Aug. 23-24 – Baldwinsville, NY

Baldwinsville Free Dock

“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

We woke up Thursday (8/23) and checked the weather reports for Lake Ontario...windy, but it looked doable and better than any day in the near future. We decided we'd take our chances...we really didn't want to wait in Cape Vincent for a week. Most of the way across the lake to Oswego was bouncy but not too uncomfortable. That all changed about four miles out...the wind and the waves picked up and it was one of the roughest rides we've ever had. We didn't bury the bow, but we came very close. We could see the inlet, but the only bearable way we could make any head way was to tack back and forth...it was a long, very uncomfortable ride and it felt amazing once we passed the lighthouse coming into the harbor. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the wall at Lock 7 and picking up the mess in the cabin.

Our path coming into Owsego

We had quite a mess in the cabin...two broken wine glasses, one broken frame and the contents of every cabinet was out of place. 

Some may think the canal is boring, but we really enjoyed the comfort of not rocking while we were in Oswego.

Friday morning we headed south to Baldwinsville to meet up with the crew of Magnolia, we hadn't seen them since Block Island two years ago. It felt nice to be back in the calm, peaceful, protected canal. Baldwinsville has a nice park next to Lock 24...it's a great place to spend a little time. Stan got a haircut and I did a little shopping before spending the evening with Anthony and Annette catching up on all their adventures.

We watched this Bald Eagle catch a fish and enjoy his breakfast. What a sight. 

Blue Herons have always been one of my favorite birds to watch...this one was pruning his feathers.

The orange feet on these ducks caught my eye. We were entertained all the way to Baldwinsville by lots of birds.

The Pearl coming into Erie Canal Lock 24 in Baldwinsville. Thank you Anthony for the great pictures.

The visitor center at the free dock in Baldwinsville.

Our beautiful view from the boat

We enjoyed a wonderful visit with the crew of Magnolia at the Lock 24 Restaurant. 

Annette, Anthony, Susie and Stan