This “unique” place was recommended as a good facility to have your mast taken down. The low bridges on the next part of the route and the locks on the Eric Canal require us to be a power boat again. The Creekside Restaurant is on site and is much nicer inside than their restrooms/showers building – see picture. Most boaters decide to shower on their boats.
We had a big problem getting the roller furling disconnected as the drum mechanism is buried in the anchor locker. By the way, Beneteau no longer puts this system on their newer models and we know why! Paul and Shawn of Hop-O-Nose alternated having their heads in the anchor locker working on it until Paul finally got it to let loose and their crane lowered our mast onto the supports around 9pm! By this time we had been through intermittent thundershowers and made a run to the local Price Chopper for groceries in a borrowed car. They said we won the prize for being the “biggest pain in the ___”. Just our roller furling that is!We ended up being there three nights. This is our new "look" as we left on Saturday the 15th. We did a simpler job this time and didn't detach all the rigging. We just laid everything along the mast and wrapped it with a large roll of clear plastic. Also we'll be on calmer waters, not like the waves on Lake Michigan last Fall.
Back on the Hudson we motored under the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.
This was our view aft (behind us) of the lovely Catskill Mountains.
This was our obstructed view forward going under another set of bridges.
It’s a little challenging to see through the supports , shrouds, etc.
We spent a peaceful night anchored in Schodack Creek off the river. There were quite a few boats rafted together that were there for the night also.
On Sunday we went past Albany, the capitol of New York. The most exciting thing about Albany was seeing five or so homemade boats in some sort of a parade. We weren’t sure what it was all about but they looked like they were having a good time!
Later on we encountered our 29th lock of the trip but our first since June 5th leaving the Dismal Canal in Virginia. The lock at Troy, NY is a federal lock operated by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, unlike those on the Erie Canal which are operated by the State of New York.
This lock was a bit different as you put your line around a pipe going down the side of the lock wall. We had that line midships, Paul was at the bow keeping the mast off the wall (very important!) and I was at the stern fending off as needed. It was a little tense at the start but all went well. ONE down and thirty-four to go!
This was the sign as we turned west and tied up at the Waterford, NY Visitors’ Center.
We think we’re going to like this part of the trip. There’s no charge for your first two nights at the dock, after that it’s $10! The town provides free water, electricity and a shower (of sorts) in the visitors’ center but what do you want for nothing? We ate at an Irish Pub in town and walked a few blocks to a very new and clean laundromat (something else we’ve come to appreciate on this trip). We also checked out Don and Paul's coffee shop. We were told they have depression era prices. I (Em) had the special of two eggs, toast and coffee for $1.75 - such a deal!
Tomorrow morning we’re off to the first lock of the Erie Canal which is about 100 yards in front of us. Paul says to say that it’s officially Lock #2 (there is no Lock #1).
Note to those who love Ginger: more evidence of fleas - boo! The Frontline Plus AND Hartz flea powder AND flea collar don’t seem to be working. Luckily we’ve never seen any of the critters in the boat and only a very few on her, just their “leavings” – so icky!
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