’tis Grand was “splashed” in Brewerton NY on May 25th after a long winter’s rest in heated storage.  We quickly loaded some supplies and groceries, checked out all the systems and took off heading east on the Erie Canal, hoping to reach Shady Harbor Marina on the Hudson within a week’s time, where we would pick up our new bimini. Temps in the high 80s and low 90s without shade cover up top or AC onboard made early starts, noonish docking and finding a shady afternoon respite (like the pub below) necessary. 

We saw many Amish families picnicking along the Canal on Memorial Day. They lined Lock E15 near Canajahorie, spectating the lowering of ’tis Grand and crew while asking lots of questions about our origin, destination and experiences on the boat. Our responses always triggered more questions. We, understandably, obliged their wishes not to be photographed as we were exiting the lock, but what a memorable encounter it was!

After installing our new bimini and the two solar panels above- now held on with 14 super-duper magnets each rather than 8 that we used previous years – we headed north on the Hudson River/Champlain Canal into new territory. We spent several nights in small towns on “free” walls with power, water, and restrooms. So we naturally felt obliged to wander around town and spend a few dollars like good boating tourists should. The SlickFin Brewery in Fort Edward was a nice stop and we also enjoyed this traffic sign in Whitehall the following day (see below).

Lake Champlain begins after exiting Lock C12 at Whitehall. Initially it’s like a long narrow river with expansive marshland on both sides filled with singing/calling birds and beaver lodges. Lovely blue/green hills surround the valley. It was a leisurely ride until the clouds came and the wind picked up as the lake widened. Zeke preferred to ride inside where he was warmer… We added a new state to our list when we overnighted at Chipmans Point in Orwell VT at a wonderful family-run marina. Tonight we are in Westport NY where we found a great trail to hike just a few blocks from the marina.  This evening it is again chilly enough to run the built-in heater in the main boat salon for short periods.  Tomorrow we will travel back across the lake to Burlington VT and stay a few days to explore the city and bike trails.