7/23/2010 WHITEHALL, NY TO CHIPMAN POINT, VT (LAKE CHAMPLAIN)

We bid Whitehall farewell this morning and made our way through the last Canal Lock, #C-12. We didn’t have far to go as we could see it from our dockage. The canal journey was a great experience and I would recommend it to all those who have an interest. “Just Do It”.

WHITEHALL LOCK C-12

SO LONG CANAL, HELLO LAKE CHAMPLAIN

Welcome to Lake Champlain, named after Samuel de Champlain who discovered it in 1609. It is over 120 miles long, 10 miles wide at the widest point, has a shoreline of over 500 miles and a surface area of 490 square miles. It divides New York with the looming Adirondacks and Vermont with the beautiful Green Mountains. The lake is also the “reported” home of the unconfirmed monster “Champ”. We will keep a keen lookout for his presence and report any sightings!!

We began seeing bass and perch fishermen dotting the shores and scattered throughout the Lake. True   "die-hards" on this drizzly day. We also watched folks “harvesting” water chestnuts near Benson Landing.

HARVESTING WATER CHESTNUTS

We were also lucky enough to see the Lois McClure, an exact replica of an 1862-class sailing canal boat. This schooner will make its way through the locks and canals to Rochester this summer, stopping in ports along the way to allow people to come aboard for a tour.

THE LOIS McCLURE

This dive boat was supporting a diver in the process of bringing up a jeep that sank this past winter when he drove out on the ice and , well, you get the picture. Ice broke and car sank.

OOPS!!

We approached the darling Chipman Marina and tied up in the rain. Once all the normal docking chores were finished, Dan began the task of raising the previously lowered mast and securing it a more semi-permanent fashion. We will find the need to lower it again if (or when) we retrace our steps and go back down the Hudson. Dan being creative!

CHIPMAN MARINA

DATED HIGH WATER LINES

THE MAST IS BACK UP AND STANDING PROUD

Mike and Barbara Wraga arrived loaded with goodies and enthusiasm for our weekend together on Lake Champlain. Mike made haste to launch his boat and the guys got some fishing time in right away while Barbara and I made dinner. Alas, we did not have fish for dinner.

BARBARA WRAGA