Free is always nice

Free is always nice

Leaving Hudson we had a short day into Coeymans Landing Marina in Coeymans NY.  This excellent and most friendly stop was booked in the event we needed to repair that drip in the engine room.  However since the drip stopped on its own, we ordered parts and tools plus mail and enjoyed  a relaxing afternoon at Coeymans without the need of working on the engine. Laundry did get done and visiting with the friendly residents and owners of this cheerful spot on the Hudson. 

After purchasing our lock pass we scooted up to Mechanicville, NY through three locks to land on their FREE DOCK.  This very hospitable stop is funded by a grant to provide a lovely new bath house, free power pedestals, free pump out, and free 48 hour docking.  We took the opportunity to walk up to the local grocery store and relax in this spot where we docked last fall.  

From M’ville we had a long, long day through seven locks beginning with a rainy morning up to Fort Ann where another free dock is provided by the city a short walk from the tiny village but an easy place to stretch our legs after the long run.  Thankfully the rain finally stopped so we could enjoy a dry walk.

We paused for a couple of hours on the wall in Whitehall another town that welcomes cruisers with FREE amenities – however we only stopped to raise our mast and re-position our anchor light.  This did allow time for a run to the Green Mountain Grocery store to procure a couple lobsters, some scallops, salmon and sausages before we cleared the last lock on the Champlain canal and cruised on into the river portion of Lake Champlain.  Night found us under the fog enshrouded summit of Mount Defiance and Fort Ticonderoga.  Through 11 of the 12 canal locks we were alone but on the last lock we were joined by three Canadian sail boats.  Otherwise, this stretch of our trip has been free of traffic – only the occasional fisherman and those pesky dredges who are still working on restoring the canal.

Our final night before arriving in Burlington VT was spent on the Vermont side of the lake in Converse Bay – again we pretty much had it to ourselves but for the odd and brave mid-week fishing boats. It was as scenic a stop and useful once again for Steve to give our hull a quick (due to the limited growth and COOL water temp) scrub.