Early morning fisherman slowly moving along the river.  We saw lots of people fishing along the Erie Canal.  Just not too many people actually catching fish.  I assume they did or they wouldn’t be continuing to put their hook in the water.  We just didn’t see them reel them in.  He looks happy enough on this brisk morning.  July and it is low 60’s°F.  How wonderful!

Quite kayaker fishing in the early morning

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE NY CANAL CORPORATION:

Notice to Mariners

Canal Closures in Central New York

July 1, 2015

Mariners are advised that the following sections of the Canal System have closed to all vessel traffic, effective immediately, due to high water levels and excessive currents caused by heavy rainfall overnight:

• Oswego Canal

• Erie Canal from Lock E-23 (Brewerton) to Lock E-27 (Lyons)

• Cayuga-Seneca Canal from Lock CS-1 to Erie Canal Junction (remains closed)

We need to go past Lock E-23 and then north along the Oswego Canal to go to Canada.  Drats!!!  We did get a bunch of rain overnight.  I heard it was over 4 inches of rain in just a few hours.  Compound that 4 inches with all the other inches of water and the Erie Canal was overflowing!!

We all did boat chores.  Caught up on our reading.  What did all of us Loopers do at the end of the day??  We met at 5pm almost every evening and shared dips/chips and stories.  The marina owner let us use the large bay on the right to gather.  We brought our chairs, favorite liquid refreshment, and a dish to share.  My popcorn was a hit!  Salty and easy to nibble on as we swapped stories of our travels along the America’s Great Loop.

Occasionally, real boat conversations would spring up.  The men compared “engines”… some had Volvo engines, some Caterpillars, and some Yanmar.  Engine stuff, rpm, fuel use, and trouble shooting was encouraged.  How else do you figure out that you are “average” after all?!  Politics and religion are generally not discussed. Weather apps, weather prognostications, and who actually knows when the Erie will really open were all good topics.

I caught the owner’s cat taking a sip of water.  OR trying to catch a snack?  I am not really sure.

Didn’t I see this guy the other night?  He made it all the way from the boat several hundred yards to the sidewalk outside of the ladies room.  All in one day.  I told you he was moving on! haha

The word is that the Erie Canal will be opening soon.

Notice to Mariners

Central New York Canals Reopening

July 6, 2015

Mariners are advised that the Oswego Canal will reopen to all recreational and commercial vessel traffic at 8 am on Tuesday, July 7.

The Erie Canal from Lock E-23 (Brewerton) to Lock E-24 (Baldwinsville) will reopen to all recreational and commercial vessel traffic at 7 am on Tuesday, July 7.

Tomorrow, July 7th!   At least through the Oswego Canal.  Cross your fingers and toes that we don’t get anymore rain!!  There are 10 Loopers here at the marina all waiting breathlessly for the OK to move on!

Wait! One more visitor before I leave to go to Oswego.  I just have to share…

Wayne and I had left the boat to stretch our legs.  I looked over at the flower bed admiring the flowers as always when I stopped.  “Hey, Wayne!  Is that real?”  What?  That!!

SNAKE!

Here is a closer look!  The poor dear looked cold and just needed some of the sun’s warmth.  Head up.  Not moving.  Wasn’t sure if the marina owner put a rubber snake out on the lawn to scare the birds away.  Nope.  It was real!

Moon rising at sunset at the Winter Harbor Marina