Leaving Holley at a reasonable hour did not make the 9 hour trip back to Tonawanda any quicker.  The trek back through, what we consider the most boring stretch of the Erie Canal, was still full of surprises.  We definitely saw more boat traffic along the route going in both directions.  We had heard that the canal had both opened and then closed a portion of the canal on the eastern half.  Maybe that is what created folks deciding to push on.

We did have the opportunity to watch the geese, a lonely doe, a few ducks, and a few osprey along the way.  It was our first time locking up at Lockport, NY.  We didn’t realize that the locks were as large as they are.  Being a set of flight locks the two locks did seem a bit cavernous after the much smaller locks that we have had.  We did lock down them but they didn’t seem as large.  It’s all perspective, I suppose.

It was a hot, hot day too.  Not able to swim in the canal makes it all seem even hotter.  Surrounded by water and no way in.  Not fun.  The waterway is so silty and polluted at this portion not a sole goes in.  As we made our way closer to our end stop of Tonawanda the water did open up to the more clear green, blue colour of the Niagara River.  A welcome sight.

Upon arriving in Tonawanda, after the dinner hour, the harbour was full with Canal Fest going on.  The first day.  Not a spot available anywhere.  We saw a couple boats from our home club of the Greater Niagara Boat Club on the wall and were going to ask to raft but “John” said he was leaving and could have his space.  We didn’t even know that this was a space.  Actually it isn’t, but at Canal Fest it is a free for all and anything goes scenario.  You have got to see this place for the next week to believe it.  Bands every night, a carnival, streets shut down, vendors, games, food, literally everywhere.  It starts at 10:00 am and goes till 11:00 pm every single night this week.  It is truly amazing to see all the boats, lights and sounds.  So if you are looking for things to do this week, trip on over to the Tonawanda Gateway Harbour.  Don’t forget your bathing suit!

The trip from Palmyra to Pittsford was the same as always.  A duck, the odd waterfall and lots and lots of beautiful foliage all to enjoy at a whopping 8 knots.

Forgot to mention that we did get contact from Amy who has arrived in Amsterdam, Holland while we snoozed.  She is tired but her flight was good.  Apparently a bottle of maple syrup didn’t make it though.  Exploded in her luggage.  Bet she had the best smelling luggage ever.  Also received a call from Aunt Heather last night.  First time ever that there is wifi in Port Loring, Ontario at the rustic cottages we have gone to.  Watched Uncle Joe build the fire and heard all about how great the weather has been for them up there.  What would we do without technology these days?

Found my new favourite stop on the Erie Canal.  There are no showers in Pittsford but the town is still the nicest stop.  They have created a canal park directly at the terminal wall and added enough electric and water for about 8-10 boats.  This town has a downtown area with lots of fashion places.  Home grown artists that create everything from pottery to jewellery.  I even found my spinning shoes here at a reasonable price.  On the north shore there is still no power or water but the Sam Patch a local tourist boat is waiting for its patrons to take them for a spin on the canal and pass through a lock or two.  There are quaint artistry shops all placed in a sort of old town area just off the terminal wall.  A restaurant or two right there at the waters edge.  Great spot if you don’t need any supplies but if you do a walk of about 1.5 km will take you to a supermarket.

We happened to stop here on a Friday night where they have bands available for the town folk to enjoy.  Great 50’s and 60’s tunes with the seniors, kids and their parents all lined up in their lawn chairs.  Great band with a home town feel.  I couldn’t help but dance a bit on the boat while making our BBQ salmon dinner.

Aiden and Scott finally finished and succeeded running Aiden’s RC car.  The thing blasts at 50 km per hour.  Watch your toes when you see this thing go.  It wasn’t an easy build by no means.  This was a Christmas gift to Aiden and it has literally taken  3 times to get the thing to run correctly.  I guess that is what happens when you use some older components.  Now she is running smoothly.

Tomorrow we take off for Albion, maybe Holley.  We can’t decide how long a run we want to take on Sunday to get home.

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So really , where did the time go?  Aiden turns 11 today.  Hard to believe that this much time has passed when it feels like he was a toddler just a couple years ago.  We started the day out with running to the bakery to pick up the special order cupcakes I ordered and bring back coffee for Scott and I.  Of course it was raining during the 4 block walk there and back to the boat.  We headed out back down the lake after that.

In the rain the lake’s wind had picked up a bit but nothing compared to the winds we have seen on other travels.  By the time we reached the north end of Seneca Lake the rain had stopped, the humidity had started and the sun was shining.  Stopping for a bit of diesel and then back down the Cayuga Seneca Canal to our final destination of Seneca Falls.

Seneca Falls is a cute town that has catered to the boaters.  All amenities, including laundry, are available at the terminal wall.  The only problem I see is that there are only 4 poles with electric, plus 1 more with 50 amp.  We finally picked up some local wine that was found at the liquor store a couple blocks away.  After our regular get to know the town walkabout we stopped back at the boat for the swim in the canal.  The locals thought we were a bit crazy, but seriously, it is fed by Seneca Lake with one lock between here and there.  What is a little seaweed floating by?

Great little town with an Italian flavour everywhere.  Lots of restaurants, museums, antique shops and whatever else your heart desires.  I see why people like this spot.  Tree lined terminal wall with old buildings of yester year and a park on the other side of the canal.  It is a lovely spot to stop.

This will be our last time to enjoy the clean waters as we head back out on the Erie Canal towards home tomorrow.  A swim in the morning to set us up and then start making our way back.  Apparently the weather man is calling for 90 degrees tomorrow.  Figures! ….and we can’t swim to stay cool.

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Leaving the beautiful Oak Island with its simple style we head on down to Seneca Lake.  It is a mere 1 hour travel time to get there.   It took about 30 minutes to get to the mouth of the lake and it opened up with huge treed cliffs on both sides.  Stunning beauty.  Many a vineyard, farm and cottage greeted us.  After about 30 minutes on the water we were almost at Watkins Glen but decided to stop for lunch beside a beautiful waterfall named Hector Falls.  Sometimes this falls is merely a rock face but today we were happy to see a full on waterfall cascading down several hundred feet.  During lunch we watched the beauty of nature in full action and sound.  After that we though a dip would be nice.  A storm was brewing but it seemed far enough off that it would pass us.  We watched the beauty of the stormy sky, swam and just enjoyed.  Next thing you know the 3 of us started to clean the outside of the boat.  The only way to do that is by sitting on a pool noodle, wash mitt in hand, and start rubbing.  Once again Conductance was shiny and new looking.

The storm was starting to rumble now so we headed to the marina to find a spot with a gorgeous view of the lake and hillside.  Now I sit here at 9:30 with the odd mosquito looking for dinner and enjoy the sounds of ducks on a very calm night.

Tomorrow we head to Watkins Gorge to view the sites.  Aiden’s birthday is only 2 days away so we are also planning for that big day as well.  I think he is more excited about the Gorge and his day though.

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