July 6th

On June 29th we headed to Little Falls, NY in the rain. While we were underway we discovered that we had a fuel leak in our port engine so we had to shut that engine off and limped our way through the remaining locks and to our next marina. Backing into a spot on a dock between 2 other boats with one engine can be quite challenging but with the assistance of Loopers who had already arrived at the marina and Jack's skill we were able to tie up. Jack was able to repair the issue in time for us to have docktails with our Looper friends.

On June 30th we headed to Ilion Marina to catch up with Evan and Michael our good friends on "Strummin' Along" and another couple whom they have been buddy boating with for several weeks (Suzy and Don, "Tranquility" We had dinner together and then the next day (July 1st) we all continued on the Erie Canal to Sylvan Beach which is on the east end of Oneida Lake, We tied up to a wall for the night along with 4 other Looper Boats and had docktails at a picnic bench.

July 2nd, the three of us couples buddy boated west across Oneida Lake to Brewerton. The marina has a big lawn, pavilion, gas fire pit and grills.  Our 3-couple group grilled steaks and roasted potatoes and I made my new 'killer" recipe for Rum Runners. 

On July 3rd, we all rented cars at the nearby Syracuse Airport so we could drive to Niagra Falls. Jack and I took a detour on the way over to visit Latchworth State Park. It is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East". It is a beautifully preserved area that surrounds a deep gorge that cuts through the mountains and creates a string of waterfalls. It was a great day, gave us some "off boat" time and an opportunity to walk over 3 miles while enjoying the views. We then continued on our way to Niagra Falls and meet up with the other couples for dinner (picture below)

I had never been to Niagra Falls and it was quite a treat. We took a six hour tour that included a ride on the "Maid of the Mist", a very wet climb down to the Cave of the Winds and observation of the Falls from the Skylon Tower, Goat Island, Three Sisters Islands, Terrapin Point, and the great whirlpool and many other areas that gave us opportunities to view both the American and the Canadian Falls. After the long day, Jack and I drove back to Syracuse to return the car and took an Uber back to the boat.

Yesterday we left Brewerton, parted ways with the Erie Canal and followed the Oswego Canal north through 7 more locks to the Oswego Marina that is on the shore of Lake Ontario. After 4 months of cruising, we are in the GREAT LAKES!!!! We will stay here again tonight and then head up the Lake to enter the Thousand Islands.

So far as of June 30th we have:

Been on our journey 119 days

Had 53 travel (moving) days

Covered 2,072 miles at an average speed of 8.3 mph

























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