Happy Labor Day

Well another 5 locks down today: Locks 28B, 28A, 27, 26, 25; 53.6 miles and 9 � hours.
We started out at a little after 8 am. The first lock (28B) was 2/10ths of a mile from where we docked and you could see it. Each one-I come in very slowly - probably drove Capt'n Mike crazy but I sure hate getting it wrong. They went ahead of us after the 3rd lock - I think their boat goes faster than ours - it looks a lot lighter and sits higher on his water line too (ours sits below the waterline in the front and at the waterline in the back). We passed by the remains of the historic Richmond Aqueduct - it was once the longest one on the Erie Canal and now stands deserted but still majestic looking with it's 6 arches.

It was a terrific morning - great scenery again and I was really looking forward to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge until we got there. Once in there I couldn't wait to escape the wildlife - it was all power boaters, pontoons and personal watercraft (what I call mosquitoes) all kicking up wakes and as I'd try to go over their wakes they'd look at me like I was stupid. Haven't they heard of NO WAKE around other vessels or around docks?!?! I swear that three large ones were racing and trying to roll us to get us to lose our mast so after the first two tag teamed me and I was swerving our 19,000 lbs to cut through the wake and not roll us - the others had to slow and the woman passenger gave me a dirty look - like what? Are you stupid? I gave her the same look back and realllly wanted to give her something else too... Even the NY State police boat was wreaking havoc with Mike and us.

So needless to say, the Wildlife in this refuge is non-existent except for the two legged kind with to much horsepower and not enough brains. Why don't they make everyone that gets behind these large monstrosities take tests and get licenses? By the time we got into Baldwinsville I was feeling a great amount of "road rage". I reaaaalllly felt like turning into one of those mosquitoes that circled us. Splat! But Wayne said: then you'd have to clean it off the boat. Hmmmm.... I actually wouldn't mind (does that say anything?)

It was good to see Norma Fay at the South wall when we approached Baldwinsville I needed refuge from all the wildlife behind us and was really greatful to see them there and for their assist in bringing us in... After tying up and comparing road rage notes, I grabbed Swee'Pea for another of my Where's Swee'pea pictures. I'd made a tuna & macaroni salad during the day for dinner and now am unwinding.