A spectacular day on the water - we were off the dock shortly before 7 to make the 1st lock opening following "Whatever" from Perry Hill, MD. Before we left Lyons, Bob (Ambassador for Lyons and very knowledgeable about the locks) stopped by with a pamphlet all about the "100 must-see" miles on the Erie Canal. He also joined us at the next lock and took several pics of Catrina and us.
We had 3 locks all close together after leaving Lyons and all was going well with Catrina following "Whatever" until we got to the 4th lock (Palmyra) we were told by the lockmaster that we couldn't go thru (skinny water aka as "shallow") and only one-way traffic. So, we waited over an hour for the small boat going east to finally come thru and by then 3 other boats had caught up to "Whatever" and us. So, we all locked in together (Northern Lights and Everything Cool from yesterday).
While waiting, we visited with "Whatever's captain. He is a boat delivery guy from Cape Coral taking "Whatever" from Baltimore to its new owners in Sturgeon Bay, WI. He's been doing this for 20 years and retiring after this year. Obviously he has this well figured out after 20 years doing the locks, lines, fenders, driving, etc., etc. by himself!
After that long-awaited Lock 29 was finally past us, we had 3 miles of very skinny water. Several boats (mostly sail) were waiting in Newark and could be there for up to 2 weeks as their draft (depth) could be no more than 4'. You just never know what you'll find with maintenance, break downs, water depths, etc on the canal and locks that can cause a quick halt to your cruising.
Along the way today...
So, 30 miles, 5 locks and 5 1/2 hours later, we are in Fairport (a favorite on the canal) and where some of the kin live. We lost about 1 hour, 20 minutes with the wait. But with the beautiful weather and all of nature around us, it was no biggie.
Mark wanted an ice cream fix so having been here before, we knew (and hoped) they would still be there. The main bridge thru town is closed and major repair work going on (2-year project). So we have to walk a little further (good for us) and cross another bridge. This bridge is steel and lots of CLANG CLANG and noisy, but we'll get used to it. The dockage along the walls here in Fairport are at a premium in this popular little village. Fairport is the only port on the canal where they charge ($17 per night - very nominal fee. When we were last here, it was $14).
The ice cream shop was still there but didn't open till 3. WHAT???? So we went to The Royal Cafe and enjoyed some of awesome gelato The smallest dish was $4.50 but that was 3 scoops (all different flavors) and all delicious. We see our favorite Fairport coffee shop (Fair Pour) is still here, so that's good to know for another time. Back to Catrina to rest, read, etc. We are docked along the wall with 3 nice shade trees beyond the sidewalk! It's a very pleasant afternoon and we are happy to be here thru the weekend - the Captain needs a break, especially his back which is really bothering him today.
Diane from St. Pete, FL on "Moonstruck" (a sister ship to Catrina) is here in Fairport with hubby, PJ and stopped in to visit this afternoon.
Mark grilled out bacon/cheddar burgers and Italian sausage (future meals) tonight. Along with Wegman's yummy pasta salad, made for a great summertime supper.
Went for a nice walk along the water, past shops, restaurants, several churches and lovely old homes. So sad to see the Green Lantern Inn closed as this had been a thriving inn and restaurant (Mr. Dominic's) just 3 years ago.
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