15 June, 2021. Rainy day along the Canal

49 SM, 3 locks; 7.9 hours

 Pretty normal morning routine, up early, coffee, review the day ahead, weather check and go/no/go decisions.  Enjoying the free wall at Baldwinsville, we intended to walk before we got underway.  But Mother Nature had other plans as it was growing darker to the west; radar showed rain was coming.  We curtailed our walk and made ready for getting underway.  Casting off the lines at 0705, we were on a zig-zag course today as the canal meandered around nearly all points of the compass.  No strong thunderstorms nor wind in the forecast, just showers, overcast and drizzle.  For most of the day, visibility remained good, only now and then did it drop down to a couple of miles in rain and mist.  Chilly, steady 61 degrees till late in the afternoon.

During times of no rain or drizzle, the countryside of rural farms and farm animals came into view.  The canal generally tree lined and quiet.  Major roads and the railroad absent.

Horses and pasture

Overcast, dry and calm

Abandoned unknown building 

Three locks today.  All were lift up totaling 24 foot elevation gain.  First two locks we were alone; last lock we shared with another small boat.  A few fishing boats on the water today, but the canal carried Serenity along by herself.  We passed under the most height restricted bridge today at 15’6”.  Most of the big boats if they cannot get their airdraft below this metric, take the Oswego canal north to Lake Ontario.  Most of the larger and faster boats have chosen that course in hopes that Canada will open this summer.  The border remains closed until June 21; then another assessment.  Who knows, but we have decided to continue west and do the Great Lakes.  If Canada opens this summer, there is risk in a slow boat not being able to get south of Chicago before Labor Day.  September the lakes began to get worse weather and the Marinas began closing down for winter.  

Entering Lock 27, last lock for today

Exiting lock 27 we tied up to the free wall west of the lock.  Lyons, NY.  (Map). Home to H. G. Hotchkiss Company, who’s oils made Lyons the Peppermint capital of the world Lyons’ history   Very peaceful and quiet along the wall.  Several murals depicting historical events painted near the lock.

Large mural on a concrete wall

Mules played a prominent role in the canal success

Late this afternoon, skies cleared, sun warmed and dried out Serenity.  Soup appropriate for supper.  Lyons free wall video

4405 SM journeyed; 1798.6 hours hobbs.