7/17/2010 ALBANY TO SCHUYLERVILLE

This being our first day to enter into the Champlain Canal, several modifications had to be made to the Quest in preparation. Since there are bridges that we are not able to pass beneath as we stand, the mast had to be lowered. Not being an option the boat was equipped with, Dan, Craig and Charles hauled out the tools and began to hack away. Four hours later, the mast was laid down and we made for our first lock.

WITH HAMMER

AND SAW

AND DRILL, THE MAST WAS LAID DOWN

THE NEW STRIPPED DOWN LOOK FOR THE QUEST

The Federal Lock is located in Troy, New York and we approached with heightened excitement. We entered upon seeing the “green light” and Craig grabbed the tie down pole to secure our ropes. All eyes were on the lock doors closing to our rear and the water rushing in from the front. As we rose steadily to the top the guys were constantly checking that we were positioned correctly. The Canal Master welcomed us, checked our seasonal canal pass then bade us a “good day” as we exited our first lock. Nice job, crew!

APPROACHING THE FEDERAL LOCK ON FAR RIGHT

DOORS CLOSING

TIGHT TO THE SIDE

WELCOME

LEAVING OUR FIRST LOCK

The famous Erie Canal took off from our left at Waterford but we resisted the urge and continued northward to Lock C-1at Halfmoon, NY. Enter, tie up, rise and then exit. You get the idea.

ERIE OR CHAMPLAIN CANAL?

Lock C-2 and C-3 were only 15 minutes apart in Mechanicville. I took over the job of grabbing the tie-down pole and securing the boat in preparation for the Porters’ departure tonight. No problems.

LOCK C-2, NOW CLOSING

JUDY MANNING THE ROPE AT LOCK C-3

The rail bridge just prior to Lock C-4 really gave us some heart palpitations as we crept under with only a couple of inches to spare.

WE MADE IT BUT CRAIG HAD TO DUCK

Lock C-4in Stillwater offered this lovely picnic area to visitors and we found this sea-plane just past the lock. These geese wanted nothing to do with us.

LOCK C-4 AND PICNIC AREA

PRIME PARKING PLACE

WERE OUTTA HERE

We approached Schuylerville and our night’s resting place around 6:00 and were greeted by owners, Judy and Phil Dean. We quickly overtaxed their electrical system with our demanding air conditioners but things cooled down as we all had dinner at Amigos Mexican Cantina right there in Schuylerville. Janet and Lorna joined us and Craig and Alexis said “good bye” for now. Thanks for all your help!

WELCOME TO SCHUYLERVILLE

MARINA

QUEST RIGHT AT HOME

HUGS FOR ALEXIS

PORTERS DE-CAMPING OR SHOULD I SAY DE-BOATING?