Rome to Brewerton, NY



Eastern Erie Canal

The weather has been absolutely fantastic on this leg, another cool clear day with little wind, just great for traveling on the waterway. We have two down locks today taking us from 420 feet above sea level to 370 feet above sea level. This is the first time we have negotiated locking down and it is quite different than going up. Going up the lock begins 12 feet deep water flows in from the upper stream and creates turbulence in the lock. The down lock is like pulling the plug in bathtub water flows out from the bottom and creates little turbulence. Due to the smoother ride, lockmasters can open the gates wide and we lower somewhat faster than rising.

Oneida Lake Eastern Entrance

Then, across Lake Oneida about 15 miles long and running east and west. Generally, 40 feet deep and very similar to Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin. Lots of boaters enjoying the water and sun, fishing, sailing and boating. We arrived at Winter Harbor Boatyard, our home for the next two weeks, about 1:30 PM a bit earlier than we planned.

The western part of the Erie Canal has a clearance of 15’ 6”, in normal travel position we have an air draft of 17’ 1”. Jim and I re-measured the boat and confirmed the overall height. The radar dome and the anchor light are the two highest objects on the boat. The arch that supports the radar dome folds down, so we folded the arch removed the dome and set it on the aft roof. That gets the arch area down to 14’ ½”. Next the Bimini Top is the highest point and although hard to measure exactly also will not meet the 15’ 6” restriction. The normal stowed position for the Bimini Top is forward resting on the forward cross rail and supports. But the stowed position is too high as well. Laying the top on the windshield obscures the view from the upper helm. By folding the top aft and resting it on the folded radar arch we measured 15’ 0”. Then if we put the aft most braces back in place it raised the top about 3”. So we have a comfortable spot at 15’ 3” and an absolute minimum of 15’. We will be able to take the western section of the Canal to Buffalo, NY.

Winter Harbor Boatyard

Jim decided to return to Milwaukee a day early and I used the Marina provided car to take him to the Amtrak station in Syracuse. I will remain an additional day to do maintenance tasks reading for the next leg.

This leg has been a real learning experience, a large water passage on the Delaware Bay, two ocean passages, entering NYC harbor and visiting the Statue of Liberty, enjoying the Hudson River to Albany and traversing the Eastern half of the Erie Canal. I have much appreciation for the help from my crew mates, Daughter Debi DeBattista, Doug Timmel, and Jim Abele. Thanks to all of you for making this leg safe and enjoyable.

Radar Arch Folded and Dome Removed