Season Four Begins

The most important factor in making this “Loop Trip” for us was that we allow ourselves the time and money to truly see the areas in which we travel. First the trip was going to take two years and then we both fell in love with the Chesapeake. We certainly did not want to hurry through the Chesapeake Bay area and so we decided to stay there a year. We probably could have and more likely should have completed the “loop” last year but I have to admit, right up front, that I whined until Captain Mark agreed that we could “stay out” one more year. SO…that means that this summer will find us returning to Chicago or Traverse City, Michigan to cross our wake to complete our circle of travel.


As we travel farther north in the hemisphere, the boat season becomes shorter which meant we did not head back to upstate New York until the middle of June. Over the winter the Lolligag was snug as a bug in a rug inside Ess Kay Yards in Brewertown at the junction of the Erie Canal and Lake Oneida. Upon our arrival we found the Lolligag ready for adventure as we prepared to head west on our journey back to Chicago.



Our friends, David and Lenore aboard Mr G greeted us warmly as did the gracious family staff at Ess Kay. We spent several days provisioning and cleaning the interior of the Lolligag as well as making sure that, First Mate Dottie, was acclimated and comfortable aboard her summer home.

Our departure was delayed for several days due to extremely high winds on the western New York area waters. While this is not a factor on the NY Canal System since the water way is relatively narrow, it is a major factor when planning to cross Lake Ontario, so we just stayed put for a few days longer at Ess Kay. Thursday morning, July 1st found the “seas favorable” and it was off we go from Brewertown to Phoenix, NY for our first days travel in season four of our adventures.



It was fun and exciting to be underway again and I think we both amazed ourselves in that our boating skills returned to us quickly after a long period of non-use. At first, Dottie was not too sure what was happening but she also quickly adjusted to her role as First Mate.


We came to the junction where we had our choice of the Erie Canal or the Oswego Canal and this year our route takes us in a different direction upon the Oswego Canal. For our first day out, the day was short and sweet with only one lock and peaceful scenery. We docked at the City Dock of Phoenix, New York and were greeted by the Bridge House Brats.



Hours on the water: 2
Nautical miles traveled: 10
Number of bridges to be opened: 0
Time spent waiting at bridge: 0
Number of locks: 1
Next Destination: Oswego, NY
What we are listening to: Just the sounds of nature
Lesson for the day: It is great to be back on the water
Obligatory knitting report: Navy top down cardigan for me