Day 83 Friday the 13^th of September

Today is moving day along the canal.  We did not sleep great last night due to noise here and noise there…. , so our start is a bit slower than anticipated.  The canals locks and lift bridges are now on fall hours so only operate until 5 p.m. so this will hamper our movements. 

Deer in the canal

We have to pay close attention in the canal as there are some deadheads and the shoreline is only 25 feet away so there will be no card games while underway.  It is drizzling so it is difficult to see out the front window so we opt to perch ourselves higher and view overtop of the dodger.  There are herons, ducks, kingfishers to name a few birds, but the most interesting is when we spot a beaver with a stick in its mouth…no it’s a rabbit….no it’s a deer.  The deer was swimming across the canal but at a spot where it could not get out as on both sides of the canal were steep limestone walls.  Hopefully it finds its way.

Donna on S/V Saltine at lock 35

We just start to munch back some homemade soup and fresh rolls out of the oven when we get to the first set of locks at Lockport.  We thought we might just tie up at the side and get the lowdown, but we were cleared to go into the lock so we went right in.  Soon we were grabbing lines and the water below us was moving.  We had turned the engine off because we had to purchase our pass as did the boat behind us.  It only took about 10 minutes for the lock to empty.  During the scurry, butter and rolls went flying, luckily not the soup.  It all went well, but as soon as the doors emptied there was a huge tour boat coming at us.  Technically it was on its side, but it only left a bit of space between the passing vessels and as newbies, this was a bit freaky.  We continued on, learning how to properly thank and hail the lift bridge operators as well as the lock staff.  So far the staff have all been helpful and although the learning curve is steep, it is not rocket science and after a couple of lifts we will be pros.  There are no more lifts today, just some lift bridges where you radio the operator and they lift as you approach.

Dawson at lock 35

Goose parade along the shore

Waterfall along the canal

Julie with Marty who owns the Museum

By 3:30 we are docked at the town of Medina, with our sailing friends from Saltine.  We head to the rail museum which turns out to have just an amazing display and working model train display which is huge.  We both really enjoyed the museum.  We then stopped at a chocolate making store to grab some dessert as we wanted to invite Scott and Donna over for coffee and dessert.  We are scheduled to meet up with them at their boat for cocktails at 5:00, then we may go to the local restaurant together.  Our 5:00 cocktails turns into a dinner invite, so Donna whipped up a fabulous pasta, while we put together a salad and the “chocolate” dessert.  After much wine, and beers, we bid good night to our wonderful neighbours and head to bed.

Cheers

Julie and Dawson