The few tugboats that we've seen are pulling their barges rather than pushing them.
We anchored for the night in the Schodack River, one of the tributaries to the Hudson. Commuter trains to NYC run along the east bank of the river.
Rain was predicted to start at noon the next day, so we got an early start hoping to get docked before it hit. We passed through Albany and finally saw some industry. The pictures just don't look good without the sun, but these two bridges close to each other made for an interesting image.
It was pouring rain when I went out on the front deck to lock through the Troy Lock. Instead of ballards, this lock had vertical pipes tucked into indents in the lock wall. Captain Steve pulled the boat smoothly to the wall and I just cleated off a line at midship, wrapped it around the pipe and held onto the other end. The water rose quickly (30'), the rope slid up the pipe, and we exited the canal into FRESH water with no tides for the first time since 11/19/09. The rain let up a bit as we passed by this sign.
At this point, Loopers must make a decision. Go straight into the Champlain Waterway or turn left into the Erie Canal. We turned left and were pleased to see that there was room for us at the docks in the Village of Waterford. Not only are the docks free for 48 hours, they also provide electricity, water, restrooms and showers, WiFi and a book exchange. What a sweet service !! The rain started in again, so we spent the afternoon planning our trip through the Erie Canal and ordering charts for Lake Ontario and Lake Huron ... oh, and taking naps too. What a life !!
1 comment:
"Oh, I got a mule
And her name is Sal
She does fifty miles
On the Erie Canal!
The E-I-Rie was a-risin'
And the gin was a gittin' low
And I scarcely think
We'll get another drink
Til we get to Buf-a-lo-o-o
Til we get to Buffalo!"
Here's hoping your trip down this most historic of American waterways is a great one.
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