Starting on the Champlain Canal

Stillwater, NY N42 56 W73 39
(08/10/05) Finally we're on the move again and exploring waters that we've never been on before. Today we passed through five locks. We're tied up just North of the fifth one. There is a very pleasant and quiet little park here.

Libby got a kick out of the locking experience (to tell a secret, I did too). When the open the valves the water swirls and tries to twist and turn the boat in all directions. One has to tug and push on the mooring lines to keep the boat from moving. At one point I was pushing off with my back against the dinghy and my feet walking up the lock wall. It worked great until I put my slimy feet back on the deck.

Did we cruise today at our new breakneck speed of 5.2 knots? No. I should not have been so optimistic. With the higher pitch the engine works harder for the same RPM. Whereas we could cruise at 1800 RPM before at 200 degrees F, now we can only do 1400 RPM at the same temperature. We get 4.2 knots. Once again, the cooling system is the limiting factor. Aw heck. I'm not going to worry about it for a while.

We probably won't make it to the end of the canal until Friday. With luck we'll be able to step the mast on Friday and actually sail on Champlain by Saturday. That would be extremely cool.

We note in the cruising guide that it's possible to take a side trip from the canal to Saratoga Lake. Boy could we be big fish in a little pond, sailing Tarwathie on that lake, using the self-steering of course. I think we'll forego that pleasure.

We continue to be impressed by the beauty of the Hudson River. Even this part is beautiful. Only a small percentage of the shoreline is developed with houses or buildings. Of course we have to leave the Hudson at Fort Edward, but most of our readers know how beautiful the upper Hudson is, all the way to Newcomb. No wonder it is the Hudson more than other Rivers that inspires writers, poets, and naturalists. I used to think that the Hudson's fame was just because of New York City. Now I know better.

Luck us. Next we get to sail Lake Champlain, which is also wonderfully beautiful. After Libby and I completed our first circumnavigation, ask us what the most beautiful sailing place was. I won't be surprised if the answer is Lake Champlain.

Notice to all blog fans. We should have 5 to 6 weeks of sailing on Champlain. We love having company and crew. The forward V berth is vacant every night. There's plenty of room for two couples. Kids are also welcome for day sails. If you're at all interested in sailing with us anytime in the coming weeks, please don't be shy. Call us 518 256 0889 and leave a voice mail.