Two locks -37ft

It was supposed to be a short day, but it was longer than anticipated. At first we weren't keen on stopping at Utica and hardly making any progress, but in the end it was just what the doctor ordered. Ron wanted to see a doctor about his leg, which he hurt the first day he got here. It has been painful for him. Tari and I went to the laundromat and grocery store while Roger worked on his engine.

The first bump in the road was literally just that. In 10 feet of water my boat bounced a bit off something on the bottom. My six feet of draft is about six inches too deep. Then there was a mess of seaweed around the second lock. After the lock, Roger's engine overheated. He cleaned the clogged strainer, but he still wasn't getting much water coming out of his exhaust. I ended up towing him the last few miles.

Then I tried to dock. Again, I couldn't tie up next to the dock because it was too shallow. Six fewer inches of draft and I would be fine. The current tends to excavate the bottom around the keel, so after awhile I can get a bit closer if I pull the boat in. I try to be close enough so I can get off the boat without being so aggressive I ground myself so hard I can't leave in the morning.

Roger replaced his impeller which is difficult because it is in back and hard to get to. He thinks he is good now. I cleaned out my strainer and think I am good to go. Ron wants to get home to see his doctors, so we are going to push hard to finish the canal these next three days.