Monday - June 24

We left at 6:48 this morning from Ilion.   Went thru 4 locks (2 going up and 2 going down).    Crossed Oneida Lake which was smooth as glass and arrived in Brewerton (like being home) at 2:27.    The Oswego Canal is still closed and so Loopers are stranded here and there.    We could not get a slip at EssKay so, staying at Winter Harbor where Flo and Big Red are stored.    We are tucked in here with boats from all over the country patiently waiting for locks to open and be on their way.

For us, we are just gonna chill - things to do these next few days and we have Big Red to take us wherever.

One of the BIG things I forget to mention (duh) is the awful current yesterday in 2 locks especially - wow....just really moved Catrina around.    And same thing coming into fuel dock here at Winter Harbor!    My "landing" was not pretty and Mark took over.   Scary, but lots of help on the dock!
Made me feel better when I saw another boat come in and have same issue.    And then tonight watched helplessly across the water as a big one came in and had a terrible time docking with the current.

We are docked in front of "Nautilus" with Rob and Jill who we met in Amsterdam and had dinner with.    And across the way is "Wishingstar" from Key West and "The Blessing" from Winnipeg, MB

Looopers love to party and shortly after we arrived, Jill stopped by and said we're having a potluck at 6:30 here on the dock!    Last night all the Loopers from here at Winter Harbor dinghyed or biked over to Ess Kay where Ethan and Kim (owners) threw a big Looper party (sorry we missed that)!

We got Big Red out of storage and off we went to Wegman's for some salami, cheese, crackers and chocolate chip cookies for our contribution.

Great party with all these Looper friends....docktails followed by delicious potluck (tenderloin, roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, salad, French bread, etc., etc.)    Also yummy painkillers made by Rob.

Met so many neat folks all with a story to share....and all hoping to be on their way soon!

WOW!!!

Michael sent this incredible photo taken tonight at Lake James!