July 19, 2011 - Waterford to Amsterdam, NY

Short day, 5:15 hrs but many locks. We started out with 5 in a row within a mile or two and then "conquered 5 more before stopping in Amsterdam, NY. We left Waterford with "Seafari", about a 47' cruiser,  so each lock there only our two boats locked through together. Beautiful country along the canal in this region with nice homes and no waves, no threat of running aground, and lots of wildlife,... doesn't get much better than this.

Seafari headed to Lock 7

Waterfalls next to Lock 7

Homes along the canal

'Captain" at the helm

Cross on the hill

We arrived at Amsterdam, NY, Riverlink Marina, just past 3:30pm and met "Bob" who runs the marina. We pulled up and found the rate was $1/ft ($33) which inlcuded overnight dockage, electrical power for A/C, pump out if needed, modern showers (VERY uncommon these days), laundry facilities, and water on the dock, a bargain at many times the price on LI Sound.

"Seafari" questioned the rate and what was included and decided to go to the wall at lock 11 which was free. However had no amenities and to run their A/C meant running their generator all night at at least $1/hour... and it was not thought to be a safe place to stay with young adults (yoots) in a playground next to the dock.  At more than $4 per gallon and a gallon an hour to run the generator, it is tough to work the math but they decided it made sense for them... (Roy) must be parsimonious.

Weather is hot but while we are moving it is not too bad. Locks have a lot of slime on them but the fender boards absorb most of the grunge and it all washes off with a hose.
Probably try and early start tomorrow to try to get to Brewerton by Thursday where there is a pool for the 95 degree anticipated weather.

Full set of pictures are at: https://picasaweb.google.com/golphinut/201107BlueBelle02?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Click on any of the photos above to enlarge them.