Day 393 - 394, July 19 - 20, 2023

Day 393 Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Free Wall, Whitehall, NY to Lake Champlain Anchorage

We started the day, excited, knowing we would make it to Lake Champlain.   It was sunny and clear, not as hazy as the day before.  We waited for a southbound boat to clear Lock 12 and then it was our turn.  We were underway at 9:20, just yards away from the lock.  One bridge before the lock and the opportunity to stand on the summer kitchen one last time (to make sure we would clear). We were through the lock by 9:30 -- Hello Lake Champlain!!

The lake is still very narrow at this southern most point and not very populated.  We saw lots of herons, an Osprey family of three, water chestnuts and lots of mountains.  The railroad tracks follow the shoreline but we only saw a couple trains, unlike other trips.  We were especially grateful for less debris in the water.  

 

We were met by a Gold Looper, Gemini from Bristol Rhode Island, that was heading south.  They waved and gave us a friendly toot.

The Lake was like glass, welcoming us home.  Eagles and osprey, NO crab pots (YEAH!), no dolphins (sob....).  We did see water chestnut harvesters.

 

Lots of familiar landmarks: Chipman Point, Fort Ticonderoga, Champlain Bridge.

 

  

  Ticonderoga Cable Ferry

We reached the 44th parallel, another sign we were getting closer to home.

At 3:05 we were anchored in Button Bay on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, across from Westport.  The Lake remained calm and we had a pleasant afternoon, pork loin on the grill and a beautiful sunset.

Day 394 Thursday, July 20, 2023

TODAY WE WILL BE HOME!!!

Button Bay, Vermont to Mooney Bay Marina, Point Au Roche, New York

Lazy morning start.  We had about a 5 hour travel day and wanted to arrive at our marina when family and friends could meet us.  Our night at anchor had been great, very calm and quiet.  We enjoyed the morning; I posted to the blog and then at 11:30 Jerry started the engine to pull anchor.  I was ready with the anchor washdown but the anchor had different plans.  The chain came up with tons of weeds.   It took the 2 of us with boat hooks to clear weeds at least 6 feet long and 1 foot across on the chain.  Almost 20 minutes later we were finally on our way. 

 On our way home!

 

Our anchorage was just around the corner from the entrance to Otter Creek.  That meant more debris.  It didn't take long; we hit something hard just as we made it around from Button Bay.  Not a lot of vibration so maybe we'll be okay.  It's not the first time;  we'll see the extent of damage from our trip when the boat gets hauled at the end of the season.  I took debris watch seated outside at the bow of the boat until we reached the broad lake.  The debris continued.

Landmarks along the way:

 Split Rock Light

  Essex Ferry

Four Brothers Island

Burlington, Willsboro Bay, Ferris Rock, Schuyler Island, Valcour Island, Snug Harbor Marina, Crab Island   -- each were a welcome sight.

"Harvard on the Hill" -- Clinton Community College

Finally we pass the Cumberland Head Ferry and head to Point Au Roche.  

  Photo taken by our nephew Pat as we approached Point Au Roche.

Jerry honked the horn as Eric's Inheritance turned into Mooney Bay Marina.  What an awesome sight with family and friends waiting for us on the dock!  Thank you everyone for the warm welcome and great party on the dock!! 

 

What a trip!  It was a true adventure for us, challenging us, teaching us and entertaining us with new places and friends.  Everyone has asked our favorite part but neither Jerry nor I can pick.  We don't really have a favorite, rather lots of memorable spots -- Canoe Passage in Georgian Bay, the Catajack Paddle Race on the Tennessee river (which we inadvertently became a part of), the crystal clear water in the Bahamas and Lake Michigan, Clearwater Beach, Stock Island, rafting with other Loopers, sharing stories, dinner and learning new card games.  The places we enjoyed the most were definitely those where we spent time with our new friends.  We were awed by the beauty and nature with dolphins, pelicans, sharks, Manta rays, sea turtles, starfish, manatees and even a whale sighting.

Thank you to everyone who supported us, cheered us on, mentored and travelled with us, and were generous with their talents, resources, friendship and prayers.  Our adventure was truly one made possible by all of you.

 

 

 

Some details of our adventure:

Miles traveled                                    7,103	Ocean Crossings                                       4
States visited                                           17	Countries Visited                                      3
Number anchorages/free walls               12	Number Marinas                                      115
Number Great Lakes                                 3	Number  of  Locks                                   129
Engine Hours                                       926.3	Total fuel                                        3223.8
Hours/gallon                                            3.5	Fuel cost -- high/low                      $7.48/$3.20

 

Thanks for following our journey -- and for your patience, waiting for me to log our adventures!