6/20/2011 UTICA TO SYLVAN BEACH AT THE ENTRANCE TO ONEIDA LAKE

MONDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY:      27 NM

DOCKED AT:              MARINERS LANDING MARINA

                                    SYLVAN BEACH AT LAKE ONEIDA

SUNRISE: 5:22          SUNSET: 8:45

HIGH:  82                  LOW:  51

TODAY’S LOCKS:    3

     1. LOCK E20      16’ LIFT         MARCY      18.22 MILES TO E21

     2. LOCK E21      26’ DROP      ROME           1.35 MILES TO E22

     3. LOCK E22      24.1 DROP    ROME          28.65 MILES TO E23 W. OF LAKE ONEIDA

After a quick shopping trip and returning the Porter’s rental car we made a late getaway from Utica and entered Lock E20. How nice it is to have Craig and Alexis here to lend a hand with the lines! This lock has a raised observation platform for spectators to view the lock’s activity. The New York State Canal System maintenance watercrafts continue to charm us with their signature blue and gold paint theme and eclectic assortment of vessels.

CRAIG HANDLES THE AFT LINES

        LOCK
  E20



THE ELEVATED OBSERVATION PLATFORM

NEW YORK CANAL SYSTEM TUGS

MINI-TUG

 During our leisurely cruise to lock E21, this contrast between the smoothly rounded train cars and the sharp angles of the railroad bridge reminded us of the randomness of beauty. Stop and smell the roses and take in mans’ enterprising feats along the way.

THIS ARTISTIC VIEW COURTESY OF MOTHER NATURE
AND MANS' INGENUITY

Lock E21 in Rome (as mentioned in the Erie Canal Song) was the first Erie Canal lock that we descended instead of lifting. The process is sooooo much smoother. In a little more than a mile we were again dropping in lock E22.

    DESCENDING AT LOCK E21

     THEN LOCK E22

Nearing Oneida Lake we began to pass some nice river homes on the banks. We slipped into the lake for a quick “look-see” and found the Verona Beach Lighthouse (1917) that was erected to mark the entrance into Wood Creek Canal at the east end of the lake.

VERONA BEACH HOME

CHECKING OUT ONEIDA LAKE

VERONA BEACH LIGHTHOUSE

THE SYLVAN AMUSEMENT PARK ROLLER COASTER

Sylvan Beach developed as a desirable resort during the 19th century. It has a popular beach and is home to the Sylvan Amusement Park with 21 rides, including a roller coaster.

After our short boat tour we returned to the canal to dock at Mariners Landing, slurp up some Quest Quenchers that Alexis made, walk into town for dinner at Eddie’s Restaurant (maybe not so great) and spend a restful night in Sylvan.

OUR MARINA FOR THE NIGHT