Herkimer

Shannon and I were looking towards the horizon. It was a very long and straight section of the canal and we knew we had a few more miles before meeting Mike and Bev at the next lock. It is never fun to be able to see where you will be in an hour because it is at those times you realize how slow you are going (it is better than seeing where you will be at the end of the day though...Lake Erie...). Suddenly the bridge in front of us that we had forgotten about while gazing past it towards the next turn started yelling at us. Actually, it was Bev yelling! We looked up and Mike and Bev were waving and taking pictures! What a great surprise and the night only got better. They drove us into Herkimer and had a hotel room waiting for us. As soon as we were ready we walked to a great restaurant right on the canal (because we haven't had enough of it yet). Although my father wasn't there with us, the spirit of his wallet made an appearance and proceeded to pay the bill which was simple astounding. Thanks Dad! After dinner we caught a bit of shark week and passed out hard.

Breakfast at Denny's hit the spot and then we had to be on our way. We found a few souvenirs for our boat naming contest winners/runner ups and then it was off to the canal. Rain was pouring as we drove to find a suitable ramp and it didn't stop until we were on the water. Passing storms seem to be the theme around here but this was the first storm that hit us hard. It was very sad to say goodbye to Mike and Bev but we will see them soon! They drove down to our first lock of the day to watch us go through and then they were gone, probably home already and we are only 19 miles further. It will probably we another week or so before we see them at our destination.

Things are starting to be a bit more exciting as we are getting very close to the end of the canal. The mighty Hudson is next and I am excited to see what kind of surprises it has in store for us. I'm especially excited about its current, something we haven't seen since the Huron river. Tonight we are in Canajoharie set up in a little park sandwiched between highway 90 and a freight train line. Should be a good night...

-Jay