7/3/14: We are still at Phoenix awaiting a weather window to cross Lake Ontario & head into Canada. We hope to cross 7/6/14. Once we cross into Canada I will only be able to update the blog when we find free Wi-Fi.  So keep checking back.

7/1/14: Today we completed the eastern section of the Erie Canal and entered the Oswego Canal. We passed by the popular tourist town of Sylvan Beach and the crossed Oneida Lake. We docked just before Lock 1 hone of the “Bridge House Brats” in Phoenix, NY. The Bridge House Brats is an organization that helps local kids. For tips the kids will deliver meals from local restaurants, escort you to local stores & help carry provisions. They also maintain the dock grounds. Great program.

6/30/14: Only 2 locks, 23NM, and then tied up at the free city dock in Rome.

Below are some of the things you will see along the Erie Canal.

6/29/14: Through Lock 14 & 18. We went to the Ilion Marina. What a charming place. Its an easy tie-up along the wall, free pump-out, and a small onsite hamburger restaurant. The burgers were the best.

Along the way there are Guard Gates that are used to control the water depth and dams that are very close to the canal.

Guard Gate

Lock 17 was rather impressive. 

It’s the highest lift lock 

on the Erie and the gate is

 lifted above the boat.

Entering Erie Canal Lock 17

Inside Erie Canal Lock 17

6/28/14:  Today we went through Lock 9 – 13 a slow 31.2 NM. We stopped just east of Lock 14 at the city docks in Canajoharie which offer free docking & electric. Lock 10 was a heck of a ride, the current was wicked.  

Canajoharie Free City Dock

6/27/14: Erie Canal: We left Waterford Welcome Center, went through 7 locks, traveled 22 NM, and tied up at Lock 8 (Scotia) wall for the night. Cindy & Joe aboard Chesapeake have now joined our caravan.

Russ working the ropes inside a lock.

6/25/14: We arrived at the Waterford Welcome Center, Waterford, NY the entrance to the Erie Canal. It seems like it has taken forever to get here.  The Welcome Center offers free docking with free electric, showers, & restrooms. The volunteers that run the center have free information about local attractions as well as valuable information about the Erie Canal.

When we arrived at the Center Cindy & Joe aboard Chesapeake were docked. We had spent some time with Joe & Cindy at Delaware City Marina earlier in June awaiting a good weather window before we all crossed the Delaware Bay.