2011-09-03 - to Oswego, NY

Well, we are heading out to Oswego today to find out the final status of the closure of the Erie Canal Systems. It doesn't look good....but, we'll figure out a way! More later....we are just about to push off. ...later on in the day.... We had another calm day on the water. This was good as it gave us time to think about what we will need to do to get down south. We pulled into Oswego Marina to check in as we had a part delivered there and the woman who runs the show was not optimistic. There is, indeed, extensive damage to the whole system. We have a few options at this point. We will probably head out towards the Champlain system and we will learn about the likelihood of it opening on route. If that is unlikely, we are considering taking it out the St. Lawrence. We will need crew for that so we have already contacted some potential folks to do that.

2011-09-02 - to Sodus Bay, NY

We left Oak Orchard at 6:30 am and travelled for about 10.5 hours to Sodus Bay. It was another calm day. We grabbed our bikes and trailer and headed into town and explored the beach. It was a really nice break from all of the planning. No new updates on the Erie Canal. Here's a great link to see the damage that has been done to the canals. It looks like there is a lot of damage and we are certain that this part of the canal will not be open this year - www.tug44.org/flood/hurricane-irene-2011/

2011-09-01 - to Oak Orchard, NY

Today, was a much calmer day. We left Wilson at 7:30am and had a great sail. Just after 12:00pm, we had decided to duck into Oak Orchard as there seemed to be weather in the distance and, after yesterday, we wanted to stay extra dry! We pulled into Oak Orchard which is built on a small river system: Oak Orchard Yacht Club was our destination. As we pulled in, the dock master (who lives with his wife on his boat) just stood there with his arms folded. He said, 'We have 'one of them' in our club (meaning a catamaran) and there is only one spot that he fits and he's in it." Well, nothing gets me going then saying, we can't. We did spot another few spots as we came in and after talking him into it - he allowed us to try. There was a very large submerged log in the way, that we wiggled and set free. It was perfect.

But, unfortunately, we have a roadblock to overcome. Here is an update on the Erie Canal Systems: Mariners are advised that the entire Champlain Canal, and
theErie Canal between Locks E-19 (Frankfort) and E-2 (Waterford), are closed to all navigation. Hurricane Irene caused record flooding in the Mohawk River and the Canal Corporation is currently assessing damage to several structures. Updates will be provided once the full extent of damage and what efforts are necessary to reopen are determined. Updates regarding the reopening status of the Erie Canal will not be available until next week at the earliest. Updates for the Champlain Canal should be available sooner.

This is the only reasonable way south. The Champlain Canal system is located up by Montreal. We would have to head north on the lake to the St. Lawrence and up to Sorel. If the Champlain system does not open....we may have to consider going out the St. Lawrence. This option would create a lot of extra planning. We would need to hire a crew to assist and the kids would not go. We are now in a 'wait and see' situation.

2011-08-31 - to Wilson, NY

Well, we have completed the first day of our trip. Let's start at the very end...we are all dry and happy and glad to have the first day under us. It started out very calm and we had a light sail for the first third of the trip. Connor and I were sitting on the trampoline at the bow eating a few skittles enjoying the relaxing day. He said (and I chuckled)..."this is the best day of our trip so far!" Soon, the water picked up in waves and swells and we were in a choppy situation for the rest of the trip. I stayed inside for most of it and kept the kids happy and relaxed while the 'boys' brought us in. We did take a few waves over the bow which, unfortunately, did 'pour' into our two cabins out front. Connor was sat in his cabin playing when the downpour came in. Very wet indeed. We closed them after that and we continued to get waves over the bow. Dana is with us for a couple of weeks as he is really excited about seeing the canals and New York city. He'll probably head out after that. It's great to have him here though as we can all ease into the trip with extra hands on deck! We landed in Wilson and checked in with no issues at the video terminal at the Tuscarora State Park. They gave us a clearance number and we were all set to go. We spent the first hour on American soil emptying out our cabins (mattresses and all) and draped it all over to dry. We raised out US courtesy flag, had a lovely warm meal and called it a night!