NEW FRIG Reunion
My silence has not been the result of
scraping our radar dome on a bridge – yet. As you can hopefully see on a few of
these photos, we cleared them all. The kind lock keepers lowered the dam on
that short bridge a few days ago to give us some extra air. As a side note, we cannot say
enough positive words about the professional lock tenders on the Erie Canal. They have been unfailingly cheerful – in spite
of many rainy days or high water – and extremely helpful answering questions and providing
advice. All of this even though their hours have been cut sharply this year and
many were laid off due to budget cuts. Instead of making them bitter or
unhelpful, we have experienced the opposite. For example, if we had to wait or
if they did not immediately answer the radio, they apologized for keeping us
waiting or thanked us for our patience! We, on the other hand, are so grateful
not to be hand cranking the locks; their courtesy and thoughtfulness has been
touching. In our view we are the fortunate ones and appreciate the work they
are doing often in very remote locations and under adverse conditions.
Frig installation, while successful,
was chaotic. The adults on board handled the flood of tools and rearrangement
of cushions gracefully, Princess Annie communicated her massive displeasure by
hissing loudly at anyone who came near her and Frank took a nap. Arch and Susan
arrived a few hours after us at the Newark, NY free dock with a truck load of
tools and appliances. The boys spent the evening switching the doors so they
opened on the correct side. The disassembly was quick, but dinner was late when
the reassembly required major surgery.
Fortunately both Arch and Steve are geniuses with tools and have no fear
of drilling holes in brand new stainless steel. The real fun began the next
morning when they pulled out the old frig – pulled does not really describe the
actions required – and updated the wiring for the new AC/DC frig. Susan and I
found this a perfect opportunity to visit the clock museum in town where we
timed it perfectly to join a tour of the collection of more than 400 clocks. I
have a whole new perspective on clocks plus the technology and workmanship
involved in both the “works” and the cabinetry. Being retired I care much less
about the actual time these days; however, I now appreciate that not many
centuries in the past only the very wealthy could afford an accurate time
device. Early time pieces were works of art in keeping with their value and
status. Susan and I especially enjoyed the German organ clock that played 8
German folk tunes. Sadly such an item would not fit our boater lifestyle. While
the boys worked on the boat Susan also took me to the local Wegmans and to
visit Dudley and Nan Carlson – distant cousins of Arch. Serendipitously they
live in Newark so Arch and Susan could combine their canal rescue mission with
a family reunion/get-acquainted visit with Dudley and Nan. I also got a tour of
Nan’s garden which rivals Steve’s sister Kathy’s field of flowers. Similarly,
both houses sit on a slope with magnificent views of fields and lush plantings
dotted with artistic touches. I will post some pictures when I get them from
Susan since I somehow managed to get off the boat without any sort of camera.
(lost in the disarray?)
lots to smile about already?
By evening and to everyone’s
amazement, the new frig was working! (Amazement had nothing to do with the
boys’ skills and everything to do with all the work that they managed to get
done in a one very long day.) It only took four transfers of the frig contents
to get resettled – one occurring early in the morning in pouring rain on the
back deck – (my pajamas were still damp by evening – thank goodness for the
dryer on board!) In all honesty the new frig is smaller, but it looks nicer and
actually keeps things cold on whatever power is most efficient. So, my new
motto is “Small is Good”. In addition, thanks to Arch’s woodworking skills, I
have gained a new locker under the frig.
The next morning we reconstructed our
boat – put away the tools, loaded the old frig in Arch’s truck, and cast off
for a nine mile run. Arch and Susan remained on board as a bonus. We visited
the self-proclaimed “Queen” City of the canal – Palmyra, NY for lunch and a
visit to the coverlet museum – well the girls anyway. The boys had to go back and finish putting
the flashing around the new frig – so it now looks even more beautiful – like
it was always there. A huge thanks goes to Arch and Susan for devoting so many
days to this project and literally making it happen. We were delighted that they could continue
with us to Fairport for another night on Erben Renewal. Our beautiful weather
ended overnight so again we are watching the rain, but at least not working on
wiring, hauling and drilling. Dudley kindly came to pick up the Elvings which
is why they were able to cruise with us away from their truck which was left at
the Carlson’s house. Our good byes were not as poignant as when they were
heading back to Saudi since we have hopes of seeing them sooner rather than
later – hopefully for a longer cruise on Erben Renewal or a an Erben visit to
the Elving’s Tree Farm.
Holy cross roads - a church on every corner
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