PHOTOS... So the weather is never as bad as they predict...and this time they were way off. Rain that was suppose to start late afternoon didn't start until after 10PM... Heavy downpour wasn't...it was a nice gentle rain...gone by 8AM... So we headed north...saying goodbye to our new friend Bill, who is in line to babysit sweet Dakota....that line continues to grow!

As we came through lock 11...only one side of each lock door was working...and we didn't see anything there that we thought would have been a good place to weather wait....

Same issues at lock 12... And through the town of Whitehall...we are convinced we made the right choice to wait at lock 9...

On to Chipman's Marina, where we are docked in front of our Norfolk friends we often hear and travel with but have yet to get face to face time with....Jon and Lynn on ZENDO...across the dock at Norfolk at the Looper Rendezvous ..on the wall at Delaware city ( but they weren't really there) ...left with us to go to Cape May...but stayed at a different marina...traveled with us to Atlantic City...but stayed at a different Marina...pulled into NYC but were gone in a flash....left Waterford the day we arrived...we like to call this "looper Hopscotch....though sometimes it is mostly hop....here we are...finally enjoying docktails. They had a great guide book to the route north so we made a few copies of important pages...like the French to English translation pages!! We had a wonderful visit...once our sweet Dakota finally settled down....they will follow us up Lake Champlain and then plan to take a right turn at the St Lawrence and head to Quebec while we'll go left to Montreal working our way to Lake Michigan..so it was great while it lasted...but it didn't last long. I'm sure our wakes will cross again somewhere some how...that's how this boating stuff works!

We are waiting on the 40' sailboat that docked overnight on the fuel dock to leave so that we can fuel up (at American prices) before heading north..we had hoped to get away by 10 AM...that's not gonna quite happen....another night on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain, then one night on the NY side before we enter Canada. We got stung big time by Version on our last rip through so we will probably error on the side of caution this trip through...most all  of July will be spent in Canadain waters...and yes, we'll probably get to re-experience the Frenchie holiday travelers...what are we thinking???

Stay tuned to see how we fair in French speaking Canada...Hetty Bailey, we need you!

Saturday morning...called the lock, he said "come on over...but if you see a barge, you'll have to wait.".... So, of course, by the time we got there, we saw a barge. Waited ever so patiently for him to lock through...when another appeared behind us....we were thinking bad thoughts about having to wait again....and having to wait all day ...following them up the canal...when the lock master announced that he'd let the pleasure boat (that's us) go next...and oh, this barge and tow are not going far...just up the canal to get fuel and off load.

Woo hoo...it's our lucky day....but first we have to get by them...again, the narrowest, barge crowded, tow boats working area....makes me ever so glad I'm not the boat driver.

 In and out of lock 8...lock master never said a word.

At Lock 9, the guy was all about the weather...we commented on his lovely area ...he said it is usually busy with locals....and how where we were going wasn't the best place to be in high water....he suggested another place...as we exited, I got to drive while Captain considered alternatives. He didn't like what he saw...called the lock master at lock 12 who recommended we turn around and stay on the wall at lock 9... The highest point of the system...and a lovely open rural area.

Hey, we're good with that. Bill, the lock master, has become our new best friend. Offering to take us to town or whatever...but we are good....So 11AM...and here we are ...all alone on the wall at Lock 9... No electric...but descent tie up...and wide open running room for the crazy Dakota...so we'll run him several times today...cause rain is a-coming. They say 3-5 inches...serious downpour tonight and tomorrow....slacking off on Monday. Shouldn't be an issue when you are at the top of the system. Right?

Friday morning...June 26.... 8:45 Floyd and two friends took a taxi ride to hit West Marine when it opened at 9.... They were back on the dock shortly...where Floyd gave it two tries to fix the leak in the dinghy floor....didn't work so well....but since we have another kit and another idea, we thought it best to get on down the line.

Today we entered the Champlain Canal system.....67 miles and 11 locks...to Lake Champlain...then Canadain canal/locks to Montreal...Ottawa...Kingston...Trenton...etc...we had high hopes of going 37 miles today....6 locks...several 17' bridges...and spending a quiet night on a free lock wall in Fort Edward NY...said good-bye to Jorge and Barbara....Dakota's girl friends Mona and Lily...and off we went.

It was a calm, cool, clear ...beautiful...day to be boating...we've learned a thing or three about "locking thru"... And lock masters were courteous enough to be ready when we got there....and then....and then...we got a radio call from "BEAVER" (  though it sounded like Beva)... Seems he was a large empty scow headed our way...heads up! Of course we were in the narrowest, barge crowded, guard gate section of the canal...somehow, Captain found a small spot to tuck in and maintain while he passed by...still right on tap to make that planned destination.

5:45 PM...We round the bend, slip under two 19' bridges....to be greeted with the town carnival, tents of vendors and music...

yep, seems it is Heritage Days in Fort Edward....so much for peaceful night on the free dock. It was like being in the middle of Fredonia Homecoming without the parade...Riverfest Wichita at its finest...we joined two other boats who seemed to be there on purpose....had the best spot for people watching and scouting out the action...music was to our liking and not too loud...and then someone mentioned fireworks at 10...people people everywhere. Floyd got to answer lots of questions about how you get a boat this size outta Kansas, where we'd been, where were we going, etc....while I scored 2 purses, 3 headbands  and a tie-dyed t-shirt for the lil man...

10PM...right on schedule...the fireworks fired up...

loudest we'd encountered in quite some time...Dakota headed below...we oooohhhhed and aaaahhhhhed appropriately....and then poof, people are gone...music is over....carnival is quiet....

We plan to leave between 7-8AM on Saturday...weather the next couple of days is full of serious rain...we want to be tucked in safe and sound.

By Wednesday evening the wall in Waterford is once again full...lots of boaters turning left to go up the Erie Canal...oil change and chores are complete...so we are on tap to visit grocery store on Thursday and then head up to Lake Champlain on Friday morning....

Oops....just a little hic-up...as Floyd was testing the dingy he noticed a leak in the darn thing...of course, this was just after a man had asked him if he'd ever had any trouble with it...what a jinx! After a little time on google, he located a repair kit at a West Marine store 8 miles away....so an expensive taxi ride to get a cheap repair kit...we still plan to be underway sometime Friday. 

Jorge and Barbara, on DIADEMA, arrived Thursday afternoon...so Dakota got to play with Mona and Lily...and we got to enjoy their company once again. We part ways here as they too are headed up the Erie.

We keep counting days, measuring miles, re-thinking plans....someone is having a baby first of September...and she thinks her mom should be there! Imagine that?? 

Floyd says we've got just over 1000 miles to go...it's the locks we worry about ...but even then, we've got plenty of time...keep us in your prayers!

Weather can be so unpredictable! So, yes, the thunderstorms came...in the night...and by 10 AM skies where we were had turned blue and sunny....skies where we were going didn't look so good. Captain Floyd predicted that would change for the better by the time we got there...so off we went!

It was a smooth...but rather hot and steamy ride up to Troy. Even though the Erie Canal had opened earlier today, it seems that the free boat dock at Waterford was full up. With clouds gathering we managed to find a "character" marina....really a barge with a couple of floating docks...by it had electricity and a courtesy car...and the price was right! ....and the thunderstorm missed us! Dakota didn't care much for the grated walkway or the extreme lack of grass....but it's all temporary!

Wednesday morning, using the courtesy car and begging, we managed to get sweet Dakota to a veterinarian to update his kennel cough vaccine and a quick trip to the local WalMart for supplies. Back to the boat and underway before noon for the four mile run plus one lock into Waterford....where there had been mass exodus of boats. We are parked for a couple of days in the shade of a lovely bridge...grass everywhere...all for $10....

We have some boat chores to do...change oil, etc...and plan to head up the Champlain canal on Friday! (60 miles and 11 locks)....oh, joy, no floating ballards!

This day truly reminded me that I love this life.....late morning special breakfast .... Uneventful departure....the ride on the Hudson was so smooth I managed to give myself a manicure...gas/pump out and docked before 2....short walk to town for liquor and a few grocery items...a pleasant swim with small children involved (but they weren't mine!).....dinner on the aft deck...and early to bed.
Thunderstorms are predicted so we probably won't be going anywhere on Tuesday....lightning is not our friend.

Not really much here...but the town is pretty cute...big cats everywhere...and decorated cleverly....Dakota wasn't impressed!

so it's Father's Day and Dennis' birthday...we should celebrate....I take Floyd to a highly rated Italian restaurant just up the street for dinner...my night to cook...and just before our meal is served......boom, the electricity goes out...in the entire restaurant...for the entire block of downtown...so we had a bottle of wine, salad, bread sticks and salted caramel gelato... drinking our dinner works. The cute bartender, Audrey, was Jenn Bates' (Channel 12 news) twin...and just as nice. We had a blast...giggled and left satisfied if just a tad toasted and maybe hungry. Tomorrow I get to sleep in...and then we are off to Catskill...and, guess what!!! the blog is all caught up!!!!

The rains came... Tropical Storm Bill...but by 8:30 AM Floyd thought the worst was passed and blue sky was ahead...so he returned the rental and we headed north....it was familiar ground...Garrison Yacht Club and West Point...Culinary Institute...FDRs little place...and then Kingston. Floyd's developing a cough...I'm doing better...and Dakota is just swell. Father's Day and Dennis' birthday...and Floyd's wish to be boating...it all works!!! One night here then on to Catskill. It is heating up...get me to cooler weather, please.

this guy thought we weren't going fast enough...so he passed us...gesh!!!

 the light houses are so cute...it is hard to resist capturing them....

Now I need to download and post the photos and I'll be caught up again...until the next time...It is a vicious circle!!!!

Today is our big day...the Rockefeller place ...and this time I signed us up for the GRAND TOUR...three hours of all the basics as well as a few behind the scene looks, gardens and coach house...We need to be there at 9ish for a 9:45 departure. I assured Floyd that the traffic would be light and the construction zone gone...right on both counts....which is a good thing cause my wagon is draggin'.

KYKUIT...home to generations of rich and powerful Rockefellers.....construction began in 1906 by John D, founder of Standard Oil...whose firm Baptist beliefs wouldn't let him build an ostentatious place..but he needed an escape from the rigors of NYC .Then John D., Jr, added his touch...adding on floors, Chinese art and luxuries...He and his wife used it as a spring and fall family retreat. ... after his death in 1960, Nelson and "Happy" lived there. Nelson and his wife were quite fascinated with modern art...and it is everywhere. Can't say that it adds much to the ambiance of the place, but that's just my opinion. Our three hours flew by...and we saw it all! Lavish sets of china, Chippendale furniture, Worhol portraits, Ming ceramics...and the gardens...OMG...low plants, high trees, grotto's and gazebo's...how do they do these things??? I have trouble picking out a bedspread???? It was a fabulous tour ...that ended with the coach house. Carriages and cars all shined up and lined up...the best we've seen.

Modern art in the gardens was just as out of place as the modern art in the house...shocking in contrast to the lush green...we didn't care for it...

and while they had more views of the Hudson...very few were as good as the one Washington Irving had in his humble home next door!!!

A quick lunch at a true NY style deli...Floyd stopped at the Ossining Community Center for a peek at their Sing Sing display...and then back to TUMBLEWEED...We told Jorge and Barbara, they were welcome to accompany us to the grocery store...but I was done in. I went to bed and  Floyd shopped without me...

Then the best thing ever!!!When I woke up from my four hour nap... Barbara brought me chicken soup!!!! I ate a hearty helping and went back to bed...probably best that way. Tomorrow, weather permitting, we head to Kingston...

This time we are ever vigilant about those boats around us...at 112 feet long, it was impossible to miss the HANNAH B...when we googled ownership, we discovered it was registered to Taylor Swift. Well, holy cow...and there seemed to be a couple of folks aboard. I took some photos...

and the riff-raff in front...see sweet Dakota peeking around the canvass to make sure Mommy is safe...and returning...

and then we talked to a girl who said she was the chef...but claimed that the boat did not belong to Taylor Swift. But when she couldn't give us the name of the owner...we thought...hhhmmmm, maybe that's the spiel. To prevent gawkers etc...just say it's not her boat. Taylor is  touring in Germany according to the website, so there will be no sightings.

..Well, I lived...and can at least function...but don't ask for much...Floyd walked to retrieve the rental car and we were on our way to Sunnyside, home of Washington Irving, to make the 11 o'clock tour.
What a delightful experience. As an English teacher, I taught his works..."Legend of Sleepy Hollow", "Rip Van Winkle" and "Devil and Tom Walker" were my favorites... it was fun to have him "come to life". He remained a bachelor following the sudden death of his fiancee', but his brother and his children lived with him at Sunnyside for many years. It was a warm and inviting environment...

Honestly, his view of the Hudson is the best we saw....

Then a race back to the boat to take Dakota to the groomer...CONSTRUCTION zone did not help....and we had to go through it twice...GGGRRRRRR....which made us late...and with no lunch break... to our 2 o'clock tour of Lyndhurst Mansion.(thank goodness they had another tour at 3 and honored our tickets.) Really just next door to the Irving place...but a whole different life style. This place was Jay Gould's claim to fame...sits on 67 landscaped acres overlooking the Hudson...With its Tiffany windows, Herter Brothers furniture, French landscape paintings, china and furniture, it was a sharp contrast to the simple life lived next door.

by the time we finished the ConEd crew had mostly packed it in, so getting back to Dakota wasn't a big deal...though I do think the groomer was ready to just take him home. Seems her daughter had come in to help and fallen in love with our boy...surprise, surprise!!! He looks and smells so much better...and I think he's ready for a nap...me, too.

Back at the Marina, Barbara and Jorge on DiaDema had arrived...so we all went to supper. Headed to the Ocean House but ended up at the Tavern next door...Lobster Mac and Cheese...yummy!!! then yes, drugs, essence of vicks, and quick call to my mommy and I'm done!!!

Tomorrow is Rockfeller's little place and serious grocery shopping. I gotta get better...soon!!!

...Thursday June 18...was exactly as promised...I'm sick and Captain Floyd is motoring us up the Hudson. I did manage to stay around to take great photos of the little red lighthouse...Our favorite!

Seems this light house was deemed "unworthy" of service after the completion of the massive George Washington Bridge, with all it's fancy lights. But then one foggy night, boats had trouble seeing the bridge lights because they were too high...so the little red light house was returned to full service. It is one small yet important lighthouse. It was fun seeing it again.

And that is about all I saw. Other than making the necessary appearances to handle lines, I remained horizontal ...my trusty nurse Dakota maintained a close watch...

and Floyd tip-toed around...I seemed to sleep, sleep and then sleep some more. None of which kept me awake that night. We've got the rental car and tours booked for tomorrow...Dakota will get a bath and trim...i can NOt be sick!!!

Yes, behind again...seems to happen...and as much as I try to avoid it, I can't seem to help myself. Monday and Tuesday were rainy, cloudy foggy days for us...

we did laundry and trip planning waiting for the skies to clear. I managed to book tours for the three homes we wanted to see up the Hudson and even squeezed in a grooming visit for Dakota. So the days weren't totally wasted.

Wednesday dawned clear and bright so we headed across the bay for our last visit to the Big Apple. I scored big time at Macy's...new swimwear and replacement lip sticks. Floyd scored at the City Store with official NYPD and NYFD shirts...I found just a few things for a certain lil man I know...and we headed to the 9/11 memorial and museum. Didn't take us long to realize that today it was not going to happen. The crowd was unbelievable...but then it has only been open since May 29...so following two bad weather days, everyone wanted a ride to the top...not us. We just wanted outta there. So water taxi and back to the boat by 2:30...I had a little tickle in my throat and opted for a nap...Floyd made nice with other boaters while enjoying a cigar or two on the aft deck.

For our last night, we returned to the Liberty House restaurant...it was delightful...and we had a great view of NYC.

 We also heard about all the celebrities we missed seeing. Micheal Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta-Jones had eaten there last night. Geraldo Rivera had docked his boat here while we were here too. Gish, we need to pay attention!

My tickle throat is getting worse so I took serious drugs, "vicks"ed up and went to bed. Thursday promises to be a good day to head north to Croton-on-Hudson. Captain says just come up to handle lines...he can manage the rest while I rest...so off we go!!!