Eerie Canal

"I had a mule, her name was Sal;  fifteen years on the Eerie Canal; she was a good old worker, and a good old pal; fifteen years on the Eerie Canal; we pulled some barges in our day;  filled with lumber, coal, and hay;  and every inch of the way we know, from Albany to Buffalo;  low bridge, everybody down;  low bridge, for we're comin' to a town;  where you always know your neighbor; you always know your pal, if you've ever navigated the Eerie Canal"  As sung often by first mate and lover of the Eerie Canal.

We did indeed have repairs at Coeymans Landing.  Now both engines have rebuilt starters - and, boy, do they start well.  While we were there, our old college friend, Mike Nicholls, visited with us and helped us do 'shore chores'.  It was great seeing Michael and we're glad to have had the chance to rekindle our friendship.

From Coeymans we went up to Waterford, the beginning of the Eerie Canal.  When we pulled into the Welcome Cntr we found our friends Hugh and Sherri Grant at the dock as well.  So, instead of pushing on, we decided to have a fun night together - good friends, good drink, good food.

Now we have risen some 230 ft through 12 locks after traveling 60 miles on the canal.  It feels like home at every turn.  We stopped in Scotia, Lock 8, and were treated to a wonderful evening with cousin Don Bigsby.  He is THE Olympic Memorabilia collector.  Don has been collecting pins, certificates, medals, torches, etc for 36 years and his collection is extensive - medals from every modern olympic and materials from those that were cancelled by war.  He built a 1500 sq ft addition to his house to showcase the collection.  He gave us the tour - the 25 cent tour that is - and it took about 2 hrs to go through it all.  Our jaws were agape the whole time.

Now we're in Canajoharie - we'll visit a museum that houses a collection for paintings from American artists, including an extensive collection of Winslow Homer.  Tomorrow we'll stop in Utica to visit with another old friend - Larry Pacillio - whom we haven't seen for four decades.

(more pics to follow when we have WiFi)