guy at Oswego Marina is a real pro.  He took the time to fully explain what he was doing and said "I'm not going to hurt your baby."  Left Mon. about 1:30 and made it to Fulton Canal Park (going up through locks 8,7,6, & 5).  It is absolutely astounding how little this place has changed since Grace and I attended SUNY Oswego.  However, the wall was free dockage and we decided to dine in town.  Once again, thank you Trip Advisor.  Found us the Blue Moon Cafe.  Excellent Tuna with soy,wasabi, and ginger, and reasonably priced.  If you are ever unfortunate enough to be stranded in Fulton, highly recommended.

THANK YOU ALAN! The blocks taped to the end of the mast saved our anchor light several times...till we got the hang of the locks.

Tues. 7/3: Going up through locks 2, 1, & 23 and then lucked out and got a calm afternoon to cross Oneida Lake.  Tied up to the wall at Sylvan Beach.  My cousin Jackie and her husband Al drove up from Manlius to have dinner with us.

Wed. 7/4:  Happy 4th  of July!  Through locks 22, 21rfinally going down on locks 20 & 19 and made it to Ilion Marina ($1 a foot for power, cable TV & WiFi for Bloggers!).  Yes, "the" Ilion, home of our beloved Bo Foisy.