Finding Family on the Erie Canal

Richard had spent considerable time at several different spots yesterday trying to catch up with us but didn't realize how slow we we travel.  Fred called him this morning and he came over, as did Cindy.  They came with us to the boat, have us a send off in the rain and took some video.    We'd also had to pick up a few groceries so didn't get started until 10:45. 

We had no lift bridges and two locks on our way to Oneida Lake.  We reached the lake about 13:00.  We started across the 26 miles lake in very strong winds and were hit by several large wakes immediately.  The mast supports were swaying and making us extremely nervous so we turned around.  After we got into some smoother water, Don put many more lines on the supports.  We started out again and fared better.  The wind had deceased some and also changed direction a little.  We crossed without incident and arrived at Sylvan Beach around 18:30. 

We had dinner and then called Ashley, as she was also trying to catch up with us.  She and Justin and Trista came over to see us and the boat.  It's really been fun to travel through so much familiar territory and get to see so many relatives.  Yesterday we went right through Cross Lake, which is where my mother took us to visit relatives every summer. - Deb

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