The Erie Canal!!

Don't miss this turn!!  SO EXCITED!!!

The past couple days we have traveled from Kingston to Troy, New York…sitting 2 nights in Troy at Forever Young Marina.  What a great stop that was!!  The “marina” is an old barge tied to the wall with floating docks attached.  Fantastic hospitality and a favored hang out for several locals.  We could not have been treated better by Joe (owner), Bob or anyone else we saw...super friendly!!

Do you know this skyline? Hint, it's the capitol of New York!

Several Loopers were there Southern Cross, Moon Shadow, Sanctuary, Sandy Gal II and of course The Lower Place.  We spent Wednesday taking turns with the courtesy car…grocery shopping, dry goods, marine store, parts stores…everyone had a to-do list.  It took all day but we are provisioned for the next 3-4 weeks and the boat maintenance is up to date for the next 250 hours (engine running).

Thursday morning we bid farewell to Joe at Forever Young and headed north on the Hudson.  Shortly after we started we turned left (WEST) onto the Erie Canal!!  This turn is a pivotal point in our journey…out of salt water (double cheering!!!), our land excursion will become more frequent, our cruising days will be shorter because of the distance between towns.  AND we are back in the lock and dam frame of mind…feels like home!

Moon Shadow locking through...

Sanctuary taking our picture - gotcha' Steve!!

So a brief 5 mile cruising day brings us to Waterford NY – the first of many small towns & villages we will see over the next couple weeks.

Colorado Cat snuggled up to The Lower Place in the Troy Lock

I will sign off for now – there’s a foot tour calling my name!!

Happy Thursday - make it the best day of your week and God Bless!!