Making progress!

After two days in Utica, we set out again on Wednesday, August 5 shortly after 7:00 a.m. We were not the only ones out and about.

After an hour or so of cruising, we came across this dredger right in the middle of the channel. We communicated by radio and he indicated he would move over so we could get by.  This is how much room he gave us.

We are feeling very worldly – we passed by Rome.

As it was still early in the day, we debated whether to cross Lake Oneida once we arrived at Sylvan Beach.  Easy decision: it was made for us. When we arrived at the lake, it was pretty rough, so we docked at Sylvan Beach for the night.

The next day, Lake Oneida was looking much calmer so we set off.

We were very happy to see this sign.

Stowell Island was settled in the mid-1600s by the Jesuits.  According to legend, the French and the Jesuits were fleeing from the Indians and camped on Stowell Island. To lighten their load, they left behind cannon and gold.  Although no gold has ever been found, to this day the locals refer to the island as Treasure Island.

We stayed at the village of Phoenix, location of Lock 1 on the Oswego Canal.  Lock 1 is home to the Bridge House Brats, a volunteer organization made up of kids from ages eight to 18. 

Part of their mandate is to assist boaters.  We found them to be very personable, helpful and delightful. On Friday evenings there is live music at the lock and the ‘brats’ act as servers, picking up food at the local restaurants and delivering it to you on the dock.

On Friday, August 7, we finally got the news we have been waiting for: Lock 7 on the Oswego Canal would be opening on Monday, August 10 at 7:00 a.m. We were (and are) ecstatic! Early Sunday morning (August 9) we set off to see how far we could get.

We actually got a little further than we thought we would and ended up at Lock 6. The Lockmasters are super friendly – they are as happy as we are! We took a walk and investigated Lock 7 – the one that has been closed all this time. It does indeed look ready and the staff at Lock 6 confirm it. So it must be true!

We will do our final weather checks just before leaving, but as of now, it looks like we will continue through Locks 6, 7 and 8 and then cross Lake Ontario on Monday, August 10! Now, if we only knew where to go to check in with Customs. We will keep you posted.