We left Baldwinsville early this morning, with the temperature a chilly 43 degrees. Along the way, we saw this big canal workboat.
Soon after, we saw the remnants of the 900 foot long Montezuma Aqueduct, where the canal of 1862 crossed above the Seneca River.
Jerry had rigged a “bridge feeler”, this pole on the bow of the boat. Working like a car’s curb feeler, this pole is just three inches taller than our radar unit it its reclining position. It will “tick” a low bridge before the boat structure will, allowing time for a quick reverse if necessary. After the rain yesterday, canal water levels are up in some places over a foot. We will have to approach all bridges with caution.
As we approached the lowest bridge on the entire Erie Canal, we spoke to the nearby lock tender who was locking us through. He advised us that if we needed 3 – 5 more inches of clearance at this tricky bridge, he could let water out through the adjacent dam in a matter of minutes. He stood by on his radio in case we needed that assist. As it turned out, we didn’t, and we just barely cleared the bridge by some three inches.
This historic home is in Clyde, NY.
In Newark, NY we made fast for the night at the brand-new town dock, the walkway with new slate tiles and the park newly sodded.
The dock master’s office is in this new building, which houses the shower, restrooms and free washer/dryer for boaters. The bridge abutment is painted with an historic mural. We were glad to be tied up with power, as the high today reached 57 degrees and the winds were piping. We had the heat on tonight!
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