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Looking toward Lake Oneida -
Smooth sailing so far |
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| Inside the breakwater at Sylvan Beach |
We left Ess-Kay Yards around 7:00AM. The temperature was in the low 50’s and the winds were around 6 Knots; not a bad start to crossing Lake Oneida. We were three-quarters of the way across when the wind started picking up. The waves got worse, of course, as the distance of the fetch increased. The waves were breaking over the nearly submerged breakwater when we reached Sylvan Beach. We guessed it was a 10 knot wind with higher gusts. But, as soon as we entered the protection of the trees on either side of the canal, it was still. We had smooth sailing all the way to Ilion. We transited the last locks up hill - Locks E-22 and E-21 (both about 25 foot lifts). Lock E-21 is the highest point on the Erie Canal, but you can’t tell. It looks like any other lock with trees on either side. We went through two more locks (E-20 and E19 - 16 & 21 foot lifts down) to get to Ilion. Ilion Marina is a reclaimed tug and barge mooring location in what was a turning basin. It is now an RV campground and marina owned by the city. Boats tie up to the concrete lock wall that retain their blue and yellow colors of the New York State Canal System. Cleats have been added to complement the snubbing posts for tying up
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| Subbing Post |
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| Repurposed tug & barge wall |
boats, and dock pedestals for power and water have been added too. The Village of Ilion’s claim to fame is it is the home of Remington Arms; America’s oldest gun manufacturer. Again, shortly after docking the skies opened up. There was enough break in the rain for us to walk to an Italian Restaurant, Sorrento, recommended by the dockhand and the menu indicated they offered gluten-free options. We had a wonderful meal with each of us bringing back leftovers. We returned to Splash Down soon listening to the rain and more rain. Tomorrow has a 30% chance of rain so it should be a good day to travel to St. Johnsville Marina.
