We need to get "Outta Dodge!"

After spending the last 4 days exploring the history and beauty of Little Falls we finally came up with a plan, given that the Locks between Lock 17 and Lock 8 finally open and our anticipated date for this to occur was Saturday. Knowing that we could never make NYC and get back to Trenton in time for Kyle to get home we threw around various ideas on how we could still accomplish our goal yet make sure he was home by next Sunday. It was our real goal to tour Kyle around the Big Apple and let him experience the city that never sleeps.

The logs are still floating down the Canal towards Lock 17

We contacted the Hudson Point Marina to see if they were able to accommodate our boat next week as we had to cancel the reservation we had made that was supposed to start today. They were extremely helpful and told us that no matter when we arrive, they will get us a slip. How nice is that?

Our plan was to get to NYC and spend the four days in Manhattan visiting Times Square, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, The Subway System, the financial district and the 911 Memorial, not to mention many other landmarks. We also had a goal to take the dingy around the Statue of Liberty. Our resolve included Captain Paul and Kyle flying back to Toronto next weekend and leave Cynthia and Jan on the boat in the Big Apple. That is the part that worried the Captain. We wanted to be sure that Kyle is safely back on Canadian soil and will be picked up at the Toronto Airport by his parents. Then the Captain will fly back to NYC to take over managing the crew............ but not literally.

That was our plan and then WOW - Things are looking up !

It looks like our plan might just work out, because late this afternoon we received notification from the Canal that on Friday this week, they are going to re-open the Locks between Lock E-12 and Lock-E16 which means we can travel 48 miles on Friday and then we will tie up to that dock for Friday night. On Saturday, they will re-open from Lock E12 to Lock E-8 and after that lock we are free to cruise to NYC. I expect that we will be in Albany NY on Saturday evening and then should arrive at the Hudson Point Marina sometime on Tuesday. Once we start to move again, we will not be in a rush to get anywhere because we have figured out a plan to keep everyone satisfied.

So then, what did we do today? Having been shipbound for the last 10 days, we decided to rent a car and do some local exploring. Unfortunately we didn't get our vehicle from Enterprise until after 2 pm so our day was cut short. We took advantage of the car and went shopping for important provisions for the balance of our journey. Some food, water and basic supplies.

Our drive took us to a couple Thrift Stores, a Walmart and through the town of Utica NY and their University. We had a thunderstorm this afternoon so walking was not going to work out for us. I guess the rain that fell will help the Canal Authority fill the Canal by Friday.

Tomorrow, we have a full agenda planned using the rental car, but you will have to revisit the blog after we return, to find out where we went and what happened. This place has been on my places to visit for many years.

The entire crew is hoping that the Canal Authority will live up to the schedule that they issued and will open at 8 am Friday morning. Our fingers and toes are all crossed. We need to get outta Dodge!

No Hallman Experiences Yet Again !