Still locking up the Mohawk River

Day 6, Thursday June 5 & Day 7, Friday June 6

On Thursday it was a very quiet morning at the Fonda Wall and the water was like glass before the wind picked up.



Early morning view across the river

After yesterday’s long trek we decided to take it easy today. We had a relaxing breakfast and waved Moon Dog off when they left at about 7:30.

Moon Dog tied up behind us and the reflection of a busy bridge

We were ready to leave about an hour or so later, headed west again and were lifted up through 4 more locks throughout the morning. We stopped just after lock 16 and tied up on the wall for the night. We thought there would be power but it was 50 amps which we couldn’t use. We thought it would be quiet and serene but a mower started up soon after we were settled in and that put an end to the quiet.

The mowing finally finished and we had the peace we desired to read, or, in John’s case take a well-deserved nap. There was a paved bike path along the canal and we took a good walk later. Clouds moved in, a good westerly breeze was blowing and the fluff coming off the trees was filling the air. What are those trees, anyway? Cottonwood comes to mind, but I am not sure that is it.

Later in the afternoon Loopers Nelson and Sandra on MS Destinees, their 39' Marine Trader, tied up behind us and chatted for a few minutes, otherwise we have our solitude with minimal connection to the outside world.

Captain’s Log June 5:

Depart: Fonda Wall 9:00 am
Locked through locks 13-16
Engine hours: 4.3
Clock time 4 hrs 5 min
Today's miles: 22.29
Arrive: Lock 16 West side wall 1:05 pm
Winds picked up 10-15 kts.

Day 7, Friday, June 6

Very cool windy morning as we went "next boat" to Destinees to have morning coffee with Nelson and Sandra and go over possible stops for later in the day. They followed us out and we traveled along together through 3 locks. The first one, lock 17, at 40' is the highest lift lock on the NY canal system and it seemed like it took us over half an hour to get to the top!

We stopped in Utica at the Utica Marina adjacent to the Aqua Vino Restaurant...More like on top of the restaurant. We heard the background patter of voices from the diners seated out on the open deck throughout the afternoon and evening. After a walk to pick up a few groceries we had dinner aboard, saving a splurge for Rome and Sylvan beach where we will be meeting friends.

Tied up at the restaurant wall

As a side note, we brought a mascot along from Florida to keep us company and bring us luck on the trip.  I was looking for something to take with us when my eye caught a very happy and serene frog in yoga lotus position. He made me smile, was made of unbreakable resin and so I scooped him up, bought him and named him Christopher (patron saint of travelers) Croaker. He is right at home on Serenity. In explanation, some residents of The Villages, where we have our home, call themselves "Croakers" because they love it there so much they never want to leave and hope to live out their life there until they croak. They often have a decal of a frog on their vehicle declaring their intention. 

Christopher Croaker having a moment by the herb garden -
the flowers at the restaurant are very nice, too

Captain's Log, June 6

Depart: West wall of Lock 16 at 8:15 am
Locked through locks 17-18-19
Engine hours: 6.1
Clock time 5 hrs 55 min
Miles: 31.35
Arrive: Aqua Vino at Utica, NY 2:10 pm
Clear, cool, windy, winds 10-15 kts.