We decided to have to mast unstepped at the Riverview Marina (Catskills): we found the cost very reasonnable, were sure to have quiet waters and did not have to search for an additional man on deck...all included for $125.00! The work was done in 1/2 hour and we went to Coxsachie to anchor for the night. The new "fun factor" is that we have now fresh water and we can swimm, not using fresh water to shower extensively (just a quick rinse in case..). We were in for a surprise, though, when on the morning of July 30th, the temperature dropped to 12C during the night. Our bodies and minds were in a state of shock when sailing the river with a cold north wind on the nose...





By the time we arrived in Waterford, entrance to the Ny Canal system, the temp had risen to 22C...We found a spot at the wall and have been enjoying the commodities as well as the shopping possibilities. After that, little places along the canal, don't offer much choice. We bought a 10 days pass for the canal but our experience suggests that in about 6 days we should be in Oswego where we will have to step the mast before crossing Lake Ontario. Mast stepping and unstepping is not really a job that mariners like but it has advantages: it allows one to inspect faraway places and discover missing nuts, screws, rust etc...So, our homework is done and we'll leave the mast up for the next winter season!:)

Rain is forecasted for tomorrow..we'll see. In a way, we are lucky that the huuricane season has been quiet so far...A look at the National Hurricane Center forecast shows that it may not be long before one of these storms passes our way!!!
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/