Departed Ilion Marina at 6:30.
This leg was similar to being back on the ICW, narrow canal and tons of debris to dodge.
Arrived Lock E-19-(21’ lift) at 7:15 and had to hold position for a bit while we waited for the lock to open. As we approached for entry, we passed under a rail bridge with a train going over. I was busy with lock prep and unable to take a photo, but it was pretty cool.
Lock E-20-(16’ lift): There was a small delay. Our great-grandson, Auden went through the lock with us via face time. This was an easy lock with the challenge of holding off of the wall due to large gaps in the sides created by eroding concrete. The gaps allowed for the fenders to fall even with the face of the wall, bringing the boat against the wall. We were cautious and had no concrete wall conflicts.
Lock E-21-(25’ drop): This was our first Erie Canal down lock. We locked through with a boat we had met back in North Carolina.
Lock E-22-(25.1’ drop) We are coming down fast.
We just came down and out as Jams Toy went in:
That’s it for us on locks today. Our last venture for the day was to get across Lake Oneida.
We ducked into Winter Harbor Marina in Brewerton, NY., on the Oneida River. We made plans to stay here two nights for a little R&R. Winter Harbor lived up to their reputation. Leslie ran a tight and professional ship. All staff were friendly and helpful. We arrived on a Friday, Saunter was hauled out Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. for a quick inspection of the cutlass bearing, prop, thrusters, everything on the underside. The prop showed a bit of wear from hitting something but no real damage to be concerned about. She got an A+ and Glen feels reassured about the rest of the trip.
We met Chris and Becky, locals that have a home 10 minutes from the marina but spend every opportunity on their boat. They are retired state of NY employees (younger than us) and living the dream. Great people. Chris is also a musician (mostly country). Each night he would sit on the back of his boat and play his guitar and sing. We really enjoyed the entertainment.
Sunday morning, we got up bright and early and departed at 6:45 to catch the 7:00 a.m. E-23 lock (last of the Erie Canal System). We went under the first bridge and heard loud noises and pops and then we knew what had happened. In preparation for the locks today, the arch was tipped back but the antennas were not. Yep, we lost both antennas and promptly turned around and headed back to Winter Harbor where we thought we would be spending another night or two, since it was Sunday, and we probably couldn’t get any repairs done. We tied up at the dock we left from and started bringing the remaining parts down. Chris said that there is usually someone in the shop on Sundays so Glen walked up and was told to help himself to the parts that are available and just let them know what he takes. Wow! You don’t find that kind of trust anymore. After a bit of fussing around, Glen had everything up and working. We managed to be back underway by 10:45 a.m. Thank you Winter Harbor!!!
