Publish Date: Sunday, May 10, 2009
Location: Waterford, New York
Coordinates: 42° 47.233′ N 73° 40.770′ W
We are currently docked in the charming village of Waterford, New York at the entrance to the historic Erie Canal. We thoroughly enjoyed, a slightly drizzly, but otherwise beautiful 2 day cruise up the Hudson River from New York Harbor (FYI – the Hudson River is celebrating it’s 400th anniversary this year). The landscape held stunning cliffs; trees flaunting their spring green; dogwood and rose bud trees sprinkling color across manicured estates sweeping down to the waters edge; the impressive walled fortress of West Point; along with small industrial towns of a different era. Every where you looked was a delight to the eye.
Without a doubt, the highlight of this portion of our journey is landing in Waterford, New York. The town
Walking in Peebles State Park with Aunt Sarah and Uncle Herb who came to visit us in Waterford from Wellsley.
offers free dockage for two nights along their nicely equipped floating docks right in front of their beautiful Visitor’s Center. After two nights they suggest a donation of $10 a night, and you are welcome to stay as long as you’d like. We are docked facing the first of the Erie Canal locks which make up the Waterford Flight of locks (more on that in a different blog). Behind us is a bridge taking you to Peebles Island, a New York State Park filled with hiking trails along the water and a Canal System Visitors Center.
The location is beautiful and peaceful, particularly after the pace of New York harbor, but it is the people that make Waterford magical. I was talking with a boater from Quebec, who has been out cruising for the last two years, and he said, “I have never met people, anywhere, as friendly as they are here.” He’s right! The volunteers at the Welcome Center greet you with enthusiasm, a smile, and a genuine interest in your trip (where you’ve been and where you are going). They take their time explaining to you the local facilities (grocery, laundry etc.), sightseeing options and are pleased to share their personal stories of their town and the canal.
Looking at the E2 lock at dusk.
We were fortunate enough to be here for CanalFest yesterday, which marks the official opening of the canal season. The water front park was filled with food, music, artisans and an all around festive atmosphere. Cub scout troops were selling hamburgers, churches selling fresh baked pies, ladies selling crocheted blankets they’d made over the winter, local dance troupes performing—I felt I was in a Norman Rockwell painting. The people of Waterford have a genuine warmth, and we thank them for their hospitality.
Let’s see,hmmm, envy just isn’t enough for me to say! If you’re heading north ,you’ll pass by the Schuyler Yacht Basin where we have our 24′ cruiser for the summer months. We’ll head down to Waterford for a weekend from our marina. It is a friendly, clean historic little town. Glad you enjoyed the visit. My wife and I are planning to do the Great Loop, hopefully, in the near future. A trawler seems to be the way to go. Are you planning to incorparate the Great Loop in your journey? Highly recommend it! You folks certainly have an impressive looking vessel. I wish you all the luck in the next several years and may your voyage be filled with adventures and experiences that few of us can only dream of! Good Luck!!!!
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Did you guys sing the Erie Canal song while you were passing through? See YouTube for a couple renditions if you aren’t familiar with it. Growing up in the northeast (many decades ago), all the kids knew this one…
-Lise