Dave, Congratulations on the boat!
Did the full length of the Erie Canal in 2017. Probably more fun going down hill through all the locks. IMO, the better part of the Erie canal for sightseeing and town stops is West of Oneida Lake. You will travel through farm lands where the canal is elevated slightly above the fields, absolutely beautiful scenery.
Winter Harbor marina in Brewerton (1.5 miles before Oneida Lake on the north side of the waterway), is where you want to buy all the fuel you can hold. Generally the best price in NY state.
East of Oneida Lake, stops get a little more challenging as far as reprovisioning. Plan ahead. If you have any questions about stops on the canal, I probably won't know the answer, but that won't keep me from responding.
Ted
I'm always happy to hear from you Mr. Ted, especially since I'll be doing largely the same kind of thing you are, with a boat that has very similar capabilities and hindrances.
The locks are definitely more pleasant going downhill, and fast too. I don't think I've been in a lock longer than 10 minutes since the Black Rock.
I took a splash of fuel at Wardell's in Tonawanda, but I think I will be topping off at Winter Harbor. That is if I can work out why my tanks overflowed during the last fill up. According to my tank tender, I should have had loads of room, but evidently not. I may have a blocked vent or something.
Being on a boat that's moving through the water, it's so clear. Everything falls into place in terms of what's important and what's not. -James Taylor
We are soooo happy for you, Dave!
Your delight is contagious!
Cheers,
Pea & Dan Trombley
Mr. Taylor has a very good point there. Thank you Trombleys!
Where did the boat name come from? What does it mean, if this has been asked before I didn’t see the answer.
Just a guess from me,
La Sylphide is a romantic ballet in two acts. There were two versions of the ballet; the original choreographed by Filippo Taglioni in 1832, and a second version choreographed by August Bournonville in 1836. Bournonville's is the only version known to have survived and is one of the world's oldest surviving ballets.
Nice name for a boat
That's it, you got it. Also, a Sylph is a mythical spirit of the air, and a Sylphide is a young one. I was planning to change the name, but I think I may end up keeping it. It's pretty unique, which wins a lot of points in my book. I also like the fact that she's had the same name since she was built. She's had the name almost as long as I've had mine.
Who am I to change it?
And....I learnt somthin' new today!
One of the many services we offer!
We did the Welland as well. Long day, but tolerable. They have now set recreational up for certain days only and you better be there when they open for the day. You're right versus the Erie. On the Erie you have some serious flights of canals but you can do a few and then just say "That's enough locks for the day." No saying that on the Welland.
We have an acquaintance who pilots there. All the St. Lawrence is a challenge with US and Canada involved and the heavy commercial traffic and their priority.
I got really lucky with my transit. In all the research I did, I missed the fact that they alternate upbound and downbound days for pleasure craft. It was just dumb luck that I got there on the right day. Could have been a 24 hour delay right off the bat. I also got lucky with the rhythm of commercial traffic. There was very little in the morning, but by the time we got to the last lock, there was a real log jam up down in the lower end.
Dave
If you stop in Spencerport dont miss the Texas BBQ joint... it is worth a stop if you like BBQ.
Newark is another great stop. Fairport nice but Newark is quieter, great facilities and all free... power, showers, laundry, and some decent restaurants in town.
From there a long day to Baldwinsville doable and another good stop but sure you have been there.
Spencerport is a good stop with nice facilities at the free dock.
If you like Texas Barbecue, don't stop. You won't leave. The Brisket is to die for! Only mistake I made was not buying some to take with me.
Ted
I'm already looking forward to the next trip through these parts. There are a ton of places I'd like to go back to and spend some time. This trip has been more of a delivery trip really, and we've been trying to make miles. I sure hope they save me some BBQ for next time.
Dave, that is one sweet water ride. Good luck with her.
Thanks Cap!
And when you go through Rochester, don't forget to wave!
I hope a wave from Clyde is okay. Can you see me?
Congrats on your new ride!
Thanks! I was saving up for a nice Monk 36, but this one just fell into my lap.
About 300' lift or drop between the lakes. 1 lock drops/rise about 80 ' if I remember correctly. I have only been through there with tugs and barges.
In the Welland they're all about 40' there's a flight of three staircase locks that'll get you up about 120'
Looks even better in the pics taken by its new owner. As it should. What a great boat!
Thanks Bruce! I hope your search is going well
Congrats on making it through and getting the new floatie.
Thank you!
Congrats sir! How cool for you to be able to enjoy with your parents, after they introduced you to the boating life that not only became your recreation but your profession!
You've acquired a fine vessel and we both know you will have many fine adventures. Your only task is to take many many pictures, and share them all with us here so we can enjoy your travels too!
David
Thanks
It's been really great having my folks aboard. They've been loving it as much as I have. Maybe more. I'm so glad I can give them back some of what they gave me. I'm one lucky SOB.