This was our first lock. We did okay (Linda was a little nervous), but we encountered no problems. We told the dockmaster we were “virgin” lockers and he was very helpful. We locked through with two sailboats and one other trawler, a PDQ.
Right as we were leaving the lock Bill called to congratulate us on our first lockage. Bill (of Bill & Ruth) were the owners of the boat before we bought it from them. They have been very helpful in planning our trip and giving us advice along the way. They had been tracking us on the “Spot” and knew we had just completed the first lock.
After locking we proceeded to Waterford where we docked at the free docks for the night. Fortunately, we ended up right below a bridge and had great shade the rest of the day.
We mixed up a pitcher of Sangria to celebrate our lockage. After relaxing a bit, Gerry took the mast and antennas down so we would be ready for the fixed bridges as we proceed through the Champlain Canal.
We had plans to walk to the grocery store for some fresh produce. However, early in the evening Tom, from the sailboat Mover, and Sterling and Judy from Sterling Lady dropped by for a couple of drinks. Everyone had lots of stories to tell and the time passed quickly. Sterling and Judy are on their 2nd Loop. Last time they took the Erie Canal route. This time they are taking the Champlain Canal.
During the course of the conversation, Sterling mentioned a great website of a previous looper. Turns out that it was the Adventures of Integrity … Bill and Ruth’s boat. He was amazed to learn that Monk’s Vineyard was Intergrity. Small world!! And – Tom knows Joan Burleigh from Alameda – our friend that we financed a couple of boats with. Small world!!
Still no rain – could be a record – 2 days in a row!!
After everyone left we had a quick late dinner and then off to bed. Walking to the grocery store will have to wait until morning.
P.S., if you have checked out Bill & Ruth’s webpage (a favorite listed here on our blog), you will notice that a lot of their pictures look like ours, purely coincidence – just so happens that they knew where we were going !!!
Double bridges
Albany New York
Approaching Albany
Locking through behind a PDQ 34 - are we nervous - damned right we are!!
Linda - all calm and collected prior to locking up - notice the death grip on the lines.
The lock wall and two sailboats behind us. Linda is looking pretty serious.
The famous "decision sign". We will head back to the Champlain Canal tomrrow.
Mast is coming down in preparation for the 17 foot bridge tomorrow. Hey, this boat has done this before - should be no sweat - - - - - - - -?
On the wall with Erlane, an American Tug 34 that will be heading up the Erie Canal tomorrow.
The mast is down and we are ready for Lock #2 - ? tomorrow.
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