Hudson River to New York Harbour

I awoke early to catch the ebbing tide (outgoing). I was sad to be alone. Grace was great company. However, I was finally getting excited. My adventure was really starting! 

The Hudson River is not good for sailing except under rare circumstances. For the most part, the western shore is high above the river. This tends to funnel winds along the river. Here, this guy is sailing on the Hudson. Notice, he is going across the river. When he tacked to change direction, he went back across the river again.

Sailing on the Hudson River

For Distant Horizon, this meant her diesel engine would be running most of the way. The biggest difference with the mast being up, is boat wakes. With the mast down, the boat was very unstable and we had to carefully negotiate wakes. Now, Distant Horizon is well balanced and she just drives through the wakes.

The tide turns roughly every 6 hours. Going with the tide meant traveling a little more than one knot faster than we would with no current, and almost three knots faster than against the current. When the tide turned against us, I was nearby Kingston, NY. It’s a great little town with a nice town dock and restaurants and shops nearby. The village is up a creek about 2 miles. The inlet is lined by a stone wall on either side. 

Kingston Lighthouse

However, I just wanted to make a short stop; get some rest ; and get moving again. So, instead of turning, I passed the inlet. Just south of the wall is a nice calm bay. There is shallow water there. I continued a little farther south where the water is deeper. Then I turned in and headed north a little to drop the anchor.

It was a perfect anchorage. The shallows actually protected me from the wakes of big tugs and barges heading south. There was no protection form the wakes of boat, tugs, or barges heading north. I know because one, just one, went by. After getting the boat set, I began to make some pasta salad for lunch. I figured that was good protein and carbs for my trip. 

When lunch was done, and dishes…. I was about to settle in when I heard the distant rumble of the all too familiar thunderstorm. Ten minutes later, it was pouring! No hail, but the NOAA weather radio was warning of the potential for quarter-size hail with this storm. I knew I was secure… and for a change would stay dry during this storm. So, I settled in my berth for a nap. Other than being awaken once, from a huge clap of thunder which seemed to be directly overhead, I slept for three hours. The tides would switch soon, so it was time to get ready to depart.

The sky was clear again. Based on the tide schedule, I would be going until 3am. Everything was running smoothly: engine was running low RPMs; engine temp was perfect; oil pressure was good; speed was fantastic! 

You have to expect brief encounters with commercial tugboat traffic when you travel on the Hudson River. There is a constant flow between New York Harbour and Albany. This is the same tug that verified my AIS was working. Just one day ago, he was traveling north. Now, he is on his return trip.

Tugboat Kimberly Poling pushing a barge south on the Hudson River

After dark, navigation becomes somewhat simpler. It's easier to pick out the channel markers from their lights. The difficulty is trying to determine the next one, when there are more than one and none of them are close by.  Also, navigation become difficult when there are too many lights to discern the lights of another vessel. 

That is exactly what happened around 11:00pm. From a distance, it looked like a village at the far end of a long straight section of the river. As I slowly drew closer, the scale change at a disproportionate rate. I knew it was a ship or barge of some kind. I zoomed out on the chart plotter and saw their AIS marker. It was a cargo ship, SBI Cronos. It was not moving. I assumed they had anchored and half an hour later when I passed them I was able to confirm that they had stopped and anchored in the middle of the channel. They had all their deck lights on. Yes, I did not see a single person on deck. They may think this makes them highly visible, but it would actually be much simpler if they used the proper lights to indicate they were anchored.

Negotiating the river and its current past West Point on a dark, moonless night was a challenge. The river narrows considerably. The river gets very deep and has several bends, creating currents that love to play with the six-foot full keel hanging from the bottom of Distant Horizon.

After passing West Point, there were still a few more bends in the river before reaching my planned anchorage, which would be another short stop to rest and wait for the tide to change. 

Typically, you look for three factors in an anchorage: #1 A bottom with good holding for your anchor with enough water below the boat; #2 Protection from waves and wakes; #3 Protection from wind. Since I am making short stops, I picked my spots based on #1 and tried to find #2 knowing #3 was not available. Actually #2 is rare and usually hidden behind an island on the Hudson River and those take  time to negotiate. I was looking for spots just out of the channel where I would be safe from tugs and their barges and far enough off to be away from power boaters who don’t need to follow the channel because of their shadow draft. 

I chose a great spot, for my purposes, across from the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant. I still had to round Jones Point, a very sharp and narrow bend in the river. Just before Jones Point, there is a green channel marker. It sits atop a rock sticking above the water. So, the channel is much narrower than the river. As I passed under the Bear Mountain Bridge and saw the marker, I knew I was getting close. Good thing too. I was starting to fight off head-bobs!

It was 3:15am. As if on queue to rescue my fading consciousness, I hear something on the VHF radio. The sound startled me after hours of silence. To me, the sound was more like noise. Although, clear sounding, I was so tired I found it difficult to pick out some discernible words; but what did stand out was “Distant Horizon”. I quickly grabbed the mic and replied, “This is Distant Horizon, go ahead”. 

It was the Captain of tugboat Timothy L Reinauer! He said he was around Jones Point and our CPA (Closest Point of Approach) was too close for his comfort level. He asked what kind of boat and how big was Distant Horizon. I gave him the information. He replied stating that he would slow until we pass safely port-to-port; He needed to stay in the center of the channel around Indian Point. 

That seemed reasonable, but I didn’t want to slow him down and I saw on the charts, the deep water extended almost to shore. So, I replied that I would keep starboard as close to the western shore as safely possible and go out side green marker "27" where I would have plenty of water. He was very appreciative and said if I went outside the marker, he could continue as normal.  As I rounded Jones Point, I saw the typical Hudson River Tug pushing a barge. I don’t know if it was the darkness or the steep banks along the river, or my tired state, but it was a much closer view than I am accustomed to. It felt like I could touch that barge with a boat hook. The chart plotter said we were 200 feet apart; still very close.

I was around the point in deepish water headed for the spot I planned to anchor. I turned around and watched him negotiate the sharp bend. I immediately understood why he had hailed me on the radio. Add that to my long list of “Man, am I glad I installed an AIS transponder” list! With out the AIS transponder, he would not have know I was even there! Due to the bend of the river and steepness of the banks, radar would not have shown me! I would have been in the shadow of the hills! Now I know why the big ship captains always say, “Thank you for making the waters safer” when I ask if they are receiving my AIS signal.

Anchoring in the dark is a more challenging adventure since your depth perception is degragated. I got the job done quickly; went below and immediately crashed in my berth. When I was woken by the alarm, it was light outside. I was in 12 feet of water; perfect! The first thing I noticed was the sound of a train passing by. I never heard a thing all night!

I prepared breakfast. It’s easier to eat peacefully in the cockpit at anchor, than trying to steer the boat safely while running up and down to the galley! After breakfast, I got moving again. My plan was to stop in Yonkers. Each time I travel the Hudson River, I notice the sign: "Free Transient Docks Open”. Since Yonkers is just 90 minutes north of New York, it is never appropriate to check it out. So, one of the goals for this trip was to stop in Yonkers and check out their transient docks. I was excited for this small tangental stop as I approached. I have never been there. 

To say it was anticlimactic would be a gross understatement. A tug had gone by shortly before I reached the docks. I could see the huge wake batter the dock without mercy. The dock showed the wear from boats that were unaware. The rubber cushions were torn or missing. The wood, which should be underneath the cushions was badly split and splintering. I knew instantly, I did not want the outside… but what about the inside? 

The wind was blowing straight up the river. If I pulled Distant Horizon into the dock, I would not be able to get out; for two reasons; Distant Horizon does not go astern (backup) well with power, and the water got very shallow closer to shore. So, I lined up with the dock and drifted in stern to; meaning I was preparing to drift into the dock backwards. This way I could measure the rate of drift if I decided to dock there so I could back in the rest of the way. This would allow me to pull straight out when it was time to leave. 

As the inner side of the dock became visible, I saw it was line with tires. That is beyond horrible!  I failed myself. I was so determined to see Yonkers. I did not have another plan. All I knew at this moment was, I could not stop here!

As I headed further south, I continually checked for available anchorages or stopping point of some kind. On the charts, the north side of the George Washington Bridge, on the east side of the river looked like a possible spot. As I approached, I left the channel to investigate. The current was crazy there! Although the charts said the water was 17 feet, it was closer to 30 feet. This was not a suitable anchorage. 

Looking back at the George Washington Bridge

The next spot was along the parkway. The charts listed this as 10-14 feet of water close to shore. Once again, it was 29-32 feet. I can anchor in that depth, but the length of chain required to do so safely would put me precariously close to shore; not to mention the Hudson River has strong currents in this area. There was absolutely no place to anchor. 

So, 79th Street Basin was next on my list. I always thought that place was cool! 79th street in Manhattan and you can stay on a mooring! Three blocks off the river, you catch the "Red Line" and you are in The City. 

Manhattan Skyline from the Hudson River

I hailed them 5 times on the radio… no response. Finally, I had to stop at the only other place I knew, an upper scale marina in Jersey City: Liberty Landing. I knew I could top-off my fuel there before heading out to the ocean.  I hailed them on the radio and got an immediate response. 

When I arrived, I had to negotiate the “Jetski Skyline Tour”. Their group was behind me, but completely unaware of the rules. In no time, my 28,000 pound boat with limited steering at slow speeds was surrounded by jet skis with two and three people on them. It is required that they negotiate an agreement with me before passing. In this case, I figured out who the tour guide was and informed her of my intentions and I was unable to stop and wait, or maneuver through her group. You could see the awareness flood her face and she quickly gathered them up and got them past me so I could make my turn to the fuel dock. After getting fuel, I was given a slip assignment that would work with Distant Horizon.

Once docked, I immediately went to the captain’s lounge… well, I actually put my laundry in the washer and went to the Captain’s lounge to charge my computer and respond to people who had messaged me and check the weather. When those tasks were completed, I quickly got to sleep. It would be another early morning. First to catch the ebbing tide. Secondly, to beat the tugs to the river; a key element around Manhattan. There is no beating the ferries. The nice thing about them is, there are no negotiations... stay out of their way! 

One lock to go!

Grace and I were happy about our progress. We had successfully negotiated 30 locks over the past two weeks. During that time we sat at the top of Lock #24 in our home village of Baldwinsville; making provisioning an relatively easy task.

Now, from Waterford, there is just one lock to go before reaching the tidal portion of the Hudson River. That is the Troy Federal Lock in Troy, NY.  This lock is run by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Before departing, we made one trip to Ron and Paul's for breakfast. After all those days of early starts, I owed Grace a breakfast and a relaxed start. We knew from experience the trip to Catskill would not take the whole day. We departed about 10:15.

The Troy Federal Lock is just about two miles from Waterford. So, it doesn't take long. I hailed them on the radio: "Troy Lock...", but no response. The chart lists the lock as Troy Lock. I tried, US Lock #1, Lock #1... Altogether, I tried five times before getting a response. That was, "You are trying to hail the Troy Federal Lock". That was it, no other communication. So, I continued to say over the radio, "We are traveling south and request transit through the lock". The operator, responded in a very belligerent tone... "You request a transit south through the Troy Federal Lock." I simply said, "Yes, sir". At this point I was not going to use his terminology. I did use the nomenclature on the chart.

He eventually opened the door. It close quickly behind us. As I pull into a lock, with the mast hanging out ahead of the boat, the mast will swing over the lock wall. Before we could secure a line, the lock was dropping. My mast was over the wall. We were free-floating in the lock and the currents were reecking havoc with Distant Horizon's keel. I'm shouting "Stop! ... Stop!" We start dropping faster. My mast is beginning to bend as it is holding the weight of the 28,000 pound boat up on the wall. I start shouting, "Up! Up!" Finally we stop.

The operator slowly walks down the lock to our location. As he reaches us, I get the mast off the wall and we drop about three feet. His first response was, "I can't stop xxx gallons instantly". Did I hear that right? Hi first response was an excuse? He didn't inquire if as to the cause of the all the shouting and why he had to stop the lock? He screwed up and knew it!

I tried to explain what had happened... and all he wanted to do was change the subject and asked for  my Documentation Number! I knew 12 year-old hockey players who were more mature. He was definitely acting like he was a twelve year old in trouble! There was no getting any forms from him to file the incident!

Well, our 31st lock, reverse the numbers and it was unlucky 13! At least both Grace and I were okay. This could have been much worst with Grace leaning over the the side of the boat trying to get a line on the pipe; the mast falling on us... I didn't want to think of everything else that could have gone wrong.

We got out of there quickly. As we were leaving the lock, I hear the operator say, "Have a safe day!"

Now the cradle that holds out mast up is partially split and we would have to deal with big boats and their wakes on the Hudson River!

With the tide running with us, it seemed like we flew through Troy and Albany.

Before leaving Baldwinsville, my good friend Don asked if we would pass under the Thruway bridge that crosses the Hudson River as you turn east towards Mass. Then, he told me what it was like on his motorcycle trying to cross the bridge and still look over the side. So, Don. Here's a different perspective. I took this from Castleton-On-Hudson. For scale, under the left side of the bridge is an ocean going barge. It was docked and being unloaded. So, I couldn't get it passing under.

Castleton-On-Hudson Bridge

Just north of the bridge is Castleton Boat Club. Here, you can rent their Gin Pole and step your own mast. My mast is too heavy for Grace and me to manage. That is why we are going to Catskill where they have a crane to do the heavy work. The Gin Pole is on the right side of this photo, just above the sailboat.

Castleton Boat Club

A thunderstorm was approaching shortly after passing under the bridge. I sent Grace below because of the lightning. I had to steer, which was ok. The boat has a wood wheel, and the solar panels are over my head. The safest place in a thunderstorm is a car... not because of the rubber tires, but because of the metal roof overhead. If struck by lightning, the air would ionize, preventing the lightning from  going beneath the metal roof! I was hoping the same was true for the solar panels, but I would be happier no to test my theory.

I got soaked from the downpour associated with the storm. About 20 minutes after that ended, we were hit by another. I had a foul weather jacket on, but not the pants. I was regretting that. The rain was cold.

An hour later, another thunderstorm hit us. I put on the leather gloves we use in the locks; hoping the leather would help keep my hands warm. This thunderstorm came with all accouterments... meaning enough pea-sized hail to collect in the cockpit. I was standing in ice water from the hail!

Pea-size hail

A half hour later, another thunderstorm! I changed my tactics. Grace had taken the wheel so I could change into dry clothes. Now, I was just going to circle back north close and let the thunderstorms pass ahead of us. This fourth thunderstorm was the biggest of all. The boat was heeling over from the wind. So, I pulled close to the western shore where there was barely a ripple. Here we could hide from the winds while we waited.

There were five thunderstorms in all as we traveled south on the Hudson River. When it was all over, we were blessed with this full rainbow! A second started, but then faded away.

Full Rainbow!

This typical Hudson River Lighthouse sits in the middle of the river, marking the side of the channel. It is just a couple miles before the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, which connects Catskill to the other side of the river. We are almost there, and this day of drama is just about over!

Hudson River Lighthouse

Erie Canal - Day #3

We spent another night at the top of a lock.  Yesterday at Lock #18 and today at Lock #10, the lock lowers us  down.  So, Distant Horizon was tied to a wall at the lock, but we had not gone through yet.

Distant Horizon tied above Lock #10

We were ready to go through the lock at 7:00am. The lock's water level was set to the lower level. So, we had to wait for the lock to fill. Once we received the green light, our day of locking began. Just as we were set inside the lock. The operator came over and told me it would be another minute, another boat was approaching.

It was a big trawler. A trawler today, is what used to be called a cabin cruiser. Instead of pulling in behind us, they passed us and went to the other side of the lock. It was obvious, they wanted to exit first! Sailors find it hard to believe that motor boaters can always be in such a hurry! Where is the relaxation in that!? For me, it's all about the journey.

A trawler on the other side of Lock #10

By the time that boat was in the lock and set, two more boats were entering the lock. Four boats! This was the most crowded lock of our trip so far.

Two more boats behind us in Lock #10

We began descending the Waterford Flight a little after noon. The Waterford Flight is a series of 5 locks. It is the largest lift in the shortest distance, only 1.5 miles, of any canal system in the world.

Altogether, we transited  9 locks... a busy day!

The good news is we made it from Baldwinsville to Waterford in just three days!

We spent one extra day in Waterford to relax, recover, and do some more work on the boat.

The new flight locks, were built along side the original Erie Canal locks. Here is a photo of the remnants of three Erie Canal locks along-side  Lock #2; the first lock in the flight.

Original Erie Canal Lock remnants

These locks are now used as a spillway for the Waterford Flight when water levels get too high. I was told these are completely original locks and only the doors have been removed.

By comparison, here is a photo of Lock #2.

Erie Lock #2 in Waterford, NY

Many boaters' paths meet in Waterford. Boaters returning home from their distant travels, and boaters just starting their adventures tie to the wharf on the Waterford waterfront. I had the pleasure of meeting Pete, a young man just returning home with his family after a four-year circumnavigation of the globe. We had some great talks, and he had some very useful tips for me since our boats were very similar in size and configuration.

Waterford Wharf

If you don't recognize Distant Horizon as the fourth boat back. Here is a closer view; still with the mast down. We need to traverse one more lock to the Hudson River. That would be the Troy Federal Lock, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. Then, we will travel about half a day south of Troy to have the mast stepped (put up).

Distant Horizon on the Waterford Wharf

Erie Canal - Day #2

We got up early to prepare the boat. We had time to have breakfast first. After all, it is the most important meal!

We were just 100' from our first lock of the day. I wanted to be ready to transit through Lock #18 at 7:00am when the canal system starts operations. We were. However, the lock was set-up for westbound traffic. So, we had to wait for the operator to get the lock ready for us; eastbound.

This would be the start of a very long day. After getting through our first lock, it wasn't long before we had our first disappointment. Last night, when the operator said he would put us through with the cruise boat, I declined. I was too tired to go through another lock. When Grace and I brought the boat to Lake Ontario, through the canal system last summer, we stopped at Little Falls. I never stopped there before, but we both liked it. ...and they had great showers there!

Little Falls is just two miles east of Lock #18. We were both a little sad watching the town dock slip away to our stern.

Lock #17 is the behemoth of locks! Before reaching the lock, there is a stream coming down on the right-side; creating a cross current. Distant Horizon has a full keel sticking down 6 feet below the water. The keel is nearly two-thirds the length of the boat. Cross-currents, even small ones affect the boat; twisting the bow one way and pushing the boat sideways. Just to ensure we have all the excitement we were looking for, there is a power dam and waterfall on the left side just after the stream. The current changes from this have an equal effect on the boat's movement.

I had great plans of videoing the process. However, I was in too much of a hurry in the morning and did not have the cameras ready. In truth, this one little error; if you want to call it that, had a trickle effect for the entire day.

Later in the day, Grace took the helm. I went below. After a while I heard an "Ooooh". Her tone did not warrant an emergency, but it was not her usual tone. I rushed to the cockpit and arrived just in time to see Grace's hat hit the water. I watched the hat as she explained what had happened. The hat was staying afloat! So, I asked if she wanted to go get it. She responded, "Can we?" I told her it's still floating. She immediately said, you take the helm. We proceeded to execute a proper man overboard drill to rescue the hat! It's always good to practice this. You never know when you will need it. When we rescued the hat, we were close to the edge of the channel. If we were any slower, the hat would have been lost, or we would have been aground in our attempts.

All-in-all we had a good day; locking through 8 times in 10 hours and covering over 42 nautical miles. The down-side... no pictures. I was busy all day and never really got caught up. I'll do better.

Erie Canal - Day #1

This saying is often incorrectly attributed to Confucius. Laozi was a writer and philosopher. He is thought to be a contemporary of Confucius.

This is it! 

This is the first step of my journey. This is where it all begins. After a life-time of dreaming and years of planning, it is finally going to happen!


All repairs  are done. All my gear is onboard: clothing; navigation tools; photographic equipment; and of course, sails. The primary provisioning (food & drink) has been completed. and... most importantly, everything is in its place.

We are ready to start the trip toward Ireland and Scotland. That would be Grace, Distant Horizon, and myself. Although I will be single-handing the transatlantic leg of this journey, Grace will be onboard to help get Distant Horizon safely through the locks so her mast can be stepped (put up). After that, I am on my own.

This chapter describes the proverbial "first step"; starting in Baldwinsville ending in... well, read on to see how far we traveled.

Distant Horizon along the B'ville Wharf

We finished provisioning Distant Horizon and loading our gear by 3pm. We were on the Baldwinsville wharf above Lock #24.  After checking whether Lock #23 would be open when we arrived... we set-off!

We departed B'ville around 4pm. After transiting through both locks, we arrived in Brewerton with Oneida Lake ahead of us. With the slight possibility of thunderstorms, and a stiff breeze coming off the lake, we decided to stop and get some dinner in town. After a simple dinner and some needed hydration, I was back at the boat; calculating the time to cross the lake and comparing that to the latest weather forecasts. There is a warning on the Oneida Lake chart, stating the lake can go from flat calm to 6 foot waves in 10 minutes! I've see it happen many times while Jetskiin at my good friend Don's house.

I did not want to wait. Friday was going to be pretty lousy from a weather stand-point. So, I decided to take a nap and depart at 1:30am. Crossing the lake at night is not a fun prospect. Oneida Lake is relatively shallow with several shoals. However, by leaving at this time, we would be able to enter the Sylvan Beach channel at dawn, before the sun rose in our eyes.

The winds were forecasted to be 5 knots from the south after midnight. I knew when we departed this was not the case. We still had 10 knot winds from the east. The waves were not too bad, I wondered how they would be after I pass the islands. It was just an hour later when I was passing the islands that Distant Horizon's bow started to gently pitch up and down. Everything on deck seemed secure. The cradles holding the mast above the deck was solid and secure. Thanks Tom and Tom for helping to secure the mast!

The winds never did veer south, but they did ease after a while. We had a few sprinkles, but no threat of a thunderstorm. Although, the horizon to the north was lighting up for over an hour. So, I guessed the eastern end of Lake Ontario and Tug Hill received the thunderstorms.

Arriving in Sylvan Beach at dawn was perfect... except the first breakfast place opens at 7:30am! For a vacation spot, it is a sleepy little village. We walked to the Nice and Easy for coffee and walked back to the boat. Lock #22 doesn't open until 7:00am. So, Grace made breakfast. As we ate in the cockpit, we watched other boaters leaving; heading out onto the lake to make their crossing too Brewerton.

We stopped for about an hour below Lock #20 for lunch.

Erie Canal Lock #20

The forecast for thunderstorms never came to be. However, the forecast for heavy rain did. Grace was at the helm. I was resting below. When I heard the rain, I jumped out of my berth and scrambled to close the open portlights. Then, I grabbed the foul weather gear. The rain would alternate between heavy rain and a light drizzle for most of the afternoon.

This stretch of the canal has many long narrow sections. It's easy to get caught up in your thoughts.

We made it as far as lock #18. The operator said the lock was closed, which we knew. It was after 5:00pm. We tied up along the wall above the lock for some long-needed rest. The lock operator came by and said he had a commercial vessel going through in about an hour. If we wanted to get below the lock, he would put us through with the tour boat. I was too tired to check the charts and declined. One more lock was too much.

First Move

With Distant Horizon on the Great Lake Ontario, there are a variety of ways to cross the ocean. Actually, there are three ways to reach the ocean.

The simplest and most direct route to the ocean would be to sail down the St. Lawrence River and depart from St. Johns, Newfoundland. With the highest water levels ever recorded for Lake Ontario, much of this route has wake restrictions. This doesn't affect Distant Horizon, as she doesn't put out more than a ripple. However, the big ships are affected and are traveling very slow; backing up shipping traffic. This may create extended waiting times at each of the locks.

Also, St. Johns is known for its fog and June is a foggy month. However, I am able to navigate through the fog using radar. You would think there would be a clear path to Ireland once reaching the ocean. However, the top tourist attraction for St. Johns in June is going out to see icebergs! That would be very cool! I can imagine some great photos of a behemoth iceberg... then I realized I would most likely have to navigate through the fog using radar and dodging icebergs, day and night for several days. I would not be dodging just a couple icebergs either. The International Ice Patrols reports:

"As of 17 April 2017, 648 icebergs have been sighted south of 48° N in the transatlantic shipping lanes. On average 212 icebergs drift south of this latitude by the end of April based on data collected between 1900 and 2016."

I am the adventurous sort... just not that adventurous. So, I ruled out going that way.

The next way was never given a lot of consideration. It consists of going down the St. Lawrence to Montreal. Then, heading south through the Champlain Canal to the Hudson River; and taking the Hudson to New York Harbour. I would still have any associate problems with shipping traffic along the seaway.

The third way to the ocean is by transiting the Oswego Canal to the Erie Canal, traveling east to the Hudson River. Then taking the Hudson to New York Harbour. That is the route I will take.

Due to low bridges along the New York State (NYS) Canal System, Distant Horizon will start the journey with her mast down; powered solely by her diesel engine.

Configured to travel along the NYS Canal System

The first leg of the journey will started by traveling along the south shore of the Great Lake Ontario from Fairpoint Marina in Little Sodus Bay, to Oswego.

Navigation Chart for Lake Ontario

Although this is a short journey, it must be done with extreme caution. With the mast being carried horizontal above the deck, the boat is top-heavy. The best weather window will have winds with a southerly component (from the south, south-east, south-west). In this way, with winds blowing from shore to the boat, there is very little distance for waves of significant size to develop. We would motor along in smooth water.

As we slowly motored into the Oswego Harbour, we couldn't help but notice the how the Oswego Lighthouse's condition had deteriorated since were last there. If you look close at the lower portion of the light and the grey area at the bottom, you can see the much needed repairs have started.

Oswego Lighthouse

In Oswego we will start our transit along the Oswego Canal transiting through Oswego Lock #8. We are heading up the Oswego River; against the current. When I hailed the lock operator on the VHF radio, he already had the lock ready and waiting for us. He saw us coming in off the lake.

As we motored past the Oswego Port Authority and the Oswego marina, Grace readied herself for the first of eight locks that will be going through today. I slowed the boat; using the current to help. Distant Horizon slipped past the Lock doors and into what seemed like a small cavern as the lock walls rose above us.

View from the top of Oswego Lock #8

We went through seven locks on the Oswego River as we headed south towards the Three-Rivers Junction.

Then we headed west to our home town of Baldwinsville, NY. Distant Horizon will remain above Lock #24 for a few days. This is where we will provision and prepare for the rest of the journey.

Distant Horizon (center) at the B'ville town wharf.

The high school graduation ceremony is this weekend. So, the marine traffic was very light. You can see in the picture above, there were few boats at the town wharf.

Distant Horizon at the town wharf in Baldwinsville