July 2 – Monday
Another 7:30 AM departure from the lock wall at #11. Weather seemed even cooler and we still had a WNW wind blowing at us at about 15 Kts. so long sleeves, jeans and jackets were needed. The Erie Canal at this point is actually the bed of the Mohawk River and the scenery along the way is truly beautiful with a lot of green trees and hills and for miles, only a few riverside homes or weekend cottages. For many miles the river is also bordered alternately by the New York State Thruway (I-90) and an active rail line. In the early days, the Canal was the main transportation corridor because of geography and the railroad and eventually the highway followed the same natural route.
The days plan called for about 25 miles but the construction at our intended lock wall caused us to keep moving and after 27 NM we tied up at the top of #16 near the town of Johnsville, NY. So far the locks we have come through on the Erie Canal have lifted us a total of 308’. The wall tie area at lock #16 has a rural setting with a nice mowed grass area and a few picnic tables amongst some trees - a very pleasant spot, indeed. Following lunch at one of the picnic tables the girls, Polly, Gayle and Kathy got rigged up with sneakers, socks etc. and headed out for a walk. The captains gathered under a tree and discussed a wide range of topics including future legs of the voyage and how lucky we are to have wives as great as ours and what wonderful boat companions and crew they all are as well. Tomorrow we have a reservation at Ilion Village Marina near Herkimer and will stay there through the July 4th holiday since some stormy weather is in the forecast and we want to be off the water when it is likely to be crowded with holiday boaters