Waterford to Fonda, NY

We began our journey thru the Erie Canal this morning. Very over cast that quickly cleared providing a clear sunny day but cool for this time of year. The climate here is much like upstate Wisconsin this time of year.

Lock 3, The Flight

We entered lock 2, there is no lock 1, behind a trimaran sailboat and our two boats began the flight. The flight is a series of 5 locks in 1.5 miles that raises the boat about 160 feet above the Hudson River. The lockmasters are coordinated and provide for both east bound and west bound traffic. Two boats of the 14 at the dock the night before preceded us and we were next. Learning to enter a lock carefully is a trick especially in some windy conditions. I really appreciated the experience I gained at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, since in many ways maneuvering Reunion is much the same as a keel sailboat with a small sail. Tiller position and applying the proper amount of thrust whether with the engine or sail I found to be very similar. All the principals of physics apply in both cases. Our time in the locks is quite busy and it is difficult to take pictures and manage the boat.

After the flight, we were in the Mohawk River system a very well-marked river with no commercial traffic. The Erie Canal is now primarily used for recreational boating.  As the day progressed we completed an additional 6 locks and are currently positioned behind the Canal Maintenance facility at a free dock and we are able to use the free electricity as well.

Electricity is important tonight because the battery that powers our bow thruster has gone dead. All the close maneuvering required much use of the bow thruster and we determined tonight that this battery is only charged when we are on shore power. That error in judgment will be remedied soon.

How did we get to the Dells?

When we figure travel time on the Erie Canal it is suggested to plan ½ hour for each lock and transit time at 10 mph. We don’t quite make 10 mph at 7 knots but close enough. So today we traversed 11 locks and traveled 48.2 miles a good travel day.

Reconstruction after Irene

To night we met a lady that is single handing a small sailboat. She walks with a cruch and came over to help us with our lines when we landed. She is going to Chicago and then plans to ship her boat to Seattle.  Wow, a very capable person. I spoke with her about how she is managing the locks and was quite impressed, she runs a line bow to stern and then uses the slack in the line to wrap around the lock pole, cable or in the case of separate ropes she uses the recessed ladder in the lock wall. Well done!

The Canal Authority has done a fantastic job repairing the canal. Pictures we saw last year showed this 1800's building falling into the river. The grass and lot infront of the building was the river.

The Town across from our tie up tonight