Sitting in land locked Kansas, thinking about our TUMBLEWEED...for now, we are content to make plans for our return. Looks like end of May or first of June...we plan to return and head out. We'll do Canada's Trent Severn, then Georgian Bay and Lake Michigan. That'll put us in Chicago for Labor Day...then a fast scoot South to finish the LOOP.
Til then...Merry Christmas and hope your dreams come true in 2011....

We are looking at finishing the Loop in 2011...our return to New York will depend on weather and water. The Canal opens on May 10th but we understand that high water and cold weather could be an issue. So for now we aren't in any rush and will probably wait until after Mother's Day to head that direction. We figure that gives us plenty of time to enjoy Canada (without the French invasion) and Lake Michigan...we still plan to be in Chicago over Labor Day and finish the Loop shortly thereafter. We'd also like to spend October on the Tennessee River. Time will tell...

Several boaters have reported less than favorable weather while on Lake Michigan this summer. In fact, rumor has it that this was the worst conditions there in a long time. Floyd and I are ever so glad we made the call to NOT go there. We'd have been right in the middle...trying to get to Chicago on a deadline.

Storing the boat and heading home is always a bittersweet occasion. We are glad to be returning to family and friends in Kansas....it has been a long time. But we are also more than a little sad to be leaving our boating friends. We have sooooo enjoyed being in the slip next to Susan and Carolyn aboard the Sojourner in Brewerton. They plan to head south after Labor Day and have announced that they are headed to Norfolk to put their boat on the market. So it is hard to say when and if we'll catch up with them again. They left St Charles just a bit before us two years ago...we met them at Hoppies Marina and spent that first night on the Mississippi in a spot just in front of them. Two novice boats headed down a flooding Mississippi...pretty exciting stuff. They were there to greet us when we finally arrived with BIG BERTHA at Grand Rivers, Kentucky. We've sure enjoyed hop-scotching with them ....wish them great luck at selling and finding another boat...May we meet again somewhere sometime....

As we continued to enjoy the shade and cool temps on the aft deck, we saw this cruise ship poking down the river...we noticed a crew member at the top and it sure slowed down to go under the rail road bridge. As you can see, clearance was pretty close. We understand that it had been in Canada and was re-positioning for cruising elsewhere. File that under something you don't see often on the Erie Canal.

FYI...just so you know, all three flights that hooked us to Wichita did what they were suppose to do, when they were suppose to ...we arrived in Wichita 20 minutes ahead of schedule. And of course I have photos etc of our last week in New York, but for some reason Internet has not been cooperating...hopefully that will be resolved soon and I'll get some new things posted. For now, we are re-connecting with family and friends ...missing the TUMBLEWEED...and planning to return to boating life late next spring. We are here til May.

We have no clue whether they gave any awards...but we picked the one we thought was best...a small fishing boat decorated to look like a little tug. We thought their attention to the details and creative effort was excellent. We loved the mop at the front and small tires...They even had smoke coming from the stack....Can't you just picture Popeye at the helm???

On Sunday, we had the pleasure of being spectators at the Castaway's First Annual Boat Parade...something they were doing to raise money for Make a Wish. True to the parade format, the local Sheriff boat provided the escorts at front and rear...and several boaters had gone to a lot of effort to decorate for the occasion. We clapped, hooted, hollered and, of course, whistled appropriately. We have no idea if they had any fun...but we sure did.

Carrot Cake Surprise is what we called it....scooped some cake into a bowl, added frosting, nuts and raisins.... believe me, the servings disappeared in a hurry. THANK YOU, Muriel....we'll be munching on it (it is a veggie serving, right?) and thinking of you. Next week this time we should be sitting in the Atlanta Airport waiting for the last of our flights home.....but you know our luck with Atlanta Airport....I'm worried already.

Carrot Cake surprise is what we called it....and believe me it disappeared in a hurry. THANK YOU Muriel

Arrived back in Brewerton late Thursday evening...temp was a surprisingly cool 66 degrees. We were thrilled to have a couple of boxes waiting for us. One contained our usual weekly mail shipment...the other was Muriel's care package....homemade carrot cake...and the trimmings. Crazy her...next day, air express... Didn't look quite like she imagined, I'm sure. It smells wonderful and will repair nice enough... we've promised to share some with Susan and Carolyn. In all this crazy looping experience, this is truly a first!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH....

Thursday we had planned to return to Brewerton...and took just a little detour north into Saratoga Springs to visit the race track. The place was HUGE...and particularly crowded for a Thursday afternoon. There were actually three running venues...two turfs and one dirt track. We tried to see it all...restaurants, paddock, stables. Since it has been around since 1863, there is not anything about it that is bright, shiny new....lots of character...and fun races. I was impressed with how easy it was to see whatever was happening...no matter where the race, our seats had a great view. And we were in the cheap seats. Since all Floyd had to compare it to was the track at Eureka, he had lots to look at. We had a fun afternoon...and managed to not lose any money!!!!

Less than two miles over is Val-Kill, the home of Eleanor. Seems that she and a couple of girl friends built a cottage there...then a furniture factory...then when the depression caused the closing of the furniture factory, she turned the factory into a very comfortable home. She stayed there often until her death in 1962. Simple taste and very simple designs...especially when compared to what we saw at Springwood. We spent a lovely and very pricey evening dining at the Culinary Institute. this time we tried the upscale Italian place... Ristorante Caterina de Medici...or something like that...we couldn't pronounce any of the things we ordered....but we tried some of every category: cured meats, appetizer, pasta, entree, dessert, and coffee. Some of it was good. Some not so much to our liking. But what a grand experience...

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Wednesday was devoted to the Roosevelt's. When we were in Hyde Park in June we missed touring the homes...so we were determined to do that. And our efforts were rewarded. FDR's place was amazing...looked like they had just walked out the door. "Springwood" was his lifelong home and never really became a place that he and Eleanor enjoyed together...something about that mother-in-law. Very interesting...we also saw grave sites, rose gardens and personal FDR collections there. Seems that FDR is the only president who is also buried among his beloved pets.

We spent a delightful afternoon at the Mills Mansion in Annadale. This gilded age mansion was only 75 rooms...and something to behold. Our tour group was small...so we got to go a few places that public is usually not allowed. Seems the workers quit at 2:30...so we got to see some parts that are under restoration. Glad I'm not responsible for cleaning that place!!!! We loved this visit because we had seen the house from the river as we passed it with Hilary and Bob in June. It is a very impressive sight from that direction as well. We

also met Shelly, who commented on an earlier blog.

Tuesday we backtracked an hour to visit Martin Van Buren's home in Kinderhook. It wasn't originally on our list, but we discovered it on the map...and it was one of only a few places that were actually opened on Tuesday. Interesting place...interesting man. And as much trouble as we had finding the place...sure made the effort worth it. You'd think they'd put up a few more signs....even with a GPS, we circled around it twice.

Torrential rains hit this area over the weekend ...most we've seen since we left Jacksonville in June. There were still clouds and storms around as we left for Hyde Park on Monday. We also heard that the Erie Canal was closed due to flooding and debris. We packed our rain gear, delayed our stop at the horse track and headed toward Hyde Park. We figured to take the scenic route and that somewhere outside of Albany we'd find a hotel...wrong!!!! Well, not about the scenic route...through the hills and mountains was delightful...but there were no accommodations to be found until we got to Hyde Park. So traveled just a bunch later into the day...and arrived where we didn't need to be.

Brother Zeus is finally learning to settle down...he napped with us for a couple of hours last weekend...guess he was tired!!!! And you should know that he started this with adult company...the couch is addictive!!! I'm not really much of a cat person, but these kittens are truly people lovers and quite adorable...by the time we return next Spring they'll be practically full grown. Suppose they'll remember us???

Just so you know...Monday we head off to Saratoga Springs for some horse races....then plan to work our way down the Hudson. There were more than a few mansions that we missed seeing when we boated there...among them are the Roosevelt homes in Hyde Park. We have reservations for supper at the Culinary Institute on Wednesday evening. Then we are on board to finish the tasks prior to storage and our return to Wichita on Sept 4th.

As we came up Seneca Lake, we took a few scenic routes looking at marinas and houses, checking out the fields of grapes. Crossing over to Cayuga Lake and then into Auburn and Skaneateles (they pronounce it "skinny- atlas")....we had been advised to not miss eating at Sherwood Inn on Skaneateles Lake. Built in 1807, it is a first rate place and has been featured in the Bon Appetit magazine. We truly enjoyed our experience there. Friday evening and the place was packed...wedding going on...and towns folk gathering for the community band concert. Good timing on our part as it proved to be a DELIGHTFUL bit of Americana...I resisted the urge to march and twirl. They even played a tune that Sousa had written for Kansas University...imagine that. We did get a song book and sang along with Harvest Moon and It's a Small World. Sure took me back to those days as a youngster in Fredonia playing in band concerts on the court house lawn...or marshaling those little girls who'd been taking twirling lessons. Has it really been so long ago???

Truly there were wineries everywhere....and fields of grapes. We couldn't help but notice the differences to our Napa visit a couple of years ago. We had been in California in November after the harvest season...and we were here before harvest. Fields were about the same. BUT these vines were green and full and grapes were at the ripening stage. Folks said they'd all be picked before Columbus Day. It gets cold fast around here. Though we love the 70 degree temps now, we are not interested in being here in the winter.... they have five foot flags on the fire hydrants....so the snowplows won't hit them. Oh, and price wise...cheaper in New York. We found $2.00 to be the going rate...at one place we paid $5. But then we could have sampled all 16 wines. Glasses and pours were very small. The "pourers" in the wineries could sure take a lesson or three from their California counterparts. They weren't very chatty and sure hadn't been coached to sell. We didn't buy any wines. But then we didn't taste any that wowed us either.

Friday morning we launched off to explore the Finger Lakes...advertised as the Napa Valley of New York. Six lakes, over 59 wineries, unlimited towns and restaurants. I was in charge of picking wineries to visit and sampling the goods. Floyd was in charge of driving. With a couple of brochures, two maps, and the GPS...we made our way to Seneca Lake. We planned to start far and work our way back toward the boat. First stop was Fox Run vineyards....not bad but not great. The next was Glenora vineyards, winery and restaurant. We knew it would be better when we noticed the bottle trees. We had lunch in their first class restaurant while watching as they were setting up the patio for a wedding. Wine was an improvement over what we'd had earlier...though we managed to escape without purchasing any.

Thursday was spent at the Naval Museum. Three ships (a destroyer, a submarine, and guided missile cruiser) all open, restored, and ready for us to explore. We did. Other than that we were disappointed in the other options i Buffalo. Frank Lloyd Wright complex and the Teddy Roosevelt inauguration site were both under restoration...so we headed back to the TUMBLEWEED.

Crowds on the Canadian side seemed to have less walking space...so we agree the view from the Canadian side is better...but if you want to feel the power and have space, time and things to do...spend time on the American side. Plus it was a bit cheaper...parking on American side $10...on Canadian side $20. We left the crowds behind for a scenic drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Vineyards and river views...quaint homes and mansions...boutiques and restaurants...packed with tourists. We saw what we wanted and headed back to the States. Thinking we smart, we thought we'd found a less traveled place to cross the border...only waited 2 hours. We ended our day in Buffalo.

The view was impressive....and because we were across from them, we sure could get a better sense of the three falls. Horseshoe Falls (or Canadian Falls if you are in Canada), Bridal Falls, and American Falls...675,000 gallons of water a second at the Horseshoe Falls ....any one know a plumber who could fix that????

Wednesday we headed to the Canadian side...waiting only about 30 minutes to clear customs. We sure got a clear view of the restaurant where we'd dined, an even better idea of just how "into the falls" the boats came, and though I hadn't imagined it would happen...it was even wetter. Might have had a little something to do with the park sprinklers that were creating a hazard on the sidewalks...but really just everywhere on this side was under the mist of the falls.

That evening we walked to the Top of the Falls restaurant and spent a pleasant evening next to a charming pair from California; Vern, the travel agent, and his 9-year-old daughter Presley. She sure reminded me of a child I once was in charge of...busy busy busy...and wanted to eat it all. Dancing her way around the place...sound familiar???? This was also their first trip to the Falls. We had a delightful conversation, dinner, and I promised to post them on the blog. So here they are...famous!!!! We then returned to see the Falls at night. Walking back, we decided on a detour to the casino...where Floyd won and I lost. What a great finish to an amazing day!!!!

My favorite was the observation bridge...high and away from all the drizzling mist. Finally a place to breathe...and talk...though Floyd and I had been giggling all day with miscommunication issues.

After this view, we went off in search of a place to stay. Once again we had great fortune and good timing. We somehow managed to find a top drawer place within walking distance of the Falls...even though it was called "Red Coach Inn"....excellent room with robes, complimentary champagne, snacks and even a jacuzzi tub. Though we weren't really interested in spending time in the tub...we'd just spent the day in the Niagara Showers...

Maid of the Mist boats took tourists into the heart of Horseshoe Falls. The Falls with wind, rocks, and mist seen from the boat were unbelievable. Floyd and I were additionally fascinated by the boat captains ability to get us soooo close and keep us in the channel...the current was beyond fierce. And, of course, there were other boats (Can you see the one in the mist coming out?)...they seemed to have it all under control. Coming and going in a rhythm that kept everyone moving and happy. We were glad to be wearing a poncho and those new shoes!!!

Cave of the Winds was a series of steps and decks built right into the face of the cliff that walked you right into Bridal Falls. We took photos after the fact for fear we'd drop the camera or get it wet while enjoying our "dip". Kids and young ones were more than willing to walk right under the Falls...the rest of us managed to enjoy the sights and sounds. No matter which route you took...you got wet.

And we were STYLIN'....new poncho required for a trip into the Falls (yellow for Cave of the Winds) (Blue for Maid of the Mist)...and lovely new shoes (everyone was wearing them)...all part of the price of admission. We were laughing the whole time. It was really hard to carry on any kind of conversation because of the roaring. And, of course, water ...water everywhere...we did see a bride, groom and minister headed toward the Cave of the Winds as we were in line to return. We assumed they were going to hold a ceremony....and get drenched. We didn't return to verify that...we'd had already had enough excitement.

The wind was really whipping the mist around...making everyone and everything wet, wetter, and wettest. But what a sight to see. There are really three different water falls...and depending on whether you are on the American side or Canadian side...different names. Regardless of what you call them...they are well worth a visit. We were mesmerized...and so was everyone else.

Niagara Falls was totally totally awesome...everything we thought it would be and then some. The Falls are magnificent...then add the roar, the mist, and all the touristy things to do. We thoroughly enjoyed the time there. We drove right into Goat Island and found a great parking spot. We spent the rest of the day on the American side of the Falls. Mingled with the masses, saw it all, got wet, and bought the photos.

Just so you know...Midnight has certainly made herself feel quite at home aboard the TUMBLEWEED. She comes here to escape her brother, Zeus, and the two older cats ( Squeaky and G.G.) that arrived aboard the sail boat next door. We are headed to Niagara Falls.

Sunday we decided to stay close and visit Syracuse. First stop was the Erie Canal Museum. Then since we had some time to kill and I had spotted a HUGE shopping mall, I convinced Floyd to go there. Designer Shoe Warehouse and Macy's provided just the boost I needed...and Floyd sat patiently playing games on his Droid. Then everyone had said the Dinosaur BBQ was a must visit. So off we went...crowded, loud, full of fun...we had way too much food...ribs, fries, beans, corn bread, carrot and raisin salad, tomato and cucumber salad....and BEER!!! Glad we went. Today the marina is having a cook out. While we had planned to go to Niagara Falls today, we've decided to stick around and be friendly. Our friends on the DOLPHIN returned last night...and Carolyn and Susan are back as well. So plenty of people we know plus a few we have yet to meet. We are off tomorrow for a few days to see all there is to see in Niagara Falls.

Rental car....check. Laundry done...check. Boat projects finished...almost. So we headed off on Saturday to mingle with the masses and play tourists. The drive to Cooperstown was lovely. We saw a very different view of the canal from the car. It is always fun to see things from a different perspective...and try to remember the bridges you went under by boat as you go over them by car. Cooperstown was packed. What a surprise!!! We encountered no real traffic on the highway...yet, people everywhere in town. Lots of ball players...little leagure types. We even had to stand in line to enter the BB Museum. What a great, first class spot!!!! You definitely get your fill of baseball...and then some. It was a walk down memory lane that was well worth the time and effort. So now we can check that off the ol' bucket list.

Rental car....check. Laundry done...check. Boat projects finished...almost. So we headed off on Saturday to mingle with the masses and play tourists. The drive to Cooperstown was lovely

Rental car....check. Laundry done...check. Boat projects finished...almost. So we headed off on Saturday to mingle with the masses and play tourists.

We have spent a couple of evenings planning tourist trips. Rental car pick up is scheduled for Friday. We want to head west and visit Finger Lakes, wine country, and Niagara Falls. We'll come back to the boat for a while then head east...we'll visit the Roosevelt mansions (yep, back to Culinary Institute for supper), Cooperstown, and maybe Saratoga Springs. The horses are running. East trip will include driving through mountains. Hopefully, we'll get to see and do it all before the money runs out. No matter what, the plane for Wichita leaves on Sept 4th with us on it.

Yesterday was a busy day at the marina...Two haul outs for power washing...We were glad to get the chance to visit people we had seen a week ago in Oswego. They were on their way back to Canada having traveled to Watkins Glen on their boat to go to the NASCAR races. There were 6 adults and two small children on board. As they were "topping off" fuel tanks before leaving, they discovered that the helper (daughter of marina owners) had filled their gas boat with diesel fuel. Not good!!! All fuel was hand pumped from the boat into 6 blue Bertha barrels...it took them all day. As retired teachers and cops and boaters...we had lots to cuss and discuss. Traded a few books...and they should be on their way today. Mid -afternoon Susan and Carolyn showed up with grand kids for a little boating fun. We even got our dinghy out for a little racing action. Oh, did I mention weather here in the 80s? Cooler in the evenings. We are loving it!!!!

Our list of boat projects grows shorter and shorter. Floyd spent quite a bit of time under the sink. He removed 20 years worth of duct tape. We completely replaced the pipes and got a few new parts for the leaking faucet. Hopefully the things we store under there will stay dry. Carpet and canvas man was here yesterday, measuring and talking through ideas. We are planning to get marine grade carpet for aft deck and fly bridge and replace the blue playpen cover with white. The plan is for spring delivery and set up...no sense in getting new things for the storage barn critters.

Couple of days of projects completed...today we are taking the day off. Reading, napping, and swimming are the only things scheduled. Floyd refuses to help with any more jigsaw puzzles (yes, Hilary, we finished the DC one) and is threatening to get rid of some. Oh, did I mention kittens? I still haven't made a girl trip to Marshall's but that will be on the agenda next week. Especially since I've already made two trips to Lowe's and West Marine...and there are more to come, I'm sure. We are planning to stay around here the rest of this week. Then next week rent a car and head out to explore...Niagara Falls and Cooperstown are on the list.

Feels good to be in Brewerton...showers have cooled things off a bit. We are making lists and checking them twice. Spent the day catching up with Susan and Carolyn, as they leave tomorrow for a lake cabin to spend time with children and grand kids. We spent a mostly lazy day playing with kittens, washing off the fender gunk we had accumulated on the canal lock walls, and the BIG shopping trip to West Marine. Yes, I got shoes and Floyd got one HUGE Igloo cooler...no, it's not for beer. He going to use it as storage and extra seating on the aft deck. So today will be spent re-arranging stuff on the aft deck. There is sooooo much room now that those bicycles are gone!!!! Wanna know where I'll be????...yep, kittens need lovin'!!!!

Our trip from Oswego started with a cooling breeze and warming temps. By the time we arrived we were beyond HOT...but we're not going to complain too much as our Wichita friends are enduring their tenth day of over 100 degree temps. We just grabbed a beer and jumped in the river. We are in the same marina (Ess-Kay) and even same slip (right between two nice shade trees) ...we just have different neighbors. The Dolphin is down two slips. Susan and Carolyn, our friends aboard the Sojourner, are next to us and will be here until Labor Day. Kittens are around somewhere. We are looking to rent a car and do some sight seeing trips (probably Cooperstown and Niagara Falls)...seems TUMBLEWEED is too tall to travel the Western Erie Canal...bummer. This will be a good spot for us..they have two courtesy cars so we can easily get to grocery store, Marshalls, Wal Mart, West Marine, restaurants, laundry mat....and it is where we'll be storing the boat for the winter. We have tickets to fly home on Sept 4th. Life is good.

This time through the Oswego Canal we made a short stop in Phoenix NY...seems they have a group of school aged kids (including special needs) that work the city docks. These Bridge House Brats help with lines, maintain the dock (tables, chairs, flowers,etc.), and will even "run" for food from various restaurants. The docks were delightfully maintained...and, of course, adult supervision was provided by educator types. If there had been electricity we'd have stayed the night...but it was already taken. We had cheeseburgers and fries, chatted with everyone there...some even got a geography lesson on Kansas... and then headed on into Brewerton.

Tuesday afternoon in Oswego we noticed "new" neighbors....beautiful antique commuter boat that had just come from the Clayton Antique Boat Museum Boat Show...where they took first prize. Professional full time crew...on their way to Ess-Kay Marina in Brewerton. Owners are due to arrive in a couple of days. Being the helpful, friendly folks that we are, they invited us for a tour...and we were able to help them figure out how they were going to lock through on the Oswego Canal. They left us early Wednesday morning...and we'll see when we get to Brewerton.