Monday - July 23

Thunderstorms are in the forecast for later today....so, decided to leave early.   We were pulling away from the dock (with help of nice guy from Vermont who was docked in front of us) at 7:59.  

  Bye bye Tonawanda and Smith Boys Marina - we sure enjoyed our time here!

 

Cruised 37 miles today and mostly cloudy but pleasant on the water.  Went thru 2 locks at Lockport and lost 1/2 hour as we had to wait on 2 large tour boats coming thru.    So, all familiar territory as we head east and decide which towns we want to visit again.  

 

Arrived in Medina (a favorite from before) at 1:15.     We may stay here till Thursday as Tuesday and Wednesday are to be rainy!

 

This afternoon we met Rich....while we were exercising and what a story!

 

Rich is 42 years old and traveling around the country on his kayak.    He has been on the east coast, west coast, Canada, Maritime Provinces and originally started his trip 3 years ago in New Orleans.   He averages 18-25 miles per day and his kayak is 19' by 22" and amazing where he puts all his stuff including a tent, clothes, food, paddles and other personal things.    When he's not kayaking around the country, he is a motivational speaker at schools and elsewhere.   He is a professional adventurer, explorer and inspirationist.

Sure wish the boys could've met him and heard some stories!!! 

 Rich and  his home 

 

Some fun photos from Lake James this weekend

Batman (aka Luke) 

Maeve is too young to get her face painted, but has Miss Kitty on her hand!

 

Cardboard boat races using 2 large boxes and 1 roll of duct tape for each participant. 

Brady and his paddle 

The builders...Philip, Maeve, Brady, Walker (friend), Luke, Michael

Brady placed 6th out of 19! 

Daddy/Uncle Phil taking Luke, Maeve and Blair for a spin on the tube

Never too early to start this fun!!!

 

 We wanted to go to Zambistro for dinner but closed tonight.    Last time we were here, we ate at Fitzgibbons Irish Pub which was very good.    Rudy's Diner is #4 on Trip Advisor so that's where we went and it was good comfort food (ghoulash for Mark and lasagna for me)!

After sprinkles off and on....the rain is coming down nicely - western NY is so dry!