Year 2 Day 94 - Ilion, N.Y.

Today is Friday, June 28th.  My previous photo from yesterday showed the building on fire which was promptly put out - or so we thought.  About
11:30 PM I was about to fall asleep and Mike was reading in bed.  He thinks he hears a few popping noises so went to investigate.  He yelled out for me to
come outside and this is what was going on:

Building totally engulfed in flames

We sat outside for a long time listening to the explosions (it was a maintenance facility for vehicles) and watching for the fire to jump the road to the marina building in which case we would have to move the boat.  That never happened but it was pretty exciting!  This morning we walked over to the ruins of the building.

The aftermath of the fire

We stayed at Little Falls until about 10:30 this morning and took the short cruise through one lock to Ilion where we stopped at the marina here in order to visit the Remington Arms Factory.  This was about a 2 hour tour and very interesting.  Mr. Remington made his first rifle in 1814 and it was so successful that everybody wanted one, thus he started his manufacturing business.  The buildings encompass 29 acres and they currently employ 1200 people running 3 shifts around the clock.   We were told their business skyrocketed when Obama was elected president.  They wouldn't let us take any pictures while inside but it was impressive.  They also have a military contract and make many weapons for them.  It was so great to see a manufacturing company here in the U.S. doing so well after seeing all the ones that have been closed down.

Mike in front of the Remington Arms company

We're spending the night here in Ilion and plan to leave in the morning for Rome, N.Y. or perhaps a little further.

Year 2 Day 93

Today is Thursday, June 27th and we are currently in Little Falls, NY.  We arrived in Amsterdam at a stop called Riverlink on Tuesday night exhausted from such a long day.  On Wednesday the winds were so high that Mike made a captain's decision that we weren't leaving.  We had a relaxing day on board other than doing some housekeeping chores.  We fixed salmon on the grill in foil pouches with vegetables and sauce and it was delicious.

Cruising down the Erie Canal

A gaggle of geese along the canal

We left early this morning following another boat called Safe Return and were behind them the entire day.  We had intended to stop after lunch but after looking over the dock we decided to move on.  We went through a total of 7 locks today, the last being different from the others.  It's the largest single step lock on the Erie Canal.  The gate is lifted up over your boat and drips water all over it.  It's believed to be only one of two locks in North America where this happens.  The other is on the Ottawa River in Canada.

Following Safe Return into Lock 17

This was a beautiful day and some of the prettiest scenery we've seen so far.  We have been amazed that since leaving York River we've only encountered 5 or 6 other Loopers.  On a sad note, while traveling up the Hudson River and also along this Canal we've seen a number of factories that have been closed and the impact on the towns nearby.

We arrived here at Little Falls about 2:00 this afternoon and left our friends in the boat ahead of us.  This is a pretty stop and well taken care of.  We rode our bikes into the town, looked through a shop or two, filled a prescription and had dinner at the Canal Side Inn - Great food!

Bike riding through Little Falls

Mike (ever the real estate guru) saw this

building for sale at $89,000 and thought

it would make great condos

Captain Mike checking the lines

When we returned to the boat after dinner we had some excitement - the building across the street was on fire!  Several fire trucks came to put it out and of course it drew crowds to see what was going on.

Building on fire

A shot ot Queen Kathleen through the fountain

Year 2 Day 91

First lock entering Erie Canal

Today is Tuesday, June 25th and we had another rather long day leaving Waterford about 9:00 AM heading into the Erie Canal.  There are 5 locks immediately after leaving Waterford and they're called the Flight of Five where they raise you 169 feet which is the greatest height in the shortest distance.

I was extremely nervous when we first left because we have only been through 2 locks since leaving Texas and I was still unsure of the proper way to hold on to the pipes, lines or cables.  However, it only takes one or two before you get the hang of it.  The weather wasn't exactly in our favor today as it was cloudy, rainy and chilly.  We ended up going through 10 locks before stopping at Riverlink Park in Amsterdam (Kirk Douglas was a former resident).  We only have 19 more locks before arriving at Lake Ontario.

Inside a lock before filling with water

Tying off to a line inside a lock

 

Kathy at the helm

We've run into very few other loopers and attribute it to two factors - the economy and fuel prices.  There are no other boats here on the dock and it's a beautiful place.  The only downside is the train passing through frequently.

So far the Erie has been very pretty but we haven't seen many people, birds or animals.  There are few homes on the hillsides and this is an example of one of the larger ones.

Sunset at Riverlink

Handling the locks is very tiring and since we went through 10 today, we're worn out tonight and have decided to take it easy tomorrow.

Year 2 Day 90 - Waterford, N.Y.

Today is Sunday, June 24th and we arrived here in Waterford yesterday afternoon after a long day of cruising - over 9 hours.  We were soooo glad to get here!  We encountered a late afternoon thunderstorm again but it was nothing like the day before.

Leaving Rondout Creek

Rowers on Rondout Creek

Navigation aid entering a channel

Kathy holding on at first lock in Troy, NY


Sign showing way to Erie Canal



Bob in front of his 23' sailboat

Once arriving at Waterford we met Bob and Trish who had completed the loop on a 23' sailboat and were headed to New York to see the July 4th fireworks display.  We could not believe they had done the loop on such a small boat.  They were so friendly and helpful to us when we arrived and these are the types of people you meet on this journey.

This morning we slept a little later - wonderful!  Today they had a farmer's market here at the welcome center so after getting ready for church, I went shopping for some fresh fruits and vegetables.  Then we went to breakfast at Don & Paul's Coffee Shop which was recommeded to us by Bob and Trish.  I think the total bill for the two of us was $9.00.  This is the place where all the locals gather.

We plan to stay here another day to get some grocery shopping and laundry done before heading to the first lock on the Erie Canal.



Year 2 Day 88 New York City and up the Hudson River

High Speed Ferry Boat leaving Sandy Hook

The Captain at the helm as we approach NYC

Today is Friday, June 22nd and we are currently in Rondout Creek near Kingston, New York.  What an incredible experience it was cruising through New York City in our boat!  While entering the harbor we had to dodge freighters, high speed ferries, tugs, tankers, freighters, sailing vessels, harbor police, etc.  Fun but nerve wracking at the same time!

Freedom Tower in background

Ferry boat and our friends Ron and Anita

in their boat A Vita

The beautiful Miss Liberty from our boat

Sing Sing Prison

After saying good-bye to the city we headed up the Hudson River where it turned absolutely beautiful.  We elected not to stop and go into the city because we were just there in October and because of my knee, I find it hard to walk for any length of time.  Our first night we spent near Croton-on-Hudson at the Half Moon Bay Marina.  Right before arriving there we passed Sing Sing Prison where I threatened to drop Mike off.

 We left this morning heading north and passed West Point.

West Point

The rest of the cruise this afternoon was wonderful until about 2:00 when a terrible thunderstorm hit and it was the roughest we've ever been in.  There was no visibility from the flybridge at times and the winds were approximately 40-50 mph with heavy thunder and lightening.  We immediately slowed our speed to about 6 knots, turned on our navigation lights, hugged the bank as closely as possible and listened to the VHF radio.  This lasted about 2 hours and we were finally able to enter the channel to the marina where we are now located.

Navigation aid on the Hudson showing

dark sky in background

Entrance to channel - Finally!

Tomorrow we're headed to Waterford, NY to the Waterford Visitors Center where we plan to stay for a couple of days before entering the Erie Canal.

Year 2 Day 86

Kayla

Before leaving Cape May, a very large 72' boat pulled in next to us and this is what I saw.  She was the most wonderful dog - so trained and so friendly.  It's amazing how an animal brings people together.  We talked with the folks who owned the boat and they invited us over for ice cream.  I cannot tell you how spectacular that boat is!  Picture oriental carpets, plush leather sofa and chairs, granite countertops, huge stainless steel fridge, etc.  This boat was owned by the founder of Brothers Coffee who ran his business from it.

Following Ron and Anita out of the

Jettys at Cape May

Jettys to Atlantic Ocean with rain in the distance

Arriving at Atlantic City with GO ARMY

blimp in the sky

Today is Wednesday, June 20th and it's been a long two days.  We left Cape May at 6:45 AM Monday and arrived at Atlantic City at about 1:00.  We were going to anchor out but after almost running aground entering the anchorage, we knew we definitely would run aground the next morn at low tide.  Therefore, we turned around and went to the marina at The Golden Nugget and Casino.  We walked around the grounds, checked out the shops, pool and casino and after eating snacks and drinking wine at happy hour and throwing away about $25 on slot machines we went back to the boat.

Sunset over Sandy Hook Anchorage

We got up this morning at 4:00 AM and left at 5:45 heading for Sandy Hook anchorage just inside the Atlantic Highlands Breakwater which is across from Manhattan.  We had about an 11 hour cruise today and although it began choppy, the water smoothed out later in the day.  It was just a long, boring and hot day.  Then we had to get fuel and find an anchorage among the dozens of sailboats.  Needless to say, we're tired!

Tomorrow we plan to leave about 8:00 AM heading for Manhattan following our friends Ron and Anita through the city and hopefully getting photos in front of the Statue of Liberty.

Year 2 Day 84

Today is Monday, June 18th and it's a GO for tomorrow.  We're planning to leave approximately 6:30 AM heading for Atlantic City via the Atlantic Ocean.  I think we'll stop in the casino and hopefully not have to decrease our cruising budget any more than we already have!  More to follow tomorrow!

Year 2 Day 83

Today is Sunday, June 17th and we're still at Cape May.  We actually had the bow thruster fixed several days ago and are currently waiting for a weather window to leave.  We had rain last week but the winds are incredible!  We're hoping to be able to leave tomorrow but Tuesday at the latest because the winds and the waves are expected to be low and since we're going out into the Atlantic, these have to be low!  Our first stop will be Atlantic City where we'll try to anchor out as the Trump Casino charges $4 per foot!

Bridge in background

We've taken our bikes across the very high bridge to the town center several times - once to have haircuts and once to have the nails done.  It's such a cute town and was the first seaside resort in the nation.  As they said on the trolley tour, the population is 3,500 but goes to 35,000 in the summer.  There are lots of old homes turned into B&Bs and condos.

Mike enjoying a 2 pounder

We've gone out to dinner with Ron and Anita a couple of times and since they rented a car, we've been able to go grocery shopping and to Wal-Mart.  Unfortunately I think we'll be saying good-bye to them as they're not doing the Great Loop and I think they're turning around and heading south so they can be in a good place to keep the boat over the next winter.  We've really enjoyed their company so they will be missed.

Gorgeous 70 ' boat parked next to us

Yesterday a 70' Outer Reef yacht came in and parked next to us on the transient dock having just arrived from the BVI.  It's an incredible boat and I would love to see the inside of it.  We've seen some  amazing yachts on this trip.

Year 2 Day 77 - Cape May, New Jersey

Swan appeared in marina as we were leaving Oxford

Today is Monday, June 11th.  We left Oxford on Friday morning and headed to Rock Hall, Maryland where we got a space on the free dock.  As we finished tying up, a man came over and told us we were not allowed to stay there because they were having a fishing tournament and needed the space for the boats to tie off to have their fish measured.  We informed him that we had left early that morning and weren't leaving but would move up as far as possible to be out of the way.  He wasn't happy but said OK.  Later a woman (Mike thought she was a man and called her sir but she was so big she could have whipped him into shape) came over and raised her voice and told him to leave.  He said we weren't leaving and that was that.  They ignored us and went on with the weighing in.  It lasted all of about 45 minutes and was over.

Our GPS as we're approaching Knapps Narrows

going from Choptank River to Chesapeake Bay

Bridge going down right after we had passed through

at Knapps Narrows preventing this large vessel from going through

This young man won the 1st prize in his age group

Passing under Chesapeake Bay Bridge

We left Rock Hall heading for Chesapeake City on Saturday morning.  This is on the C&D Canal which separates the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay and is approximately 12 miles long.  Our intention was to stay on the free dock but when we arrived, there were 2 large sailboats already against that dock so it was impossible.  We tried anchoring in the small bay but after 5 tries and neither anchor holding, we decided to head for Delaware City.  This added about 2 more hours of cruising time but we were glad we left because once arriving in this very small marina, there were Ron and Anita as well as 2 other looper boats.  We were invited aboard one of the other boats to celebrate one of them having "crossed their wake".  This is when you cross the place you first began on the loop.

We left early the next morning for Cape May which is on the tip of the state and has the Delaware Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.  Going down the bay was such a nice cruise as there was no wind and we "buddy boated" with Ron and Anita.  I had heard horror stories about this bay so we were pleasantly surprised.  It appears we're going to be here this week because we need to wait for a weather window to enter the Atlantic and start working our way up the coast to New York City.  Also our bow thruster went out again and we're having it repaired.

Cape May is a very touristy town and they say it has the greatest concentration of victorian architecture in the nation.  This afternoon we rode bikes across a very high bridge over to the town and down Washington Street to an outdoor mall at the very end.  Tomorrow we're taking a trolly tour around the houses and beach areas.  Since we're going to be here this week, I've got to fnd someplace to get a haircut!

Year 2 Day 73 Oxford, Md.

I was hoping this post would be from a different place but unfortunately we're still here.  Actually, the work was completed yesterday and we thought we were home free and took off this morning.  We were almost to Knapps Narrows when Mike went down below to check on things.  When he returned to the flybridge he was not happy and said we had to turn around.  There was still a leak but it was coming from something (not sure what) that wasn't tightened enough.  After repairing that issue, we took the boat out for a trial run.  Everything looks good so we'll try again tomorrow.

One positive note - our friends Ron and Anita surprised us and arrived here at the marina during the afternoon.  We got together and rode bikes to dinner.  As usual we had a great time with them.  They left early this morning.

Lifting the engine so work can be done on transmission seal

Sunset over the marina

Gorgeous Hydrangeas

Since I have always enjoyed gardening, I'm always interested in the flowers grown wherever we are.  These hydrangeas are spectacular all over this area and I'm so jealous as we can't grow things like this in Texas.  Anita and I went bike riding in the afternoon and asked a man if we could pick a flower for the boat.  He said to go ahead but his weren't as spectacular as others we had seen so later we ran up to a house that looked empty and grabbed a beautiful one.  I couldn't help myself.

Year 2 Day 72

Today is Wednesday, June 6th and the work has begun on repairing the leaking transmission seals.  Hopefully, they'll wind it up tomorrow and we can be on our way.

We rented a car and drove to Bethesda over the week-end and spent a quiet relaxing time with Chris our son-in-law as well as drove my car which has been sitting in his driveway for 3-4 weeks.  The battery was low and we had to charge it before the car would start.

Nothing much else going on here in Oxford.  Yesterday Mike worked on servicing the generator and I rode my bike to the little market here just to get out.  In the afternoon I sat out on the sundeck reading and watched all the turtles swimming in the little cove where we're docked.  Like I said before, there's so much nature to be observed here.  Also on the way home from the market, the doe I saw last week was standing in the front yard of a house munching on a branch or something as she had leaves sticking out from her mouth.  She didn't move as I rode by.  Amazing.

Hopefully, I'll have more to add once we leave here.