The free docks at Mechanicville. Several of the towns offer free dockage with electric and water to attract boaters business.
Lock 4, we are heading up.
The markers on the canal are very differnt than most ICW markers.
We had heard the Steamboats were staging at Sheylerville, so we tied at the dam free dock, walked the entire town,only to find out the steamboats were on the other side of the dam, 200 feet away.
The tug Urger , originally a steam tug, has been restored by the state and was on dislplay.
The steam engine is not functional, but still in place. The tug is powered by a diesel.
This day ended with the Lady tied to lock number 7's wall, just north of the dam. More accurately, we were tied mainly to the trees.
7/1/09
This moring's fog delayed my usualy early A.M. departure.
The tug mango, was very inefectivly trying to manuver this barge to the shoreline, which closed the canal for several hours.
Our secound delay for the day was this family of ducks had to lock down, and depart the lock, before we could lock up.
Lock # 8
The highest elevation in this system is Lock #9, we were 140 feet above sea level, and in fresh water, and in the mountains!
There were moutains all around us!
Wow!
We arrived at the Free dock with water and electric, at Whitehall N.Y. about 3 p.m.
The American Legion is right across the street. As is the laundry, and in fact most of the town.
7/2/09
Because the docks, electric, and water are free, because it's a really hospital town,and because we could, we stayed another day.
Our next door neighbors for our stay were Jerry and Linda, cruising the Great Loop on there 36 Monk trawler, "Monk's Vinyard"
There is a very nice museum right by the docks,
I especially enjoyed the Horny Chair on display.
Oh ,yeah,
it's still raining!
7/3/09
It's a beautiful trip up the "narrows" on Lake Champlain, and finally, the sun was out. It's cold, but the sun is out!!
These tripod stands are put up for the Osprays to nest.
Mom, Dad, Son and dog, all cruising on a 26 Ranger Tug.
Passing Fort Ticonderoga
This ferry crosses the chanel using a cable strung across the waterway. You give this boat lots of room when your cross in front of behing him.
Entering Lake Champlain, purple mountain majesty's are all around us!
about 2:30 we left the lake and heading up Otter Creek to the free docks at Vergennes, Vt. It's about the longest 7 mile trip you will ever take, but well worth the time.
Vergennes is another city the welcomes boats with free dockage, electric , water, and a phenomenal view!!
You do have to share a 110 volt 30 amp wall type plug, with other visitors, but at these prices , who can complain.
It's also a long run to the dock, bring your extension cords.
The city of Vergennes appeared very prosperous.
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Evening's they have constantly changing lights shinning on the falls.
7/5/09
If you have ever done the Great Loop, or have been watching my web pages, you have to admit, the senery keeps getting better and better! Every day is new Eye Candy, ever changing, and forever in you mind.
Stoped in Burlington VT. for a last fill up before leaving the USA. Only had room for 44 gallons which cost $3 a gallon.
Heading to the mountains!
There are very few protected anchorages or marina's on upper Lake Champlain. It was blowing 15 knots gusting, the lake was kinda rough, so we pulled into Phatsburg Marina, which would be protected in the North West winds.
7/6/09
Hung the yellow customs flag, and right as we crossed into Canada, there was the Customs Pier. Pulled in, clearing was pretty easy, and were on our way in less than 20 minutes.
Just past customs lies Fort "Blunder", so nicknamed as the Canadians by mistake built in on US soil. Thanks Canada.
Lock 10 on the Chambly Canal.
The dockmaster had us lead two other boats for the journey thru the Chambly Canal. The speed limit is 10 kilometers per hour, or about 6 mph.
The canal is narrow, windy, very senic, and tons of fun to navigate thru.
Because of the speed limit, the swing bridge tenders are usually open awaitng your arrival.
There are sections where you are cruising above the rooftops!!
Locks 1,2,and 3 are staircased to take you down to Lake Chambly. Along with our lockage pass, we purchased a mooring pass which alows us to stay at all of Canada's Locks with docks, and park docks, and public docks for free for the year. Thats us at the bottom of the 3 lock flight dock.
This is our view from the aft deck, looking up at the 3 flights of locks.
This canal system was built in the 1800's, is still original, and hand operated.
This hand operated crank opens and closes the water valve to flood or drain the locks.
7/7/09
It was another rainy day, so we walked into the very clean and neat town, for breakfast, and shopping at the local mall.
All the signs were in french,and that's the cost of gas per litre.
We left about 11 am, and a few hours later , this float plane landed beside us in the water.
The pilot then proceeded to his garage complete with driveway to enter from the water.
Clairborne's guide book warned us about this narrow channel thru the bridge , and swift current.
He definatly told the truth!
You don't get this in Key Largo.
7/8/09 ish (puter problems, not sure on the dates)
