Day 257, "on the loop", 6/23/2023

Saturday, 6/17, left Brewerton, NY after a week of hanging out, resting and waiting for our looper friends: Arabella & Long Gone 2. It was a great reunion! We locked through 6 locks and ended our time on the Erie Canal and entered the Oswego Canal (all in New York). Arrived at our Oswego marina shortly after lunch time.

• E23: Brewerton - Lowered 6.9 ft

• O1: Phoenix - Lowered 10.2 ft

• O2: Fulton - Lowered 17.2 ft

• O4: No longer exists, it was easier to leave the locks numbered "as is" to prevent confusion.

• O3: Fulton - Lowered 27.0 ft

• *O5: Minetto (Oswego, NY) - Lowered 18.0 ft

• *O6: High Dam (Oswego, NY) - Lowered 20.0 ft

• O7: Oswego - Lowered 14.5 ft

• O8: Oswego - Lowered 11.1 ft

*The locks noted above were in New York and called out by cities. For those not named by cities, I added the city in parenthesis for clarification. Side note: "E" in front of a lock number = Erie Canal and O= Oswego Canal.

These locks were close in proximately, with ropes and/or cables. We entered the locks when the water was at its highest, which was difficult to connect our lines to the lock cables; therefore, we used their lines (ropes) the majority of the time. Their lines were extremely dirty from the river water. It is suggested to wear gloves to prevent bacteria getting in open wounds.

Pic 1: Summer Place exiting one of the locks

Pic 2 & 3: Lock-masters take pictures sometimes and post them on the Looper Facebook page, our boat, Arabella and LG2 made the post! (somewhere between Lock 2 or 3 on the Oswego)

We caught up with our Canadian friends: Yachts of Fun (Jeff & Sharon) and Knot Dreaming (Randy & Julie) upon our arrival in Oswego, NY.

Sharon made dinner reservations at GS Steamer's Bar & Grille. The special was Prime Rib (most of the guys ordered this) and the Johnson's (LG2) ordered the local fish (Perch). We arrived in time for Happy Hour drinks :-)

The Canadians will finish their loops (cross their wake) by July 1st or shortly thereafter, so we do not know if this is REALLY the last time we will see them before that happens. So we say goodbye each time with BIG ole HUGS!

From Left: Dan & Chris (Long Gone 2), Us, Randy & Julie (Knot Dreaming), Capel & Karen (Arabella) and last but not least; Jeff & Sharon (Yachts of Fun). Side Note: The Boat "Yachts of Fun" has been sold, the new owners will take over the motor vessel once Jeff and Sharon cross their wake (by July 1). They will change the motor vessel name and start their loop adventure.

Earlier in the day, we picked up mail for Long Gone 2. Their packages were delivered to an Oswego marina (not the one we were staying at), so were on the hunt to retrieve the packages. While doing so, we had ice cream!

Below are pictures of the town (Oswego, NY):

Trip Maps:

Winter Harbor Marina (Brewerton, NY) to Oswego Marina (Oswego, NY)

Sunday, 6/18, The boat rocked most of the night (Saturday) due to our dock location and they many boats that pass by throwing wake. We were on a face wall exposed to the Oswego River that connects to Lake Ontario. We left Oswego at 8am. There were NO locks on this day, a Sunday blessing! Happy Father's Day!!!

Trip Maps:

Winter Harbor Marina (Brewerton, NY) to Oswego Marina (Oswego, NY)

We arrived at Navy Point Marina in Sackets Harbor, NY around mid-day. 3 new dock hands were in training (was their 3rd day on the job).

Joel washed the boat, it gets pretty dirty going thru the locks! Once we finished our boat chores, we met fellow loopers for drinks and an appetizer at "The Whiskey Coop" before cooking dinner on the boat.

After appetizers (and before dinner), we walked around the town of Sacket. It is a nice little town and we had good weather. We were finally able to wear shorts!

Sackets Harbor (perviously spelled Sacketts Harbor) is a village in New York, on Lake Ontario. The village was named after land developer and owner Augustus Sackett, who founded it in the early 1800s.

Sackets Harbor was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

To support the War of 1812, the US Navy built a major shipyard and its headquarters for the Great Lakes at the village. Within a short period, more than 3,000 men worked at the shipyard. The Army constructed earthworks, forts, barracks and supporting infrastructure to defend the village and navy shipyard, and its troops also camped in the village. The thousands of military personnel made it seem like a city. By the fall of 1814, this was the third-largest population center in the entire state of New York.

Union Hotel (below), also known as Barrow's Hotel, is a historic hotel located here in Sackets Harbor. It is a 3+1⁄2-story stone building, 51 feet by 69 feet, over a full basement. The original structure was built in 1817–1818. The interior features distinctive Federal woodwork. It functioned as a hotel into the 1860s, then was used as a Masonic Lodge. In 1972 New York State acquired the building and rehabilitated it for use as the Visitor Center for the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site.

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

Pictures taken during our walk:

Pic 1, 8 &9 - Views of Lake Ontario - beautiful

Pic 2 - Nice, BIG tree

Pic 3 - Marina

Battle of 1812:

The village was the site of two battles during the War of 1812. In the first battle of 1812, the brig USS Oneida and shore batteries repulsed an attacking force of five British ships. The village became a major base of operations for both the Navy (including US Marine Corps) and Army for the duration of the war. The Army built defensive earthworks around much of the village, and Fort Tompkins with barracks near Navy Point. Local militia built Fort Volunteer, north of the village main streets. Thousands of troops gathered to defend the shipyard and village, and to attack Canada.

The battlefield grounds, in pic below, are nice and well maintained. See the fort wall, super nice.

Several of the houses in the downtown area were built in the early 1800's.

Trip Maps:

Navy Point Marina (Sacket Harbor, NY) to Island Harbor Marina (Clayton, NY)

Clayton, NY is such an adorable town and in walking distance from the marina. We ran a few needed errands (post office, ace hardware and picked up a few appetizer for docktails).

This little town doesn't have Ubers or a cab service; however, they have Laurie & Jim who run the "Chuck Wagon" (I am told they pick up the local drunks and drive them home for a money donation). We stayed in Clayton for two nights, and thrilled to have the down time.

Docktails in Clayton, NY - Papillon (Del & Gail) joined us. Some soon to be loopers stopped and introduced themselves and asked questions about the loop.

Trip Maps:

Island Harbor Marina (Clayton, NY) to Horizon (Thousand Island Yacht Club), Thousand Island, NY

Arrived at The Thousand Island Yacht Club around lunch time, had lunch and took a dinghy ride over to the town of Alexandria Bay, NY. Another nice town; more touristy than we have seen in a while. Schools are starting to let out for the summer. There was a pizza place in almost every other building!

Look at that big 'ole scoop of ice-cream Dan and Chris have! They ate the whole thing!

Alexandria Bay, NY is busy! This is also the home of Boldt Castle so several boat tours made the water way just as busy as the town.

From the waterway, I was in awe of all of the small islands in the area (each island seems to have a name, even if it's just a rock island). The small islands are absolutely beautiful and almost every island had a house on it, no matter the size of the island. I know I say this a lot; but, this place is gorgeous! I could live here (but only in the summer).

6/22 - We visited Boldt Castle, a love story of a castle. Long Story, Short... Mr. Boldt built the castle for his wife Louise as a token of love. Construction started in 1900 and in 1904, Louise passed away. Mr. Boldt abandoned the project and left the castle for ruins. It was taken over by the NY Port Authority and restoration began. It is now available for tours and weddings, if you would like to see more information check it out here:

https://www.boldtcastle.com/visitorinfo/about

The Castle was built on Heart Island (previous spelled HART Island), Mr. Boldt legally changed the name to Heart. He incorporated the Heart symbol throughout the castle. Another symbol you see throughout the castle is the clover (His daughter's name was Clover).

The Boat house (at one point there were 3 boathouses) where the crew, mechanics and engineers lived with their families. The lower area of the boat house was the work area while the upper floor area was the living quarters for the crew and families.

One View of the Castle

Dove - Cote (I think this had something to do with hunting).

The Boldt family lived in the structure pictured below while building the castle. It's my understanding that once the castle was complete, this would become the children's play place.

The guys were most impressed with this structure, the Power House. It was clean. Built on its own island, attached to the main island (Heart Island) by an arched bridge.

The castle was NEVER lived in. When Mr. Boldt abandoned the project, Below are pictures of how the castle looked when the project was abandoned. At one point, vandals, graffiti artist and other damage (weather) occurred. The castle was restored based on floor plans from the times.

Restoration: Rooms have pictures of before and after (note the heart theme everywhere):

more pictures:

Trip Maps:

Horizon (Thousand Island Yacht Club), Thousand Island, NY to Tall Ships Landing (Brockville, Canada)

On the way to Tall Ships Marina (in Canada), we stopped and toured the Singer Castle. This Castle seemed more livable (compared to Boldt castle). It was built in the 1900's and was inspired by Sir Walter Scott's novel about Woodstock Castle (1832).

You and a group of friends can spend the night at Singer Castle for approximately $1000.00 for the first two people and then $75 per each additional person. If a few split it, could be around $150.00 per night. If you stay the night, you may access to the tunnels throughout the house.

History behind this castle can be found here:

https://www.singercastle.com/brief-history/

The oldest furniture in Singer castle, dates back to the 1500's.

pic 1: Bathrooms were large for the wealthy in 1900's.

pic 2: Tunnel from boat house to castle to keep guest dry (when rainy)

pic 3: Boat house

pic 4: View looking up

pic 5: Seats in the gentleman's room (currently known as "man cave"). Seating was set up like box cars so guests were accustomed to something familiar. They could also play card game or have drinks

pic 6: Entry way, mid-evil themed

In the early 1900's, it was common for spouses to sleep in separate beds, it symbolized wealth.

Notice that one headboard and tray table is larger than the other (this indicated "head of house").

There are secret passageways throughout the castle. The serving staff would watch behind the walls through various ways (vents, pictures, etc) to check on guests and meet the needs of the family members. Note: Bell like buzzers were also available and used for the family to ring for service.

The Singer family were athletic and played several sports. The contraption below was invented by Dr. Kellogg who believe that light and mirrors (heated) would serve as healing and cure whatever health problems one would have. Basically, it was a sauna / steamer (before its time). Side note: Something of this nature appeared in an episode of "I LOVE LUCY".

We ended our tour with lunch (you can see our boats at the far end of picture).

We arrived in Canada early afternoon. Before we could leave our vessel, we had to clear customs via phone call. We were asked several questions and needed to confirm some basic information. About an hour later.... We are officially in Canada... more on this next week!

Random Stuff & Other Information:

Early May, the Oswego Lock Bridge (Lock 01 on the Oswego) was broken causing loopers a slight delay. After a few weeks of closure, the powers that be decided to lift the bridge by crane to allow boat traffic to pass. Lifting by crane was not easy, so a decision was made to ONLY lift the bridge on Saturday's until the bridge was officially repaired. Unfortunately, for our friends Breakaway (Danielle & Alain), they arrived at the bridge earlier on. They parked their boat for a bit, rented a car and drove home to Canada. Luckily for us, we were not delayed. The bridge was repaired while we were in Brewerton (NY).

Pic 2: Long Gone 2 & Arabella going under the bridge (which is just past the 01 Lock). We followed behind Arabella (I took the picture).

Tracy's pinky finger Update:

You guys will NOT believe this! While in Sackets Harbor, doing laundry, I noticed a lady with her finger wrapped similar to mine (her's the ring finger vs. pinky finger). I asked what happened.... AND just like me, MAKING A BED! She shared how it happened, the troubles she had and her current situation. Well, the outcome is called "mallet finger" (google it), it takes time to heal (and can be long process). She explained I should see an ortho to receive an appropriate stint (to prevent further damage).

I called a local urgent care; but, they do not do x-rays on weekends and suggested I see an orthopedic... which we don't have time for. Monday (6/19) while in Clayton, NY, I made an appointment with the local urgent care for x-rays (to ensure it's not broken), Luckily, an ortho works there one Wednesday a month. As mentioned above, there are no Ubers or Cabs. SO, I took the good 'ole Chuck Wagon to my Urgent care appoint; however, was charged a one way rate with no guarantee they would come back to pick me up! $60 and about 3.5 hours later, I had an x-ray, follow-up visit with ortho (on Wed, 6/21) and met Joel and loopers back at Summer Place.

X-ray showed no breaks, the urgent care nurse re-wrapped and provided a different style stint that freed up my middle knuckle for movement (middle knuckle was very stiff when we removed my stint).

Mallet finger is an injury to the end of your finger that causes it to bend inwards towards your palm. You will not be able to straighten the end of your finger because the tendon connecting the muscle to the finger bone is stretched or torn.

Wednesday (6/21), the boat was moved from Clayton, NY to Alexandria Bay, NY. I was now closer to the doctor. There are two Horizon Marinas in Alexandria Bay, I thought we were at the marina next to the doctors office. Well, as luck would have it, we were across the bay. Remember, no Ubers or cabs in the area! So, this time, it was a dinghy ride by none other than Captain Joel!

Final part of the pinky update. The ortho confirmed it was not broken, gave me 3 different style splints to use over the course of 8 weeks. He stated it is a torn ligament / tendon. I need to continue to be careful not to re-injure as if that occurs, your recovery starts over!

Before seeing the doctor:

One of 3 stints the ortho provided.

Drinks on the Loop:

We always post or talk about docktails, it's not always about drinking but sometimes it is. Drink recipes you may wish to make for your next gathering:

The Hummingbird:

Elderflower Liqueur (3 oz)

Champagne or sparkling wine (6oz)

Club Soda (Splash)

Lemon, sliced for garnish

Ice (couple of cubes)

French 75 (similar to the Hummingbird):

Champagne or Prosecco or other sparkling wine (3oz)

Gin (1 oz)

Lemon Juice (1/2 oz)

Simple Syrup (1/2 oz)

Ice (couple of cubes)

Lemon twist, for garnish

*Italian 75, substitute the wine / champagne with a red wine

*I prefer the French 75 and Champagne

Painkiller (a BVI drink too):

Coconut Cream (1 oz)

Orange Juice (1 oz)

Pineapple Juice (4 oz)

Dark Rum (2 oz)

Grated Nutmeg, for garnish

Pineapple wedge (Optional, for presentation)

Volition, some Canadian loopers (Rhonda & Emonn) are suggesting to make this Rum, the Looper Rum! Get some today....Not to be confused with the black or white label of this same brand (Bambu). Enjoy!