September 6, 2003
Erie Canal, Lock 15 - Fort Plain

The morning had been icy cold. Wrapped in several layers of clothing, huts and gloves we started early and made our way trough heavy fog. Clouds were dissolving above the water melted by the sun which decided to show up late at 9.30am. There seems to be only hot or cold these days. The nights are cold but as soon as the sun comes up we get fried.

In Ilion, we stopped for gas and talked to some US aboriginal who seemed to be walking by constantly He invited us for coffee but suddenly appeared to make burgers for us. Talking about German and American history ( he's been teacher) we decided not to taste the corn he had put on the table. It looked a bit fungusish having a shiny and green touch on the surface. Anyways, no complains, they had a shower there too, and guess what we did, not having had it a long time...

In Little Falls we were lucky to join a big event: the annual LITTLE FALLS GARLIC FESTIVAL. All sorts of hippy people were running around and selling garlic products and antiques. Great fun and nice town, the most interesting so far.

Encouraged by these events we zipped all the way to Fort Plain, Lock 15, and met some sailors again who invited us for a chat & drink. We got some good advise and made plans to meet in Castleton again and help each other with putting up the mast. We came to the conclusion that we both like this sailor community in which you help each other out where you can and talk to everybody who comes along.

(J)