The Hudson
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- Written by Dave Dave
- Category: Captain's Log Captain's Log
- Published: 15 August 2021 15 August 2021
- Hits: 233 233
At 4200 feet above sea level, Lake Tear of the Clouds, on the shoulders of Mt Marcy is the source of the Hudson River. From a small rivulet in the alpine regions of the Adirondacks, it flows through valleys, gorges, and wide bays to the sea. We joined the Hudson on its journey to the ocean at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers at Waterford, NY about two weeks ago. Since then we have made our way downstream with extended stops in Catskill, Kingston, and now Croton-on-Hudson. This is not the typical itinerary for a cruising boat trying to reach the ocean.
If you are following us on Spot you might have noticed our extended stays in Catskill and Croton. Old slow bodies kept us in a Catskill for an extra day or two. The mast was stepped and a new Mack Pack sail cover was installed. Our stay in Croton was not so pleasantly disposed. Recipes in gourmet magazines often omit a critical ingredient or two to keep you coming the restaurant. The omission of a critical piece of information is not unique to gourmet magazines.
NYC!
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- Written by Dave Dave
- Category: Captain's Log Captain's Log
- Published: 14 August 2021 14 August 2021
- Hits: 181 181
A quick post. We made it to New York City this afternoon. Another long day of motoring as, once again, no wind. A longer post on our trip down the Hudson is waiting for a final edit, would have done it this evening but the anchorage is too rolly, hard to type. It will be up soon.
Finally!
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- Written by Dave Dave
- Category: Captain's Log Captain's Log
- Published: 04 August 2021 04 August 2021
- Hits: 262 262
We finally cut the lines on Tuesday, July 27 after a 10 day wait for the Oswego Canal to open. I would like to regale you with tales of pleasant sailing, calm waters, and sundowners, all hallmarks of a great sailing vacation. If I was to do so, it would be a great story. However, let me disabuse you of any thought about our journey being a fun filled vacation trip. Our days have been long and challenging and still full filling. Cruising is work, work that we find ourselves (mostly) enjoying. In spite of early bedtimes and tired muscles we have no second thoughts. 
Today (August 4) we are lying in Catskill, NY at Riverview Marina. We stepped the mast the mast yesterday and spent the rest of the day tuning the rig and preparing to install our new Mack Pack sail cover which arrived today. Riverview is a great marina. The staff is top notch and friendly. We’ll be leaving in a day or two and look forward to seeing them again on our return trip.
Hurry Up and Wait!
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- Written by Dave Dave
- Category: Captain's Log Captain's Log
- Published: 20 July 2021 20 July 2021
- Hits: 320 320
The popular adage “We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails” seems to capture the essence of sailing, harnessing the wind to set our course. Certainly wind is a central concern for sailors it can be fickle, soft and gentle, boisterous, raging, and all together absent at times. The sailor’s relationship to wind is simple, understand its mood and harness its energy. Wind is the sailor’s partner.
Wind alone is not sufficient for sailing, a sailboat needs water. If the wind is a mostly willing partner, water is a petulant child. Even in the lightest breezes, wind can be cajoled and nursed into cooperation. Water fights the sailor every inch of the way.
Two Weeks?
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- Written by Dave Dave
- Category: Captain's Log Captain's Log
- Published: 15 July 2021 15 July 2021
- Hits: 324 324
These are the evenings of which sailors dream. Reclining in the cockpit, warm breezes blending aromas of land and sea with soft tropical themed music in the background. This is tonight’s experience, if only Second Star was unbound from her Upstate NY berth lying at anchor in the tropics.
While the Gremlins have retreated and projects are moving along more or less on schedule, our departure is yet again on hold. We had hoped to leave this weekend, only a few days after our projected July 5 departure. But that will not be.
Gremlins!
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- Written by Dave Dave
- Category: Captain's Log Captain's Log
- Published: 06 July 2021 06 July 2021
- Hits: 312 312
Today is July 6, 2021. On this date in 2014 Susan and I woke up in Gasport, NY, our first stop on the Erie Canal as we brought Second Star to her new home in Oswego, NY.
Seven years later we expected to wake up on Erie Canal on our way home to Fair Haven, NY from our Plan A trip.
Two weeks ago, we expected to wake up somewhere on the Oswego or Erie Canal on this date, having set off on our Plan B trip.
Plan A, out the St. Lawrence and then turn right was a victim of Covid and border closings. A year later, with the border still closed, Plan B emerged, down the Erie and then turn right. So, why are we still tied to the dock? Gremlins, gremlins in cahoots with marine suppliers. That’s my story.
Try as we might to avoid them and thwart them, the Gremlins persist in frivolous folly placing obstacles in our course. Follies sometimes small but annoying such as hiding a needed tool or part. Sometimes more serious, causing us to chase elusive fuel leaks. We could do without their antics.
Our plan today, Plan B.1, has us departing next week, weather (and Gremlins) permitting.