Buffalo to Presque Isle, PA(Erie)

Swift currents on the Niagara River

The Blackrock Lock on the Niagara River raises boats 5 feet to the level of Lake Erie. The river drops this 5 feet in 7 miles causing 6-8 knot currents that look quite strong. Since our boat cruises at 7 knots we could be running a cruise speed and not moving. Just past the lock is a railroad swing bridge and then a Bascule Bridge at Ferry Street. As we approached the Ferry Street bridge we were told they were having a bit of a computer problem and it would take 5 or so minutes to reboot the system. The bridge is a beautiful structure dating back to the turn of the century, that is 1900 not 2000 and considering the age a computer problem did not seem to fit. But in a few minutes they said they were back in business and began to raise the bridge.

Ferry Street Bridge open 

Through the rest of the Blackrock canal and out the north entrance of the Buffalo harbor into Lake Erie. The forecast for the day was hot and humid and a haze lingered over the lake all day. We set a course for Barcelona, NY our selected stopping point for the day and settled in.

Wind a sea conditions are the determining factors on how the boat rides on the water. Today the wind was from the west, seas with a 1 foot chop and temperature on the lake was 72 degrees. Niagara Falls had a heat advisory with temperatures in the high 90’s.

We arrived in Barcelona about 4:30 only to find a very shallow harbor that caters to small boats, the marina that was to provide a slip did not answer the phone or VHF radio call. After stirring up a lot of mud in the harbor, we reversed course and headed back to the lake. This would not be our stopping point.

On to Presque Isle about 25 additional miles or about 4 additional hours, it would be a long day. A slip was available at Wolverine Moorings and Ed was quite knowledgeable. The chart for Presque Isle is not as detailed as many harbors and it is difficult to see exactly where the marina is located, but Ed assured us they could talk us into the marina. This is a downtown marina located behind the Sheraton Inn and convention center, an interesting place.

Things I learned today, not every harbor is deep and large as they are at home. Lake Erie caters to smaller boats than Reunion and I cannot assume marina personal will provide accurate information. I must be sure to ask about depth at the slip and we do not want to be the largest boat the marina can service.

Buffalo Skyline