This post should have been placed in the Blog around the first of August--I posted it late because it seemed to show my temper. It was a tough day:
Today we only had 4 locks and 25 miles with a fuel stop along the way—easy right? Oh no—one of the most grueling days of the trip. We said good-bye to Rahn-de-Vous and moved up the canal with Starlite. Before the first lock, I say to the Captain—Do I have enough time to use the bathroom? He says- Sure. All of the sudden, I realize he is pulling into the lock with no one there to catch him. I hurriedly finish my business and rush to the door and realize I have worn my 5 button shorts. I manage to get 1 button on and catch the lock rope, hold us off the wall- all the while flashing the lockmaster. The day did not get easier. Both boats stopped after 2 locks because fuel was 50cents cheaper in St. Johnsonville than anywhere along the canal. Starlite (the faster boat) went in first and took on 400 gallons –unbeknownst to us this would take a couple of hours-slow pumps. Then we took on 100 gallons—all in muggy, hot, 80 degree sun. No wind, no shade, no sunscreen. We said good-bye to Starlite after they gassed up so the last 2 locks were the first in a while that we did by ourselves. I think Fitz forgot this wasn’t my first rodeo—all the sudden he had an idea how I could do many aspects of my job better. I ended up sitting on the front of the boat after the last lock waiting on the marina. I was filthy, tired and ready for a nap and shower. Do I love this fella or what?? I could have been in Nashville today at a baby shower with my girlfriends.
 |
| I think all the geese in the world have come to New York's Erie Canal |
 |
| Lots of activity in Little Falls |
 |
| Skinny canal |
