Learning the Ropes...Cables and Pipes

We had a great time yesterday! It rained most of the day and by the time we got to Amsterdam we were soaked to the bone and ready for a hot cup of soup and a hot shower. But, learning the locks was a lot of fun and much easier than I thought it would be. Once inside the lock we had to decide on either a port or starboard tie. We are ready on both sides at all times, but usually stuck to the right side in case another boat was waiting on the other side for entry. This also allows for better access for Chip to assist with the lines. He drove from the main salon rather than the flybridge all day...mainly due to the weather, but also to back me up in the locks! I developed my own style in the very first lock, which had pipes (similar to cables) as opposed to ropes. With cables and pipes you slip your mid-ship line around it, snug it up tight to the cleat onboard and help it move up the pipe or cable as the water comes into the lock while using the boat hook to keep the bow off the wall & the boat straight. Rather than try to get the entire line around the pipe at once I just put the bitter end through and then quickly pulled the rest of the line around. Easy. When there were no pipes or cables, only ropes, I would get the first line and pass it back to Chip with the boat hook so that he didn't have to leave the helm until I reached out and got the rope I was to hold at the bow. Chip would then walk his rope to the stern to keep Ithaka steady. Might be where the expression "learning the ropes" came from?

I thought Chip was completely going "overboard" (no pun intended) with all his "hull huggers"...No one else had their boat so loaded up with fenders and additional protection, but now that we have spent two days locking through I can honestly say, Chip did a wonderful job preparing Ithaka for her trip up the Erie. Those locks are slimy...and Ithaka is none the worse for the wear after 13 locks.

Amsterdam was just a place to spend the night...we didn't do any exploring. But, today we docked after Lock 12 and took the dinghy over to Schoharie Crossing. What's left is 6 of the 14 original arches in the aqueduct which was built over the Schoharie Creek in 1825. It was 600' long when it was completed and you can still see clearly where the water went through and where the mules walked above on the tow paths. This entire area has enormous historical significance. Whether one travels by car, train or boat you follow routes echoing names, places and events that nourished our heritage.

Tonight we are in Canajoharie...another little village along the canal that time seemed to forget. As we walked through the streets we realize that the citizens are doing their best to rekindle the fire that once burned in the soul of this town by creating art galleries and music in the park and renovating the beautiful structures...a few antique stores and gift shops fill the mostly empty storefronts on the main street. Just a side note; Beech-Nut foods started here in 1891 and the granddaughter of the founder gave over $8 million for a library and museum.