Day 10 - Tue 7 Jun 2016
Docked - Waterford, NY

[photo: this barge is going all the way to Ottawa Canada via canal]

What a beautiful evening it was last night before bedtime! Our sleep was amazingly comfortable and hard to believe we were anchored off to the side of a large river. There was still large commercial traffic but the wakes were very mild. We got rain in the very early morning but since we had some salt spray on the boat from the trip up river, that rain was welcome to get it all off.

We had the choice this morning of either fighting the ebb current or waiting until noon to leave. So, we slept in to the luxurious hour of 0600 (you think I jest, but that is not early to us when we are cruising). By 0700, we had enjoyed a veggie omelet and continued to watch the sun try to peak through the somewhat heavy cloud layers.

It was just after breakfast that I got the severe weather alert on my phone that gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to 1 inch could be expected throughout the entire region sometime after 1300. I decided that it might be better to be tied to a secure dock than underway or at anchor, so we quickly readied to weigh anchor and fight the current N. We averaged about 2 kts less than we should have for the power setting, but we had gorgeous travel conditions and made it to the first lock of this year's adventure at Troy. This lock and dam allows water to flow S on the river, but prevents any flow northward; the terminus of the tidal portion of the Hudson River.

Waterford was just a short bit away and we were fortunate to get a great spot on the floating dock at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center. As usual, some boaters already there helped with our lines. We were not at the dock 5 minutes and the socializing had begun. We got ourselves tied up appropriately, the shore power hooked up for the first time in 9 days, and then checked in. The limit is 48 hours, the cost is free with $10 to pay for electrical power during your stay (1 day or 2).

After that, I scrubbed the accumulation of grime off the boat, which was not bad because we had hardly been ashore where all the dirt is. The rain and gusty winds came an hour later, but thankfully with no hail. We spent some time doing various chores and then realized by 1600 that we had not had lunch and were pretty hungry. Rather than snack, we heated the delicious leftover clam sauced and pasta, and had a side of fresh snap peas. I had offered to take Diane out to a restaurant, but we were very happy with our choice.

When 1730 came around, I got off the boat with a beverage and strolled the dock to see if anyone was interested in socializing. I found a couple in a 27 foot Ranger Tug and spent almost an hour there. I invited them back to see our boat and they were there for another hour. Meanwhile, another couple came aboard, so we had 6 for the impromptu party.

By 2000, all had left but a few guys on the flybridge telling bad jokes. I thought Diane had gone to one of the other boats and was socializing there, but at 2045 when all had left the boat, I found her snoozing in the cabin. After another check of weather and some blogging, it was time for my bedtime as well.

We have moved 431nm in 10 days, moving on 9 of those days. That is a fast pace for us, but what we expected for this portion of the trip. It will be nice to slow way down and relax, except for the fact that we have quite a few locks to negotiate.