Day 21 - August 10th

After a short delay for pump outs, water filling and tightening Bobs stuffing box we departed Amsterdam  this morning in what seems our first truly rainy day of this vacation. The drizzle was on and off for most of the day, which helped lower the temperature and humidity.  Most surprisingly was the Bald Eagle that was in the same tree that we spotted her in on our trip East just a week ago, although there was some discussion if it was a decoy and planted there for tourists, but after she moved we realised it was a genuine eagle. With the rain the scenery has changed to mist in the mountains. Lock 13 is where the majority of the hurricane damage was done last year and they are replacing half of the control gates, which for now provides quite a current on entering the lock.The good news was there was enough space for us for the night in Little Falls at the town dock for all of us to stay the night. We happen to be here on the start of the Erie's Canal Days celebrations. Not only did we get to see a small town parade, but we also got to board the 111 year old tug URGER. What a beautiful old boat that is being maintained as a National Treasure for all to see. Although originally steam she was outfitted with a 6 cylinder 300hp diesel in 1947 and still runs today, but only as an historical reference as all the canal work is done with the little tug boats of which one I have shown here.

Of course I have forgotten to mention our other travelling companions, Kitten and Emma. These two characters reside on Holidaze and we rarely see them, although on one occasion Kitten made a daring break on the dock to end up walking about our swim platform. We believe there role has been keeping Jim awake on the long days voyages by curling up around his feet.