Here we are, almost at the end of August, and the time has been flying…our cruising adventures have receded in the background to let us adapt to the Canadian environment: we are now anchored in the beautiful 1000 Islands and enjoy the scenery...despite the cold weather and water temperatures: yes, what years ago might have felt like a normal summer now feels cold to us…after all, there is a big difference (20F or 10C) in air and water temperatures! But Marleyne does not complain anymore about feeling “sticky” and Heiner rinses the boat with fresh water to his heart content! Swimming feels refreshing: we swim more here than in the islands. Probably because without swimming, one actually risks hypothermia!!!!

We have been welcomed back home by several friends and neighbours (who cautiously ask if, this time, we are staying…) and we are enjoying the Canadian bargain prices of food and “stuff”… (We have not yet been to the Liquor stores to buy rum….).

Our house renovation is now finished: the house was in good shape but we felt like redecorating! The floors were resanded and revarnished…new carpets…new colour schemes. It feels good to enjoy the home comfort with laundry facilities, hot showers, freezer and toaster!!!! And what to say about having the use of a car!!!!



We even have found a yard to sandblast the boat next spring: we think that La Buena Vida has enabled us two marvellous years of travel and “deserves” a Rejuvenescence treatment: sandblasting and new paint job!

We would like to remain in a “cruising frame of mind”…by avoiding to become to set in our ways and by being spontaneous and adventurous !And by reading our cruiser’s friends blogs rather than spending time in front of TV!!!!!!!!!!!

This birthday was really different: I was "on duty" soon after our departure from Oswego USA for Waupoos Canada, 36 miles north. It was windy, rainy and gray...I would have like to spend my birthday morning in bed...However, the forecast was for rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon so it was better to leave early to avoid all that stuff. The waves were certainly not as high as what we experienced on the Atlantic but they were coming from 3 different directions...not smooth at all. Marleyne stayed at the helm...Heiner has still quite a bit shoulder pain! But with 20knots, the crossing went fast and by the time we arrived in Canada, conditions had become milder. We reached our friends Lindsay and Karen by VHF radio..they were waiting at the Waupoos marina to welcome us; we docked for 15 minutes, cheered and welcomed by these wonderful friends and went away to anchor in the bay. The rain came and we could get our rest, at last. Tonight, we had this great Barefoot Bubbly, a Pinot Grigio from California..just great! And with this nice canadian sunset... an unforgettabl;e day!

Mast stepping went well without a flaw..well almost! For a moment there, we thought the mst got longer or the furler shorter but no, it was the toggler at the top of the furler tht was jammed and made it shorter by 2 inches. It took quite a bit of effort and Heiner to climb up the mast to undo the mess. After the mast was up, we crossed the river and moored along the wall. It takes an afternoon to make the boat sail ready again. Tomorrow morning we will sail away towards Prince Edward County (Waupoos) to celebrate our homecoming and the admiral's birthday (39th !!!)!

That's it, we are there: between Lock #7 and Lock #8 in Oswego. The NW-W wind has been blowing hard today 20+ knots: its quite cool, 20C, and makes the tying up in the lock a bit stressful. But the captain has been doing a great job of getting in and out despite the strong breeze without a hitch. And me, with my yellow gloves, I have been mastering ropes and ladder!

The skies are cloudy, the strong breeze making it inhospitable, nothing tropical here...Even at the Oswego Marina, 3 Bassin street, the reception is inhospitable: you know this type of person who keeps doing her work without looking at you even though you are 6 inches from her face! and who then groughly ask:What do you want? So that's Oswego Marina where we have to put the mast on the boat...not much choice in the matter. The "kind" female at the reception desk had us sign on the dotted line that for every hour spent at the dock (to tie things up) we would be charged $30.oo...greedy greedy Oswego marina! Luckily, the important person in this whole story, Bernie, who sets up the mast, is a nice guy: we need to do our share of the work with him, however, as he is the only one doing the job. Hopefully, the wind will be down or else we must stayin Oswego until Monday.






It is quite nice, though, to stay at the wall; it is free (part of the NY Canal system) versus staying at the wall below the locks where it costs $20.00/night (charged by the city of Oswego). We have Internet access here and it is just a nice walk in town. Not much going on this Friday night because it's freezing out there!

The routine of canal cruising has established itself...early morning, around 7am, we put the water kettle on and start the engine. We do about 40 miles a day, depending how many locks there are and how smooth the process goes. Although it is summer time, we are the only one boat to lock EXCEPT in the Little Falls lock, climp of 40 feet, where we are stacked like sardines. The lock master had waited for as many boats as possible to lock together..it makes sense but it was a little tight!
Anyhow, we enjoy looking at the serene landscapes passing by, and look forward to the last lock of the day to tie up to the wall and enjoy the evening.

On August 2, we began traveling the Erie Canal after a nice stay at wWterford. The weather has been quite good with only one very hot and muggy night yesterday at Sylvan Beach, Oneida Lake. Somehow, we have adopted a quick travel tempo although we don't have to rush home.

Today, passing through Lock 23, we had a nice present from the lockmaster: fresh herbs, tomatoes and peppers from his garden! This garden has been set up just for us, cruisers...I told him that this was a very nice pre-birthday present (for Marleyne)and when I came into the office to get his hebs clipper, he also gave me a pack of chocolate cookies! How kind of him!

Saturday August 7th, we will have the mast restepped at the Oswego Marina.

And then, up across the Lake Ontario;it looks like the trip is finishing....