2008 Salem MA to Lake Champlain

July 2008 we started The great loop Journey. We are starting this Blog January 2010 as we prepare for the main part of our trip from Lake Champlain to the Keys in FLA. A few updates of our first leg follows.  

July 2008 after moths of prep work and a few unexpected last minute repairs we are ready to leave, Hawthorn Cove Mariana,Salem MA our home port for last 4 years.

Jay and Joan Gehrig with our traveling companions Molly and Marley who are being shy behind us.

First night stop was in Plymouth. It is 5 Miles into Plymouth but once you are in the People at Plymouth Y. C. are great hosts.

 Joan, Molly, Mayflower II and Windsong (on mooring over Joan’s left shoulder)

A few days later we were in Jamestown in Newport harbor. The sunrise over the Jamestown Bridge was worth being up at 4AM for.

From Newport we headed out to Block Island and down the north shore of Long Island. Stayed at City Marina and were up early the next morning to catch favorable current in the east river. Cruised NY harbor and took the mandatory picture of the lady.










We went up the Hudson to West 79th Street Boat Basin. This was the least expensive place we stayed and one of the best, they are moorings only.    Parks and restrauts outside mariana gate and easy access to NY City.   All for $29.00 Night

Windsong on mooring at 79th S. Boat Basin Looking north on Hudson, George Washington Bridge in background. 

From NYC we Journeyed up the Hudson stopping to pick up Marten and Barbie friends from Charles River power Squadron.

At the helm  

Next stop was The CIA Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. Any one traveling the Hudson that enjoys food and wine should plan at least a day here. For many of the restraints reservations may be needed several weeks in advance. Others can sit you with a days notice. http://www.ciachef.edu/.   Hyde park is also home to The Franklin D. Roosevelt national park which is worth a visit. http://www.nps.gov/thrb/index.htm.

We stopped in Catskill, NY to have the mast unstepped (taken down) for the rest of the trip. This requires a big crane and therefore a lot of anxiety, so I was relieved to go into town with Barbie while Jay and Martin took care of the mast without me watching. Catskill is a fascinating town, home of Rip Van Winkle. Every year they commission local artists to sculpt cats which are then displayed around town and auctioned off late in the year as a fund raiser. There are dozens of these wonderful pieces of art all around town.

 I love this picture of the police cat right outside the police station. A fine looking young police man was walking by while I was taking a picture and graciously agreed to pose with the cat for me.

This is me with one of my favorite cats

There were quite a few touristy stores and Barbie and I enjoyed buying a few gifts in them. Soon we got a call from Jay and Martin. The mast was down and on the deck, secured in the cradle that Jay had built.  We hurried back to the boat and were on our way.

We had our mast unstepped at Hop-O-Nose Marina in Catskill, NY (518) 943-4640.  Great service at a fair price.  

Next stop Troy NY. There is good farmers market right at docks every Saturday morning. Limited tie on wall is free.

After the Troy Locks every looper comes to a major decision point Erie or Champlain Canal. The Champlain is less traveled and longer But opens up some beautiful and exciting areas Champlain Valley, Richelieu Valley, Montreal, Ottawa and Rideau Cannal.

With experienced sailors as guests The owners do get to relax.

Still more to come