A journey to Waterford, the beginning of the Erie Canal, is 64 miles.
We head out early Tuesday morning to head to Waterford, NY where we will spend two nights before beginning our trek through the Erie Canal.
Sky, clouds, mountains, trees, and water…this picture has it all!
On our journey today, we pass by two Hudson River Lighthouses.
This is the Saugerties Lighthouse. This lighthouse now operates as a B & B. Totally booked through November. The listed rate is $525 night for 2 rooms, with an occupancy of 4, and of course…breakfast!This is the Hudson Athens Lighthouse, built in 1874, now owned by a preservation society. They operate limited tours and will rent the venue for parties, weddings, reunions, etc.
There actually is not much river traffic on this Tuesday, which we quite enjoy! Even in Albany, New York’s capital city, the river traffic is minimal.
The top picture is of the state capital building, founded in 1880.Docked on the riverbank in Albany is the USS Slater. The USS Slater, launched in 1944, in the only WW II destroyer escort still afloat. These destroyer escorts battled the Nazi U-boats in the Atlantic and the Kamikaze air attacks in the Pacific. The public can take a guided 1/2 hour tour for just $10 and they also offer youth overnight outings.
Once past Albany, we arrive at Troy. At Troy, we encounter the 100 year old Federal Lock at Troy. Once we lock through, we no longer will be in tidal waters.😊
We lock through with no issues, on to Waterford!
We continue on to Waterford which is the gateway to the Erie Canal. It is a small town, but very welcoming. They have a free dock on the wall, just outside of Lock 2. You pay $10 a night for electric. Not a bad deal!
Need to find our place on the wall!Our spot is under the bridge, but we gladly take it!Just the Captain horsing around!
Since we are out of so many items, we walk to the liquor store (grocery stores don’t sell wine, but do sell beer) and the grocery. Since it is a half mile away, once again we are limited…but maybe not! The liquor store manager offers to deliver our purchases – how nice is that- and the grocery store allows us to take their cart all the way back to the marina. Small town hospitality!
He scored some Miller Lite!🍺
We check out the first lock we will encounter on the Erie Canal.
The gatesThe Chamber that fills and empties.We also noticed , parallel to the lock is a bike path. This is the Erie Canal Way Trail. It runs 365 miles between Albany and Buffalo with 87% of the path off road. The Trail closely parallels both active and historic sections of the Erie Canal. Many bikes bike the path and camp along the way.
It was a productive, restful and cheap two night stay in Waterford. Tomorrow, when the sun comes up, we will begin to tackle the Erie Canal! We believe it will take us roughly a week.
