The approaching storm...The background map doesn't show at all but all that green is rain. The white area it where we started. The green area is where we were headed.
In looking at the weather on Saturday and Sunday, I decided that Saturday would be the better day to travel. Things started out pretty smoothly. No rain and the temperature was in the high 60's. I decided to leave the windows below deck open so Piper could ride below while underway. Big mistake. The lake turned out to be rough anyways and water came in through the windows. I found a weather cam. The lake doesn't look too bad at the moment but then there's a big tree in the way.
We get to lock 23 in Brewerton and see that the weather is still holding out. The lock master tells me that the canal is closed from lock 24 on. I had no idea and never knew to check this kind of thing. We've had a lot of rain but it has been dry for the past week. We also learn that it is a free canal weekend. So, good news and bad news. Jay takes the boat through lock 23 and I drive ahead to lock 24 which is in our home town.
Side view. The boat has just been cleaned and has a freshly painted bottom so I thought I'd get some shots as they pass by.
There's Piper in the back. She loves going for boat rides!
Here's a shot of them going into the lock.
This is what the doors look like closed. I just love the lock!!
Here are the open doors of the lock and the lock master's building. This guy was awesome, he let us use the bathroom in that building instead of the port-a-potty on the other side. Thanks to my hero!
So as Jay passes through the lock, Chelsey and I go back to the truck. We drive home, drop off Dexter (the dog who has had a nice swim) and head out to lock 24.
At lock 24, the lock master gives me the situation. The river is unsafe due to the water pressure and the high waters. Must be a strong current although, I don't know how that would matter with our power cruiser but then, I'm not the expert here. They let people through the lock but the boats have to tie off on the wall until the boatell (that's what it sounded like) comes to escort the boats down the river. Then there was a conversation about where to park. I wouldn't mind being stuck on some of these bigger boats for a week or so at the Baldwinsville lock 24. There's a lot to do in town.
Here is Paula, Jay, and Piper posing near the lock after a great lunch at the Lock 24 restaurant.
Here is Chelsey and Piper at this historic thing.
Chelsey and Piper at the lock 24 visitor center. What a cute place!
Chelsey and Piper at the Lock 24 library. What a great idea. On the other side is a glass cabinet with books in it. Mostly novels. You can take a book to read and probably add to their collection. Kind of like a book trade.
Here is Jay and Piper bringing the boat into lock 24.
Jay and Piper looking at me as I take the picture. I'm on the other side of the lock, obviously.
Here is one of my favorite little buildings. At night, there is a spot light that makes this business stand out. Its an organic salon (need a haircut, color, oxygen treatment?). The owner does a great job. Our daughters are friends so Chelsey was able to have a nice little visit while we sorted out our boat situation today.
The town is really ideal for boaters stuck at the lock. Within walking distance, we have...
- liquor store, one close, and one farther away but still within walking distance
- a library
- several restaurants including the famous Bville diner
- there is a gas station that fills growlers (craft beer exchange), a Sunoco
- lots of pizza places
- a dollar store
- 2 banks that I can recall
- groceries- Kinny's, Byrne Dairy
- several doctor's offices of varying specialties
- there's a museum close by
- churches in walking distance
- Red Mill Inn if you get sick of staying on your boat
- Paper Mill Island has concerts almost weekly throughout the summer
So to all you stuck boaters, I hope the river conditions improve enough for your travel to whatever destination is in your future. For us, its hanging out at home waiting for the rain to stop. (Although, I absolutely love being on the boat in the rain. Listening to the patter of rain on the deck while I'm all cozy inside the boat...)
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