The weather this week has been sweltering, apparently all over the region. This has raised the debate on the boat from the kids about why it is that we removed our HVAC unit with its brilliant air conditioning. The thing is we needed the space for a large water tank.
Still, when we walk a mile into town to do groceries or sight-see and then a mile back and are soaking with perspiration, I understand the need to question that decision.
Yesterday we made a hike into downtown Rome where we had breakfast and then we made a visit to Fort Stanwix, a rebuilt American Revolution era fort. It is a national historic site and is remarkable. There is an interpretive centre (air conditioned) and the rebuilt fort.
The feds built the fort in the early 70s in order to celebrate the siege bicentennial. They actually tore out a chunk of the downtown and dug down to rebuild it according to archeologists.
We started down the canal to make a six-hour run to Little Falls (about 38 miles) and it was so hot we just sat on the boat driving and sweated. Some of us took naps. We started seeing the Adirondack Mountains outside Utica. We got to Lock 18 and the lockmaster said that due to heavy flooding Little Falls had lost its floating docks and it was full. We despaired, desperate for showers and a nice place to stop.
We pulled into Little Falls though and saw Twin Spirits, Tom and Sheila's trawler (a couple we had met in Brewerton) and they waved us over to raft next to them. Then we had a great night of music and singing with them and all of their friends and family who had gathered. The night cooled and we hit the hay.
This morning Scott and I hiked into the village to pick up a few groceries and it is really lovely, stunning architecture, lots of antique shops. This with a waterfall and the mountains rising up around it. It's promising to be hot again and there is a hurricane that is causing problems in South Carolina.
It's unknown what it will do on the east coast, but we're running for Amsterdam today, another six hour trip to get us to mile 36 (counting down to Waterford, NY at mile 0). If we get stormed in there for a day or two it should be OK.
By the way, to get a different take on our trip, check out Elizabeth-Anne's blog at elizabethssailingblog.blogspot.com
1 comment:
Hey guys! Awesome to read about how you are doing!!! We had a great holiday in the Finger Lakes -- so felt like we were seeing what you all were too! Funny - we were half an hour from Syracuse when you were at the Fair!
All is great here -- everyone is getting ready for the inevitable end of the summer. Can't wait to read more about the trip! Great that you met some travelling friends!!!
Anna, Paul and Boys
PS -- Aidan, I just lost the game!
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