We officially ended our Erie Canal travels today cruising 45 miles, 2 locks, 7 lift bridges and 50 more bridges. We passed many parks, too.
Our day started out rainy and cool. We had a unique experience walking downtown Albion to the HeBrews 5:9 coffee shop. It is a Christian based place full of signs and TV with video playing scripture readings, etc. My muffin (coffee cake) and Mark's cinnamon raisin bagel were delicious, but they don't have an espresso machine, so couldn't get a latte. It's all about coffee - light, medium, dark roast coming from other countries. I had a chai tea which was good.
The rain stopped around 8ish and we took off at 8:30. The sun came out at 9 and although cool and windy, very nice day. We kept our sweatshirts on and part of the day, ran the boat from down below.
We stopped in Medina for a pump out - this has been a favorite little town and love their "Shirt Factory Coffee Shop" but it's closed Tuesdays? They had thee best avocado toast! But not meant to be today.
About 1 hour after we left Albion, we got a message that their lift bridge was not functioning - arghhhh. We were so lucky to have gotten thru - as of tonight it is still closed. That's the thing about the Canal - so dependent on these lift bridges and locks working properly, skinny water, etc.!
We arrived at North Tonawanda at 3:30 and soon saw the folks we met in Brewerton (Hal and Laurie on "Gemini" and Mary and Chris on "Cashelmara".) So good to see them and at 5, we joined them and another couple from CA (Ron and Karen on "Knot Ready") for docktails and appetizers on Cashelmara. Fun time and then said our good byes as we are leaving tomorrow and they are staying here for 3 days.
We celebrated being done with the Erie Canal, locks, etc.......hip hip hooray!!!
Catrina is docked right in front of the Dockside Bar and Grill - a very happening place with all the outside tables filled with happy diners and lively music. We had BLT's onboard tonight and then went for a walk - getting chilly and down in the 50's overnight!
Memories of being here 3 years ago - good eating spots and the birthplace of the carousel (carved horses) and the Wurlitzer organ. Also Mississippi Muds for ice cream (had Brady, Liam and Connor with us)!
Everywhere we go we see "Help Wanted" signs - big shortage of workers and with the NY schools still in session, those high schoolers can't start till after June 25th IF they choose to get a job. It's the same all over the country!
We've all heard about the booming home sales with many offers and bidding wars going on. CRAZY! Emma was telling us that friends of hers had put in a hefty bid on a house but were outbid by $100,000 CASH and no inspections necessary, etc. UNREAL!!!!!
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