June 22 Location: Brewerton NY near Erie Canal Lock 23

We have been traveling the New York State Erie Canal System beginning at the Waterford, NY Visitor’s Center, located between the Federal Lock (formerly Lock 1) and Lock 2. This began our 160 mile journey westward. We will have passed through 24 locks when we reach Three River Junction tomorrow and are soon to be “lock” professionals. We made it through 9 locks one day, which was too many and made for quite a tiring experience. Most of the locks lifted us around 20 feet; Lock 17 is the exception and the highest on the canal system at 40 feet. From Three Rivers Junction, we will head northward on the Oswego Canal for an additional 26 miles and 7 locks to the city of Oswego and from there we will cross Lake Ontario and point Tadpole to Kingston, Ontario.

Several days ago while traveling through the locks, some debris entered the bow thruster and damaged it. I dressed in proper attire and made an attempt to check it out and possibly make the repairs. We made arrangements for repair here, in Brewerton, NY. I have used the time, without the bow thruster, to sharpen my “ helmsmanship” skills– a single engine, plus some wind, then add several other boats can add to the challenge.

We had been a flotilla of four boats for the past week and when we were not being challenged by the locks, we had time for plenty of conversation and laughter, meals together, walks and exploring our surroundings. However, yesterday, Tadpole and Blue Max IV broke off for a much needed day of R and R and stayed in Little Falls, NY for an extra day.

Will add photos tomorrow.