September 7, 2003
Erie Canal, Lock 7

This has been the longest day on the canals so far. We motored the whole day just stopping for lunch to cook some sausages. Sadly, the propane gas suddenly ran out and so, Maciek remembered his pagan instincts and just ate raw eggs with toast. With pleasure, I would say.

We sensed a change in the mindset of the Boaters around us. Coming closer to the city there were more motorboats that didn't take care of our little vessel at all. Most of them were just booting by and shaking our world. So every time they came close, we had to put our bow towards the waves in order not to be tossed around.

Furthermore, we recognized that the rural people are more friendly. Maybe that's the same everywhere in the world. Anyway, as it had been Sunday a lot of people were enjoying the canals for little trips.

During the afternoon the landscape changed immensely. We were going through green valleys, high cliffs, under railway bridges. We tidied some things down below but as a lockmaster asked us for our ten day holiday pass that we bought for 25 USD (that's all u need for the whole canals) we couldn't find it. He took off quite disappointed not having fulfilled his duty.

In the late afternoon had been looking for a place to moor but we had to go quite a peace to Lock 7 passing through a wide canal surrounded by cliffs and high riversides.

To use the toilets at this location had been a difficult and adventurous quest on its own. As this is a public site I don't want to extend my explanations but if you're eager to know and over 18, let me know.

This night we transformed the cockpit into a shower. The most hilarious set up you can imagine. But at least, a bit cleaner than before, we went to sleep. This night I tried the floor as my back it going crazy. What a day!!!

(J)