Unexpected

The unexpected

Leaving Kingston with a favorable tide we headed north, planning to anchor behind Houghtaling Island but about an hour out Steve discovered a “small” leak in the diesel fuel injector pump – is there such a thing as a “small” leak? We made it to the anchorage while calling every shop up and down the river looking for competent and available mechanics. Late in the afternoon we got the call from Coeymans Landing that they could help and had room for us on the dock. We headed in for diagnosis and hopefully repairs…..

Those repairs turned out to be an easy fix. We spent less than a fast food meal and were underway with the afternoon rising tide arriving at the Waterford Visitor Center to squeeze on their dock with a flock of other boats.  After a visit to the local Hannaford’s Market which is open 24/7 and kindly lets boaters transport shopping carts back to the dock, we headed up the flight of five locks with the first opening in the morning. Since we have traveled this route before we scurried on to spend the night in Amsterdam, NY on the Riverlink Park wall.  This first day on the canal included 38 miles and 9 locks for a long, full and mostly uneventful cruise.  Our boat was rocked dramatically with Julia at the helm when we encountered a submerged log – or a small mountain? Steve was doing his engine room checks when we tilted 30 degrees – it felt more like 45 – with the accompanying slide to starboard of all things not screwed down.  Thankfully, there seems to be no major mechanical fallout from this “wooden” greeting, but Julia’s nerves are a little frayed – OK a lot.

Onward we have traveled again visiting boater friendly Canajoharie, this time getting to the museum with time to enjoy the art collection and also walking up to the boiling pot formation on the creek that gave the town its Indian name. Oh yes, the antique stores were also open this time around. 

 not a small POT!

From there we went on to a quiet dock after lock 18 in a remote park that was blissfully free of train noise. The lock tender gave Steve the tour of his antique equipment in one of the vintage canal corp buildings. We were also entertained by a commercial barge that locked through. Since he completely filled the lock, we dropped our ropes and got out of his way – seeing out former spot fully occupied by his bulk as he eased into the lock.

Our next stop was Utica for a tour of the FX Matt brewery – tasting included.  Little did we know this is the first brewery to be reopened after prohibition and is the second oldest family owned brewery in the state. They have a beautiful building that is devoted to their tour and tavern which we enjoyed. Utica seems to be a town not yet fully renewed.  Some of the old buildings have been torn down while others have been restored.  Lots of old buildings also remain in rough shape but the potential is there for revitalization. The Stanley Theatre, the heart of the old downtown, thankfully is being restored. We also heard that a local businessman is in the process of building a new hotel and marina in the old harbor. The Auto Plus parts store not only had the parts Steve needed but also offered us a ride back to the boat which we appreciated on a sunny but warm afternoon. Friendliness abounds in upstate NY. Heading to Lake Oneida in the morning….

A FAMILY hardware store!