15 Miles on The Erie Canal

Transiting the Erie Canal has been quite a journey. The scenery had been amazing, the towns have been welcoming and friendly. As we moved into fall, and got into the mountains, the weather has changed. We wake up to foggy mornings and drive the boat with numb fingers. The weather has been calm, and besides low water depth, our worries have been low. It's a respite, it's a slog, it's little towns and taking notice of the small details that make life sweet, the way a bird takes flight over smooth waters and glides, low, wings outstretched, as we approach and disturb his respite. The way the trees reflect in the morning stillness, the smell of fall. The way I'm able to keep the coffee pot on the counter even while traveling!

We haven't loved certain aspects. Being inland, the slow pace, slimy locks and lift bridge after lift bridge, it isnt our jam. All the little towns start to blend. Not having our mast and sails is a bit disconcerting. The monotony of motoring. And the running aground thing has not been terribly fun. 40 statute miles and 10 locks remain between us and the Hudson River, and our mast. Today, we plan to do 4 locks and 36 miles, tomorrow morning, the final 6 locks, reuniting with our mast by the end of the day.

We wouldn't trade it, and not just because it's a means to an end, but because of the friendships and memories we have made. We feel lucky to have met friends along the way. People who are able to share the experience, a meal, a long walk into town, our fears, hopes, and lots of laughs with. Boating friendships can be transient in nature, because so are we. Our paths cross for a short time and by necessity, we each go along our own way eventually, one needing a stop for repairs, or to fly home to visit loved ones, one needing to carry on to the next place. What I have found so far is that the bond these friendships are made with is strong enough to transcend that distance and space, and you remain friends until your paths cross again, and they usually do.

As this leg of the journey draws near, we are snuggled up in bed, heater on to take the chill off the night, waiting for the coffee to brew, and the 55 degree weather to rise to 59 at least!! before we don base layers, foulies and gloves to move the boat on this rainy day. We are really looking forward to getting E salty again, to warm sandy beaches, dolphins dancing in our wake, and the sunny days ahead. Days when all we have to do it wake up and go for a swim, no boat moving required. They will be here soon enough, because life moves fast, even when it seems we don't.

Low bridge, everybody down

Low bridge for we're coming to a town

And you'll always know your neighbor

And you'll always know your pal

If you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal

Check out this cool version of the Erie Canal Song, by Bruce Springsteen.

https://youtu.be/SDvYBCZwMIk?si=kCQXmrw9C-tICw15

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