Final Push To Waterford

Hudson / Athens Lighthouse at Athens Middle Ground Flats

Hudson, New York has great walkability. Warren Street extends east from the waterfront; numerous shops and restaurants are located along this street. The town is nicknamed Upstate's Downtown by all that make Hudson their weekend get-a-way from New York City. Hudson has been repaid its hospitality to frenzied NewYorkers in expensive architectural historically accurate refurbishment.

Moxie looking in at Sally W's crew enjoying a 30 oz grass fed steak dinner.

Shopkeepers dress their windows with a touch of whimsey and humor.

Please do not disturb these Purrrr-formers at the Sleeping Cat Theatre. Shows daily with no intermission.

Something for everyone at a reasonable price.

This train slowly passed through the center of town without warning from a whistle, gate or signal light.

No one batted an eye.

A picturesque village of interesting old buildings, many restored, some dating back to the late 18th century when Hudson became a whaling center. What? 100 miles up the river? In the late 1700s when the British were around, causing problems, it became necessary to move whaling towns inland.

Next stop: Shady Harbor Marina in Coeymans.  Shortly after arriving, we were pelletted with hail. Allan called the Albany weather bureau to report this and they were surprised and grateful. Both tugs fared well with no leaks or damage.

The storm blew through quickly and Jeanne couldn't resist the stunning backdrop for boat photos. Smile Sally W you are on camera!

Tilt the camera up and the iPhone stops down to reveal the colorful sky.

This marina had a good diesel mechanic and Bob couldn't resist. After all, no trip goes without repairs. And with 5 people and 7 cameras no event goes undocumented either. This photo provides homage to a thermostat replacement on Salty Paws' Cummins diesel. 

Railroad Bridge and Castleton-On-Hudson Bridge

The port of Albany begins 5 miles downstream from Albany, the capital of New York State. Both shores of the river contain commercial port facilities.

Guys love these shots.

A few miles above Albany and Troy this rather unassuming but important sign signals us to make a left hand turn to the Waterford town dock and visitor center where the Erie Canal begins.

We tied up here for two days while Sally and Allan went home to Vermont (not that far; a two hour drive) for a very important family event.

He did it! Charlie, Poppet and Russell Boswell celebrate after the ceremony

Grandson Russell graduated from Stratton Mountain School. He'll spend the summer training and head to the University of New Hampshire in the fall and join the cross country ski team.

Meanwhile back in Waterford, Jeanne, Bob and Tom took in the local color and vittles.

They also explored the area whose topography is heavily influenced by the mighty Mohawk River. The Erie Canal originally flowed through the town of Cohoes in the background. The canal was enlarged and portions moved 100 years ago. This summer marks the 200th anniversary and canal fees are waived.

Here's a view of barge traffic a century ago. Quite a difference from today's mostly recreational boat traffic.

Sally and Allan rejoined the party and we prepared for an early start the next morning to begin locking up.

Lock #2. The first lock of the Erie Canal. (There is no #1.)

HISTORY MOMENT The Erie Canal initially follows the Mohawk River, the Hudson's largest tributary,  to the west. Some 340 miles later, following a sequence of rivers, lakes and dug channels, it reaches the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario at Tonawanda, NY. Built in stages completed in 1825, and today comprised of 35 locks, it became the gateway for westward expansion in the mid-1800s. 

MOXIE MOMENT  "Well today I snatched a package of bratwurst off the galley counter while my people were in the pilot house. Waited for just the right moment and it was an easy step from the salon bench to the counter. I managed to eat 1-½ wursts before getting busted. Boy they were good going down ... and coming up. And darn, they took them back!"

Coming up: Expect the unexpected.