This will be my last writing for some time...until next summer 2012 adventure.
We are back home in quaint New Bern, North Carolina, and although it was sad to leave Siroccco behind for the winter, we are glad to be home now.
A larger and more comfortable bed, a stove with 4 burners that can work all at the same time even with the air conditioning is ON, long and warm showers whenever we want and there is still warm water afterwards, plenty of water to wash dishes with, clothes that come out of the dryer dry as they are meant to be, toilets that flush properly and don't smell, lights on in various rooms for atmosphere in the evenings without fear of running out of power by 3AM, and neighbors and friends to see and catch up with. All the ammenities that make life so comfortable. But I must confess: it took me a few days to stop running a thin stream of water to do the dishes...or to not stop the shower water while shampoing before rinsing.
I will start this blog again in Spring 2012 as we get ready for next summer trip: we plan on traveling on the Trent-Severn Waterway, also in Ontario, Canada, all the way through the North Channel to the gorgeous Geogian Bay.
So long for now, and Fair Winds to those of you sailing this winter down South.
Annick and Michael
PS: we do have chilled wine in New Bern too!
Sirocco
Friday, October 14, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Coming back home
We are putting Sirocco on the hard tomorrow Monday October 3rd for the winter.
All is ready for her to be well taken care of in a heated boat storage warehouse.
We are driving back to New Bern and expect to be home sometimes very late on Monday eve Oct. 3 or Tuesday morning Oct. 4.
It has been a wonderful experience and summer up North, but the weather has finally turned and it is getting cold and wet...time to head South.
Looking forward to being home, now that we are mentally ready.
And we will miss the boat during the winter, no doubt.
To our South Carolina friends: see you all very soon!
Annick and Michael
All is ready for her to be well taken care of in a heated boat storage warehouse.
We are driving back to New Bern and expect to be home sometimes very late on Monday eve Oct. 3 or Tuesday morning Oct. 4.
It has been a wonderful experience and summer up North, but the weather has finally turned and it is getting cold and wet...time to head South.
Looking forward to being home, now that we are mentally ready.
And we will miss the boat during the winter, no doubt.
To our South Carolina friends: see you all very soon!
Annick and Michael
Friday, September 23, 2011
Back in US Waters
We crossed the US-Canadian water border yesterday and cleared the US Customs at Heart Island, the location of the 1900 Boldt Castle. The "heart" of the Thousand Islands region, US side. This is right across the little US boating town of Alexandria Bay.
We toured the castle and its magnificent grounds. We both had visited this castle multiple times in the past, the latest visit dating back to 2007. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority who owns and operates this site, has done a remarkable job at restoring the castle, which had been left unfinished in 1904 and in ruins thereafter. They now have completed the entire first floor as well as the 2nd floor's bedrooms of the Boldt family that built it. It is so well appointed, with all the details reminiscent of a grand era and lifetsyle. A must see when in this area. I can't attach pictures now because this server is slow and not reliable.
We are leaving Alexandria Bay this morning and headed towards Cape Vincent, at the NE tip of Lake Ontario. We are planning to cross Lake Ontario towards Oswego tomorrow Saturday as the winds will be low and favorable.
Will try to keep everyone posted as Sirocco reaches her final winter destination. We have some mechanical maintenance work to do before leaving her (HIS), as well as major cleaning including polishing and waxing the fiberglass (HERS...).
Good day to all! The wine is gone.
Annick and Michael.
We toured the castle and its magnificent grounds. We both had visited this castle multiple times in the past, the latest visit dating back to 2007. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority who owns and operates this site, has done a remarkable job at restoring the castle, which had been left unfinished in 1904 and in ruins thereafter. They now have completed the entire first floor as well as the 2nd floor's bedrooms of the Boldt family that built it. It is so well appointed, with all the details reminiscent of a grand era and lifetsyle. A must see when in this area. I can't attach pictures now because this server is slow and not reliable.
We are leaving Alexandria Bay this morning and headed towards Cape Vincent, at the NE tip of Lake Ontario. We are planning to cross Lake Ontario towards Oswego tomorrow Saturday as the winds will be low and favorable.
Will try to keep everyone posted as Sirocco reaches her final winter destination. We have some mechanical maintenance work to do before leaving her (HIS), as well as major cleaning including polishing and waxing the fiberglass (HERS...).
Good day to all! The wine is gone.
Annick and Michael.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Heading back to the US soon....
We have been around the Thousand Islands, Canadian side, for the past week. Hopping from one island to another in search of a suitable Parks Canada dock. We are finding out that although it is now low season, the docks are still sufficiently busy (first-come first-serve) that it is not easy to find a dock for Sirocco. We do need a loooooong and sturdy dock, and there are not that many. This boat is almost too big for this boating area. And anchoring here is hardly possible (too many rocks, rocky bottom, current and eddies), unlike on the Rideau.
We just spend 2 days at a municipal marina in Brockville, Ontario. Pretty little town on the Saint Lawrence river, at the North East End of the Thousand Islands, with a quaint harbor. And even the ducks are finding shelter from the colder temperatures and waters...
We went to the opening of an art show with friends Dale and Wendy, as one of the artist exhibiting her work is a boating acquaintance to all of us. The quality of her work, and that of the other painters, was quite remarkable. Very good and varied fine art. Alas Sirocco is too small to hang such pieces, and with humidity and lack of good temperature control, we would not want to not take proper care of such precious work! AH! AH! We are saving our pennies for the new generator instead.
We will now be inching our position for an upcoming Lake Ontario crossing. The winds can be pretty wicked in this early Fall season, and we need to be ready when that one good day comes about. We hope to have crossed by early October. Sooner if the opportunity is there. The boat is to be put up no later than October 10 near Syracuse, NY. It could be sooner than that.
We think we will be back in New Bern near October 10.
We hope you all have had as great a summer as we did. Despite a few hickups at the start of our journey, and a few more along the way (it's a boat!), we thoroughly have enjoyed our time on the beautiful Canadian waters, breathing only clean pure fresh air... and we plan to do so until our very last day here. Reconnecting with our Canadian friends was very special. Did you know that Canadians are such hospitable and welcoming people? Our experience says they are and they love Americans and the US.
To (a few) more chilled wines and fair winds,
Annick and Michael cruising aboard Sirocco
We will now be inching our position for an upcoming Lake Ontario crossing. The winds can be pretty wicked in this early Fall season, and we need to be ready when that one good day comes about. We hope to have crossed by early October. Sooner if the opportunity is there. The boat is to be put up no later than October 10 near Syracuse, NY. It could be sooner than that.
We think we will be back in New Bern near October 10.
We hope you all have had as great a summer as we did. Despite a few hickups at the start of our journey, and a few more along the way (it's a boat!), we thoroughly have enjoyed our time on the beautiful Canadian waters, breathing only clean pure fresh air... and we plan to do so until our very last day here. Reconnecting with our Canadian friends was very special. Did you know that Canadians are such hospitable and welcoming people? Our experience says they are and they love Americans and the US.
To (a few) more chilled wines and fair winds,
Annick and Michael cruising aboard Sirocco
Friday, September 9, 2011
Descending the Rideau back to Lake Ontario
Hello friends!
We have had a wonderful August on the Rideau Canal, mainly on Big Rideau Lake. Since I last updated this blog, my godmother Nicole from Paris and her husband Patrick visited us. Patrick is a world class sailor, having competed in 3 Olympics in the 80s & 90s, as well as the World Cup. Nevertheless, he enjoyed the comfort and space of the BAB (Big Ass Boat)! We very much enjoyed their visit, as I had not seen them in 6 years.
Next our Rochester friends Julie and Gary stayed over the Labor Day weekend. More food, more drinks, more fun...they are always great to have on the boat, as they are boaters themselves and need no entertainment: they are the entertainment. Unfortunately, the weather turned cold and stormy while they were with us, which simply resulted in more drinking since there was not much else to do.
On Sunday morning at around 7AM, while we were anchored in one of our favorite bays (Lower Stouts Bay), a very powerful thunderstorm cell passed over us, literally picking up Sirocco and dropping her back on the water a few times too many. Another "never before" experience which I do not wish to relive. We got loose and dragged, despite the 125 feet of chain in 12 ft of water. Michael powered up the Cats so we stayed off the rocks but did get into 4.2 feet of water. We were fine and just re-anchored after some calm resumed. At least, we offered our guests a unique experience! More drinking afterwards...
The water level in the system went down pretty drastically in the last 2 weeks, thanks to good weather and no real precipitation during the month. This resulted in some areas of the canal system being below datum at about 4ft 6 in. We swiftly decided to get out of dodge while we still could, and made the difficult decision to leave much earlier than expected and head back "South" towards Kingston (for our NC friends, not South to NC!). Here are a few last shots I took of our beloved Big Rideau Lake area. Keep in mind that this has been pretty typical scenery for the past 45 days.
I would not be doing justice to my captain if I did not post the following shots.
Michael headed by bike to a haircut appointment. This is him crossing a small one-lane bridge over the lock at the Narrows where we stayed at frequently.
Some fishing with friend Dale.
Dale caught a 32 inch pike. And I know what I am talking about, not 6 inches guys...By the way
Michael caught bupkas!!!! Gary too caught a (small) pike while visiting.
And here we are on the move again, locking down the Rideau. Heading back for American waters.
We just passed the sensitive (shallows) areas on the canal and are slowly inching our way towards the Thousand Islands at the Eastern end of Lake Ontario where the St Lawrence river starts.
We expect to be on the lower end of the Rideau Canal until early next week. We have no rigid plans at this point. When the weather turns cold, we will cross Lake Ontario and bring Sirocco to its winter shelter near Syracuse, NY. In the meantime, we'll be in the 1000 Islands.
After we leave our current location (where I am using a nearby hotel internet router), I do not know how often I'll have internet connection. Likely rarely.
To fair weather and chilled wine,
Annick & Michael cruising aboard Sirocco and still loving it.
We have had a wonderful August on the Rideau Canal, mainly on Big Rideau Lake. Since I last updated this blog, my godmother Nicole from Paris and her husband Patrick visited us. Patrick is a world class sailor, having competed in 3 Olympics in the 80s & 90s, as well as the World Cup. Nevertheless, he enjoyed the comfort and space of the BAB (Big Ass Boat)! We very much enjoyed their visit, as I had not seen them in 6 years.
Next our Rochester friends Julie and Gary stayed over the Labor Day weekend. More food, more drinks, more fun...they are always great to have on the boat, as they are boaters themselves and need no entertainment: they are the entertainment. Unfortunately, the weather turned cold and stormy while they were with us, which simply resulted in more drinking since there was not much else to do.
On Sunday morning at around 7AM, while we were anchored in one of our favorite bays (Lower Stouts Bay), a very powerful thunderstorm cell passed over us, literally picking up Sirocco and dropping her back on the water a few times too many. Another "never before" experience which I do not wish to relive. We got loose and dragged, despite the 125 feet of chain in 12 ft of water. Michael powered up the Cats so we stayed off the rocks but did get into 4.2 feet of water. We were fine and just re-anchored after some calm resumed. At least, we offered our guests a unique experience! More drinking afterwards...
The water level in the system went down pretty drastically in the last 2 weeks, thanks to good weather and no real precipitation during the month. This resulted in some areas of the canal system being below datum at about 4ft 6 in. We swiftly decided to get out of dodge while we still could, and made the difficult decision to leave much earlier than expected and head back "South" towards Kingston (for our NC friends, not South to NC!). Here are a few last shots I took of our beloved Big Rideau Lake area. Keep in mind that this has been pretty typical scenery for the past 45 days.
I would not be doing justice to my captain if I did not post the following shots.
Michael headed by bike to a haircut appointment. This is him crossing a small one-lane bridge over the lock at the Narrows where we stayed at frequently.
Some fishing with friend Dale.
Michael caught bupkas!!!! Gary too caught a (small) pike while visiting.
And here we are on the move again, locking down the Rideau. Heading back for American waters.
We just passed the sensitive (shallows) areas on the canal and are slowly inching our way towards the Thousand Islands at the Eastern end of Lake Ontario where the St Lawrence river starts.
We expect to be on the lower end of the Rideau Canal until early next week. We have no rigid plans at this point. When the weather turns cold, we will cross Lake Ontario and bring Sirocco to its winter shelter near Syracuse, NY. In the meantime, we'll be in the 1000 Islands.
After we leave our current location (where I am using a nearby hotel internet router), I do not know how often I'll have internet connection. Likely rarely.
To fair weather and chilled wine,
Annick & Michael cruising aboard Sirocco and still loving it.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Big Rideau Lake, Ontario, CANADA
From Big Rideau Lake, Ontario, Canada (Lat 44o44.02N Long 76o13.52W by Colonel By Island)
Tuesday August 8
(updated on Aug 9 with additional pictures)
We are at anchor on our so beloved Big Rideau Lake. This is pretty much our final destination for this summer. Our plan is to hop from anchor spot to anchor spot in this general area.
A few of you have asked more specific information on our route and locations since we left the USA from Oswego, NY. So here it is. Skip this section if you are not interested in the coordinates and exact route. Otherwise, you can use this information and Google Earth it to take a look.
RECAP
We left the USA from Oswego, NY on Tuesday August 2.
Crossed Lake Ontario that day and headed towards Kingston, Ontario, Canada. This was a 6-hour crossing, 4 of which we definitely not pleasure boating... Kingston is to Ontario (Canada) what Oriental is to North Carolina: it is the sailing capital of Ontario. This is where the sailing events were held during the 1976 Montreal Olympics. We just passed the city and entered to Rideau Canal (Google Rideau Canal for facts) just North of the Kingston bascule bridge.
We headed straight for the first set of locks on the Rideau Canal that afternoon: the Kingston Mills locks (Lat 44o17.5N Long 76o26.5W). Cleared Canadian customs there and took the 4 locks that same day…
Thru Colonel By Lake to River Styx to Washburn locks (Lat 44o23.4N Long 76o19.5W). Stayed overnight at the bottom of these locks. This made for a very long day albeit successful day, in that we had arrived in Canada, our goal since we left June 25.
Next day Wednesday on to Brewer Mills locks thru Cranberry Lake (Lat 44o27N Long 76o18W)
To and thru Whitefish Lake (Lat 44o31N Long 76o14W)
To Jones Falls Locks (Lat 44o32.8N Long 76o14.2W) thru the 4 locks there
To and thru Sand Lake (Lat 44o34N Long 76o16W)
To Davis Lock (Lat 44o33.8N Long 76o17.6W)
To Chaffeys Locks (Lat 44o34.5N Long 76o19.5W)
To and thru Indian Lake to Clear Lake to Newboro Lake at anchor spot called Stouts Lower Bay (Lat 44o36.8N Long 76o20W)
After something like 14 locks in 2 days plus Lake Ontario crossing, we reconnected with our Canadian friends Dale and Wendy later that afternoon and rafted with them. We had arrived!
We rested all day on Thursday on Newboro Lake, recuperating from 2 heavy cruising days. Michael fished for a short time off the swim platform while Dale was doing the same off his boat; we all went swimming multiple times, and of course all had the proper liquid food. The guys brushed the boats and compared cleaning techniques and products...
On Friday, we headed for Portland, Ontario on the Big Rideau Lake to tie up at a municipal dock and meet Michael’s daughter and family that afternoon. They have been with us since and left this morning (Tuesday 8/9). There was a lot of horsing around with the grand-kids and the grown-ups too. Pacemaker problems anyone??...Michael has an easy fix:
We stayed on the hook all along in various anchoring spots on Big Rideau Lake.
Unfortunately, our main generator continues to be a challenge. The latest is that we did do some damage when we had an overheat situation due to a broken water pump in NYC. Michael is evaluating how it will be remedied, where, and by whom. I do not anticipate having a main generator for the rest of the season... Fortunately, we do not need AC as the temperatures are in the 60s at nights, which makes for great sleeping. We take showers in the lake (no power to the water heater), which is very clear with water temperature is in the mid-70s. We'll see how all this works out comes September and early Fall here...
The beauty of our surroundings continues to amaze us every day.
We are surrounded by many families of spectacular loons, and have spotted muskrats, blue herons, a couple of ospreys with their little ones in the nest. We had our first lake-caught bass yesterday.
To more chilled wine! (and it is chilling)
Annick & Michael cruising aboard Sirocco
Tuesday August 8
(updated on Aug 9 with additional pictures)
We are at anchor on our so beloved Big Rideau Lake. This is pretty much our final destination for this summer. Our plan is to hop from anchor spot to anchor spot in this general area.
A few of you have asked more specific information on our route and locations since we left the USA from Oswego, NY. So here it is. Skip this section if you are not interested in the coordinates and exact route. Otherwise, you can use this information and Google Earth it to take a look.
RECAP
We left the USA from Oswego, NY on Tuesday August 2.
Crossed Lake Ontario that day and headed towards Kingston, Ontario, Canada. This was a 6-hour crossing, 4 of which we definitely not pleasure boating... Kingston is to Ontario (Canada) what Oriental is to North Carolina: it is the sailing capital of Ontario. This is where the sailing events were held during the 1976 Montreal Olympics. We just passed the city and entered to Rideau Canal (Google Rideau Canal for facts) just North of the Kingston bascule bridge.
We headed straight for the first set of locks on the Rideau Canal that afternoon: the Kingston Mills locks (Lat 44o17.5N Long 76o26.5W). Cleared Canadian customs there and took the 4 locks that same day…
Thru Colonel By Lake to River Styx to Washburn locks (Lat 44o23.4N Long 76o19.5W). Stayed overnight at the bottom of these locks. This made for a very long day albeit successful day, in that we had arrived in Canada, our goal since we left June 25.
Next day Wednesday on to Brewer Mills locks thru Cranberry Lake (Lat 44o27N Long 76o18W)
To and thru Whitefish Lake (Lat 44o31N Long 76o14W)
To Jones Falls Locks (Lat 44o32.8N Long 76o14.2W) thru the 4 locks there
To and thru Sand Lake (Lat 44o34N Long 76o16W)
To Davis Lock (Lat 44o33.8N Long 76o17.6W)
To Chaffeys Locks (Lat 44o34.5N Long 76o19.5W)
To and thru Indian Lake to Clear Lake to Newboro Lake at anchor spot called Stouts Lower Bay (Lat 44o36.8N Long 76o20W)
After something like 14 locks in 2 days plus Lake Ontario crossing, we reconnected with our Canadian friends Dale and Wendy later that afternoon and rafted with them. We had arrived!
We rested all day on Thursday on Newboro Lake, recuperating from 2 heavy cruising days. Michael fished for a short time off the swim platform while Dale was doing the same off his boat; we all went swimming multiple times, and of course all had the proper liquid food. The guys brushed the boats and compared cleaning techniques and products...
On Friday, we headed for Portland, Ontario on the Big Rideau Lake to tie up at a municipal dock and meet Michael’s daughter and family that afternoon. They have been with us since and left this morning (Tuesday 8/9). There was a lot of horsing around with the grand-kids and the grown-ups too. Pacemaker problems anyone??...Michael has an easy fix:
We stayed on the hook all along in various anchoring spots on Big Rideau Lake.
Unfortunately, our main generator continues to be a challenge. The latest is that we did do some damage when we had an overheat situation due to a broken water pump in NYC. Michael is evaluating how it will be remedied, where, and by whom. I do not anticipate having a main generator for the rest of the season... Fortunately, we do not need AC as the temperatures are in the 60s at nights, which makes for great sleeping. We take showers in the lake (no power to the water heater), which is very clear with water temperature is in the mid-70s. We'll see how all this works out comes September and early Fall here...
The beauty of our surroundings continues to amaze us every day.
We are surrounded by many families of spectacular loons, and have spotted muskrats, blue herons, a couple of ospreys with their little ones in the nest. We had our first lake-caught bass yesterday.
To more chilled wine! (and it is chilling)
Annick & Michael cruising aboard Sirocco
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Rideau, Ontario, Canada!
We made it and arrived on Tuesday evening on our beloved Rideau.
Ontario lake crossing was very rough for the first 4 of the 6 hours ride. Not pleasant at all and Michael claims that Annick had no sphincters muscles left on arrival...
We are at anchor on Newboro lake and have already met with our Canadian friends Wendie and Dale. Yesterday was a wonderful reunion, as they were waiting for us with an ample supply of chilled wine. We took our first lake showers this morning. Water is as clean as expected, and we have the family of loons we remembered from 2 summers ago around us. Their calls in the evenings and mornings is just so mysteriously enchanting.
What an incredible place this truly is. I'll post pictures as soon as I find a wi-fi.
We are staying in this area until early September.
Love to all,
Annick & Michael aboard Sirocco.
Ontario lake crossing was very rough for the first 4 of the 6 hours ride. Not pleasant at all and Michael claims that Annick had no sphincters muscles left on arrival...
We are at anchor on Newboro lake and have already met with our Canadian friends Wendie and Dale. Yesterday was a wonderful reunion, as they were waiting for us with an ample supply of chilled wine. We took our first lake showers this morning. Water is as clean as expected, and we have the family of loons we remembered from 2 summers ago around us. Their calls in the evenings and mornings is just so mysteriously enchanting.
What an incredible place this truly is. I'll post pictures as soon as I find a wi-fi.
We are staying in this area until early September.
Love to all,
Annick & Michael aboard Sirocco.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Oswego, NY
While in Brewerton, NY, over the weekend we attended the wedding of our friends Julie and Gary's daughter Katie. It was a very nice event and we got to see acquaintances and old neighbors from Rochester we had not seen in a while. The wedding was in Syracuse, NY, about 15 miles from where we were docked. While in the area and having a rental car, we both got a haircut and re-provisioned the boat with fresh food (yeh, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and Lindt chocolate...counts as fresh stuff, doesn't it?).
We left Brewerton Sunday early at 10AM (after 2 evenings of wedding festivities,
this was quite a coup for us) as we had 7 more locks to go through before reaching Oswego. This portion of the trip is mostly on the Oswego River/Canal.
Many portions are quaint, rural, and cute.
We found a wall/dock run by the city of Oswego on a basin between the 2 last locks. This is where we are tied up for now. Vickey and Fran left us Sunday evening to go back to their reality: work on Monday morning!...
Our reality is Lake Ontario: it can get really stormy very fast (it is the 14th largest lake in the world). Monday did not look good for a crossing, and Tuesday forecast has changed and no longer looks good. Cold fronts are going through, and with these, strong gusts or squalls are frequent, and 4-5 ft chops. Not really pleasure boating, is it? As of 5PM Monday, it looks like Wednesday may be the day to get over the other side to Canada. So we are staying put here. The basin is well protected from the wind, and we see the Oswego River "rapids" rushing by next to us. the water is very clean and NO jelly fish here!
We are the only boat left at the dock, as the Oswego Harbor Fest was this past weekend and all the boaters are now gone: great for us.
A little downtime to clean the boat and fenders from all the locks crud (this can be rather nasty).
And the great thing is: we have a free dock and FREE internet connection. How about that, uh?
Next note should be from Canada (should being the operational word...)
So long, a bientot!
Annick & Michael aboard Sirocco.
We left Brewerton Sunday early at 10AM (after 2 evenings of wedding festivities,
this was quite a coup for us) as we had 7 more locks to go through before reaching Oswego. This portion of the trip is mostly on the Oswego River/Canal.
Many portions are quaint, rural, and cute.
We found a wall/dock run by the city of Oswego on a basin between the 2 last locks. This is where we are tied up for now. Vickey and Fran left us Sunday evening to go back to their reality: work on Monday morning!...
Our reality is Lake Ontario: it can get really stormy very fast (it is the 14th largest lake in the world). Monday did not look good for a crossing, and Tuesday forecast has changed and no longer looks good. Cold fronts are going through, and with these, strong gusts or squalls are frequent, and 4-5 ft chops. Not really pleasure boating, is it? As of 5PM Monday, it looks like Wednesday may be the day to get over the other side to Canada. So we are staying put here. The basin is well protected from the wind, and we see the Oswego River "rapids" rushing by next to us. the water is very clean and NO jelly fish here!
We are the only boat left at the dock, as the Oswego Harbor Fest was this past weekend and all the boaters are now gone: great for us.
And the great thing is: we have a free dock and FREE internet connection. How about that, uh?
Next note should be from Canada (should being the operational word...)
So long, a bientot!
Annick & Michael aboard Sirocco.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Waterford to Brewerton, NY
We left Waterford on Monday morning and arrived in Brewerton, NY on Thursday. We stopped overnight in Amsterdam on the Mohawk river, Little Falls, and Sylvan Beach on the Erie Canal at the junction with Oneida Lake. I realized I did not take many pictures, likely because this is familiar territory and landscape.
We went through 21 locks in 3 days, and we were glad we had our friends Vickey and Fran help us through the locks. It was pouring on Tuesday while we were locking...not that much fun.
And the night in Amsterdam was not very restful: the wall tie-up is located 400 yards from a very busy railroad with an intersection right there...every train honks at the intersection, and it seems that they kept coming all night long. Felt like a train was rolling over you while you were trying to find your sleep: a night to remember!
The temperatures have been rather cool since we left the Hudson, particularly at night. Which was a good thing since we did not have a working generator and no A/C.
We are in Brewerton near Syracuse until Sunday as we have a wedding to attend. Our generator is repaired: new fresh water pump assembly. We are going to Oswego on Lake Ontario on Sunday. Our friends will depart Sunday evening. They have been a pleasure to have onboard, fun and very helpful. We are planning on crossing lake Ontario on Tuesday at this point, as Monday does not look favorable. So we should be on Canadian waters by Tuesday evening.
Until next time,
Annick & Michael cruising on Sirocco.
We went through 21 locks in 3 days, and we were glad we had our friends Vickey and Fran help us through the locks. It was pouring on Tuesday while we were locking...not that much fun.
And the night in Amsterdam was not very restful: the wall tie-up is located 400 yards from a very busy railroad with an intersection right there...every train honks at the intersection, and it seems that they kept coming all night long. Felt like a train was rolling over you while you were trying to find your sleep: a night to remember!
The temperatures have been rather cool since we left the Hudson, particularly at night. Which was a good thing since we did not have a working generator and no A/C.
We are in Brewerton near Syracuse until Sunday as we have a wedding to attend. Our generator is repaired: new fresh water pump assembly. We are going to Oswego on Lake Ontario on Sunday. Our friends will depart Sunday evening. They have been a pleasure to have onboard, fun and very helpful. We are planning on crossing lake Ontario on Tuesday at this point, as Monday does not look favorable. So we should be on Canadian waters by Tuesday evening.
Until next time,
Annick & Michael cruising on Sirocco.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
New York Harbor to Waterford, NY on the Hudson
New York City to Waterford, NY on the Hudson
New York City
We spent 3 days on anchor in NYC harbor. Actually, the anchoring basin is on the Jersey side, in Jersey City, immediately South West of the Lady. Although convenient, the basin is located in a rather industrial and seemingly impoverished area, with nothing of interest to walk to. We could see the Lady from the back, but not the Manhattan skyline.
As you all know, the heat wave reached this area by Thursday. And as you would have it, our main generator broke down Wednesday evening…this means we endured 2 full days and 3 nights of extreme heat without air conditioning. We have arranged to get it serviced in Brewerton, NY in a week. Our little backup Honda generator saved the day as we are able to keep the inverter batteries charged to keep the refrigerators and freezer going…all this frozen meat and wines. So we did enjoy cold water/ice tea, ice, and cold wine! Friday was particularly oppressing, as there was zero wind. We “slept” on the bow cushions 3 nights, as this was the only spot on the boat where we could get a faint breeze!
Now, to top this timing of events, the largest wastewater treatment plant in NY/Upside Manhattan experienced a serious fire on Wednesday afternoon, the day we arrived. By Thursday Noon, all the beaches and access to the river were closed, as raw sewage was discharged at the rate of about 140 million gallons a day. By Friday morning, with the extreme heat not helping the situation, the stench had reached us. Glad we left on Saturday as soon as we could. It was getting pretty bad.
Our friends Vicky and Fran arrived as planned later on Friday afternoon after a 5 hours train ride from Rochester, NY and multiple ferries/ rides to the Liberty Park basin (good experience that is – they even met folks who gave them free car rides in the heat, and a bus driver who took them around the World Trade center site!).
Picture the 4 of us, exhausted from the heat and travel, laying down on the bow for the night! We left at dawn Saturday to start our journey up the Hudson River. We all enjoyed the sights of Manhattan under the golden light of dawn from the water, including the 2 new World Trade Center towers being erected, more of Lady Liberty, and the George Washington Bridge. What an amazing experience it was to drive our own boat through these venues!
Up the Hudson to Kingston, NY
The ride up the Hudson was smooth, and temperature a bit more bearable. I did not know The Hudson was that picturesque: high banks with beautiful estates, some narrowing passages and bends. Passed by West Point too!
Overall quite scenic. However no good, or at least what we would consider safe, anchoring along the river.
After 10 hours travel we stopped in Kingston for the night, a little town of 30,000 right off the Hudson. There is a very nice public marina right off the historical downtown area which has been redeveloped. Nice restaurants/bars and nightlife.
After seriously washing the boat (from salt but mostly the sewage contaminated NYC water), we had a superb meal at a bistro ran by a graduate of the American Culinary Institute located just down the river (the ACU that is).
We docked right behind a beautiful Hinkley, which we found out was owned by no less than …the Expedia’s CEO! Did not meet him, as he was visiting a friend in town. Our dock master, a woman, seemed to know everything…
Service at this marina was so good that they even come and help get your garbage off the boat: I have never had this service!
With power and water, we all had long showers, ran loads of laundry, and slept like babies with A/C throughout the boat! YEH!
Up the Hudson to Waterford, NY
Left Kingston on Sunday morning. We definitely will stop by there once more on our way back down in a few years. Drove to Waterford, NY (just pass Troy) where the waterway takes you to either Lake Champlain up North or to the Erie Canal West. After morning rain showers, the sky opened up to a beautiful day. This part of the Hudson becomes gradually less scenic. However, Waterford is an interesting stop. FREE docks, with water AND power and Wi-Fii (fast too), BUT you have to get a space! It seems that the Quebecois (French Canadians) have made it their own … we could not find a spot when we arrived at 3PM. A very nice couple, Bob and Fran, from New Bern/Fairfield Harbor (figure it out), let us raft with them.
Another night with A/C and water privileges onboard: more laundry, regular showers (extra long for Annick), watering the herbs pots in total abandon, and 4-burner stove usage. YEH! Annick is could not be happier: A/C and internet, can't beat that.
Tomorrow, we are taking the first lock getting into the Erie Canal. We are sitting right in front of it.
To more (really) chilled wine! (and it is chilling)
Annick & Michael cruising aboard Sirocco
New York City
We spent 3 days on anchor in NYC harbor. Actually, the anchoring basin is on the Jersey side, in Jersey City, immediately South West of the Lady. Although convenient, the basin is located in a rather industrial and seemingly impoverished area, with nothing of interest to walk to. We could see the Lady from the back, but not the Manhattan skyline.
As you all know, the heat wave reached this area by Thursday. And as you would have it, our main generator broke down Wednesday evening…this means we endured 2 full days and 3 nights of extreme heat without air conditioning. We have arranged to get it serviced in Brewerton, NY in a week. Our little backup Honda generator saved the day as we are able to keep the inverter batteries charged to keep the refrigerators and freezer going…all this frozen meat and wines. So we did enjoy cold water/ice tea, ice, and cold wine! Friday was particularly oppressing, as there was zero wind. We “slept” on the bow cushions 3 nights, as this was the only spot on the boat where we could get a faint breeze!
Now, to top this timing of events, the largest wastewater treatment plant in NY/Upside Manhattan experienced a serious fire on Wednesday afternoon, the day we arrived. By Thursday Noon, all the beaches and access to the river were closed, as raw sewage was discharged at the rate of about 140 million gallons a day. By Friday morning, with the extreme heat not helping the situation, the stench had reached us. Glad we left on Saturday as soon as we could. It was getting pretty bad.
Our friends Vicky and Fran arrived as planned later on Friday afternoon after a 5 hours train ride from Rochester, NY and multiple ferries/ rides to the Liberty Park basin (good experience that is – they even met folks who gave them free car rides in the heat, and a bus driver who took them around the World Trade center site!).
Picture the 4 of us, exhausted from the heat and travel, laying down on the bow for the night! We left at dawn Saturday to start our journey up the Hudson River. We all enjoyed the sights of Manhattan under the golden light of dawn from the water, including the 2 new World Trade Center towers being erected, more of Lady Liberty, and the George Washington Bridge. What an amazing experience it was to drive our own boat through these venues!
Up the Hudson to Kingston, NY
The ride up the Hudson was smooth, and temperature a bit more bearable. I did not know The Hudson was that picturesque: high banks with beautiful estates, some narrowing passages and bends. Passed by West Point too!
After 10 hours travel we stopped in Kingston for the night, a little town of 30,000 right off the Hudson. There is a very nice public marina right off the historical downtown area which has been redeveloped. Nice restaurants/bars and nightlife.
With power and water, we all had long showers, ran loads of laundry, and slept like babies with A/C throughout the boat! YEH!
Up the Hudson to Waterford, NY
Left Kingston on Sunday morning. We definitely will stop by there once more on our way back down in a few years. Drove to Waterford, NY (just pass Troy) where the waterway takes you to either Lake Champlain up North or to the Erie Canal West. After morning rain showers, the sky opened up to a beautiful day. This part of the Hudson becomes gradually less scenic. However, Waterford is an interesting stop. FREE docks, with water AND power and Wi-Fii (fast too), BUT you have to get a space! It seems that the Quebecois (French Canadians) have made it their own … we could not find a spot when we arrived at 3PM. A very nice couple, Bob and Fran, from New Bern/Fairfield Harbor (figure it out), let us raft with them.
Tomorrow, we are taking the first lock getting into the Erie Canal. We are sitting right in front of it.
To more (really) chilled wine! (and it is chilling)
Annick & Michael cruising aboard Sirocco
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