6/23/2011 THE FONDA TERMINAL TO BLAIN'S BAY MARINA

THURSDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 35 NM

DOCKED AT:        BLAIN’S BAY MARINA ($1.50/FT WITH BOAT US, W/P)

                              COHOES, NY

SUNRISE: 5:18      SUNSET: 8:37

HIGH: 70                LOW: 66             RAIN, RAIN, RAIN ALL DAY

TODAY’S FOUR LOCKS WERE A REPEAT: 6

   1. LOCK E12    TRIBES HILL

   2. LOCK E11    AMSTERDAM

   3. LOCK E10    CRANESVILLE

   4. LOCK E11    ROTTERDAM

   5. LOCK E8     GLENVILLE

6. LOCK E7       NISKAYUNA

The NY Canal workers gave us a wave as they boarded their vessel docked in front of us and cast off for their day’s work. Thanks guys!

THE NY BARGE THAT WAS DOCKED IN FRONT OF QUEST,
OFF FOR ANOTHER FULL DAY OF WORKING ON THE CANAL



OUR INDUSTRIAL DOCK AT THE FONDA TERMINAL



Dan found that there was a nearby Duncan Donuts when he connected into their Wi-Fi. He offered to treat us all to donuts and set off on his bike to find it. Mission accomplished, he was soon back on board with the booty.



Along with the rain we are experiencing swift currents and much debris in the canal waters. Dan is really earning his pay (HA!) as he dodges the floating trees and fights the agitated currents. Just before reaching Lock E9 we spotted this foggy vista to our starboard side.

WATER GUSHES FROM THE DAM

DODGING THE FLOATING LOGS

LIMBS AND LOGS IN THE LOCK

ERIE FOG



Today we finally saw the Erie Canals notable tug Urger. Built in 1901, she began her life as a fish tug on Lake Michigan and was often requested to assist the US Lifesaving Service due to her seaworthiness. In 1922 she was purchased by the NY Department of Public Works and put to work in the canal system. Although she was originally steam-powered, she now has a 1930s direct reversing diesel engine. To go in the opposite direction her engines have to be shut down, redirected and started again in reverse. To go forward you must reverse the procedure and restart again.

THE HISTORIC URGER

All day we traveled on with misty skies. Waterfalls sprang from every possible crevice in the shore lined cliffs.



LITTLE WATERFALLS SPROUTING ALL ALONG THE SHORE

 

After passing through Lock E7 and under the Twin Bridges, we docked at Blain’s Bay Marina for the night. There was both water and power but only one 50 AMP hook up. The lovely Century House restaurant on Route 9 sent a car to pick us up and we had the most enjoyable evening with great food, superb service, a cozy ambiance and some lovely wine. It was a nice end to a rainy day.

BLAIN'S BAY MARINA