| 2007 Finger Lakes Trip |
| Jane and I took a 2 week trip this year from our **new** marina in Gasport, NY to the lovely Finger Lakes via the Erie Canal. It was a leisurely trip, most days we were in port and docked by 2pm or earlier. July 21, 2007 Day 1 - We traveled from our marina to Spencerport, NY today. Nice weather and no problems at all. Not much new in Spencerport from last year, they are renting kayaks from the town dock and the supermarket has closed. July 22, 2007 Day 2 - We had a bit of adventure today in lock 33, we went through with about 30 canoes filled with exchange students! Today's destination was Fairport, we docked on the north wall. They are letting too many seasonal boats dock here, it is really getting difficult to get a spot on either wall. Another great day, Jane and I spent most of the day relaxing and reading books. July 23, 2007 Day 3 - Stopped for a pumpout in Palmyra, there was a canal boat here that a family from Boston had chartered. We are noticing quite a few people from out of state are renting these boats and enjoying our wonderful NYS canal system! From Palmyra we traveled to Newark, where we docked for the night. Today was one of the few days that it rained on our trip. Newark as always was great. We did our laundry for free, enjoyed the new free Wi-Fi and walked into town for some groceries. This port has got to be the best on the canal! July 24, 2007 Day 4 - Our plans today were to travel to Seneca Falls and spend a few days there before venturing out to Seneca and Cayuga lakes. Our long time cruising friends, Dave and Jeanne aboard the Kaleen left from Rochester and were already in port. We squeezed in behind them once we arrived. This port is also getting very popular, it was totally full by the next day. July 25, 2007 - Day 5 - No travel today, we stayed in port and checked out the area. The IGA has closed and re-opened as an upscale market, but alas, no BEER. We did pick up some wine at the local liquor store. Viewed the Trinity church from the other side of the canal, and checked out the statue of Susan B Anthony and friends. July 26. 2007 - Day 6 - Took our boats west today to Seneca Lake. We had hoped to get a slip at the Seneca Lake marina in Geneva, but unfortunately they were full. We did take a nice ride out into Seneca, and also made a milestone today by completing the very last section of the canal that we have not been on. The Missy has now traversed every inch of the Erie, Cayuga Seneca, Oswego and Champlain canals as well as the Hudson River! Heading back to Seneca Falls, we found 2 spots on the wall and spent one more night there. July 27, 2007 - Day 7 - We traveled today to Ithaca, NY at the south end of Cayuga Lake. Cayuga is a beautiful lake, it starts out shallow and then drops to over 400'. We enjoyed our cruise down the lake until we hit a big thuderstorm near the south end. Made it through safely and docked at the Allen Tremain State Marina where we had made reservations. Great rates, we paid $72 for 3 night dockage with power. As usual, Dave and Jeanne scooted ahead of us and were docked and enjoying the park when we arrived. July 28, 2007 - Day 8 - I rented a car today, as we would be traveling to Rochester for my nieces wedding. Wow, hot day, temps in the 90s. Had a great time at the wedding, arrived back at the Missy at around 10pm. July 29, 2007 - Day 9 - Wine tasting day! Since we had rented a car, we decided today to see the falls at Taughannock State Park and tour some wineries The falls are taller than Niagara Falls, but not much water flow this time of year. We ran into a whole bunch of greyhounds, they were participating in an annual event called the "grapehound tour"! Jane loved them all. From the park we started north and went to 5 wineries. At each one we sampled and bought some wine. Our favorites were the Americana and Hosmer wineries, although I have to say they were all great. This is a must do if you are ever in the area. July 30, 2007 - Day 10 - Today we returned the rental car and headed towards home. We traveled to Lyons today, and were the only boat in port there. Had a wonderful dinner today aboard and enjoyed the day. July 31, 2007 - Day 11 - Traveled from Lyons to Newark today - nice short trip! Did I mention we LOVE Newark??!! Jane and I spent the rest of the day relaxing, doing laundry and reading. Once again, Jane cooked us a marvelous meal to end the day. August 1, 2007 - Day 12 - We left Newark around 9am and traveled to Faiport. Ended up at the same spot we had on the way out. Fairport upped thier dockage rates this year, but still ver reasonable for us, we paid $9 to stay here. I met a former Buffalo Bill here, his name was Joe, but I didn't catch his last name. Also made friends with a couple from Pennsylvania who we met the day before in Newark. Another great day on the water, the weather this trip was simply outstanding. August 2, 2007 - Day 13 -Trip is winding down for sure! We headed to Spencerport and docked on the east side of the bridge. Met a nice couple with an older 38' Chris Craft Roamer in really nice shape. I had a few beers with them and enjoyed what was left of the day. August 3, 2007 - Day 14 - We left Spencerport and stopped at the bridge for a pumpout. Free of course, and a pretty good one. We then traveled to Middleport with the intention of staying over, but decided to go the final 4 miles west to our marina. We spent our last night on board enjoying the memories of another great trip aboard the Missy! Be sure to click the link at the top of the page to view our photos! Till next time we travel - fair winds and calm seas.... - Capt Ron and Lady Jane aboard the Missy |