Thursday - June 13

Hello from rainy, chilly Utica, NY.     We weren't sure we would be traveling today with all the rain predicted.     It started around 8 AM, but Mark thought we could still move onto Utica (28 miles and 3 locks). as there was going to be a 3-hour break from the rain.    So....we left Sylvan Beach at 9 and on our way with a light misty rain.    All in all, the trip was fine - rained off and on, but then a dry reprieve.   We passed 2 barges and a big dredge along with a few pleasure boats.

  At Lock #20, (last of the day), we were tied up in the lock, gates had closed and ready for our 16' descent. 

   And then the lockmaster appeared and said we would wait for another boat coming....."what"???   Never saw that before that they would open the gates when the other boat wasn't there yet....we were cold and I was not happy....   It was a 50' SeaRay from IL - 2 guys on a boat delivery from Saugatuck, MI to Boston.    They stopped here just before us at the Utica Historical Marina for a short time and then on their way.    The owner did help us tie up!

So we settled in and around 3, the rain started.....we had more delicious leftovers tonight from Sapori's in Brewerton.   And we still have another meal coming....but it is sooo good with the homemade sauce, pasta and huge, fresh shrimp.   Mom and Dad are from Sicily and are the chefs.    Their daughter is waitress.    Needless to say, portions are ginormous!

We are parked in front of Aqua Vino Restaurant (only 1 other boat here tonight) and it is #12 out of 156 Utica restaurants.    We are about 2 miles from the city and downtown.

So all in all, a good day as we were warm, cozy and dry inside Catrina ......and with all the rain coming, did not want to stay in Sylvan Beach where not much was happening (except nighttime)!

Around 7:15, the sun came out - whoaaa...nice, so we put on hooded sweatshirts and rain coats and went for a walk.   Felt good after being on the water all day.