We left Utica early as it would be medium long day in order to reach Brewerton’s Ess Kay Yards and still have some day left to scope out the area. This is one of the places Captain Mark wants to consider for winter storage.
We will have three locks today before we enter the open waters of Lake Oneida. The Canal pace is leisurely and relaxing and then all of a sudden we round a bend and there are all sorts of boats, homes and activity which means that Lake Oneida lies immediately before us. For the first time since leaving the Atlantic, Captain Mark is able to crank up the Lolligag to a galloping tug speed of about 10k (11.5 mph) on the wide expanse of Lake Oneida. We smiled and laughed as we commented about how impressed Mare Soleil Captain Bob would be if he were only here to witness the Lolligag not lolligagging across Lake Oneida. 
We were warmly greeted by Kim, the owner of Ess Kay Yard and then were delighted to see our friends David and Lenore of Mr G. They welcomed us and caught our lines as we took our place in the well next to Mr G. We went to dinner with David and Lenore and had a wonderful time chatting about family, boating plans and life in general – once again reaffirming that boating friends always have lots in common. 
Ess Kay has a courtesy vehicle which was wonderful as Laptop Kurt and I needed to visit the Geek Squad for some serious R&R ASAP. We also needed to receive some packages, so we decided to spend a week in Brewerton. This gave Captain Mark ample time to look over the marina and chat with Kim about winter storage. Mark liked what he saw and it is our hope that Kim will be able to accommodate us this winter. We much prefer indoor storage, especially when one considers the amount of snowfall this area receives each year. Neither of us is comfortable in thinking of the Lolligag being outside covered with six feet of snow…
We took the dinghy up and down the Canal several times to explore some of the little coves and inlets. We also saw two of our Nordic siblings: Valentine from California and Pennywise from this area as she came and went several times. This now makes three Nordics that we have seen while on the Erie Canal which is the most that we have seen in one locale since leaving of the rendezvous in Virginia. These, combined with the five other Nordics that we have seen since leaving Chicago that brings our total of Nordic sightings to eight.
After a restful and rejuvenating week for us and a total make-over for Laptop Kurt complete with a new hard drive and operating system, we were all ready to head out and go westward.
Baldwinsville
Just two locks and less than twenty miles west of Brewerton is the charming town of Baldwinsville. Again we have free dockage at the city dock on the west side of Lock 24. We had all sorts of fun trying to scare each other with stories about the creatures that we just knew were living in cemetery adjacent to the city dock.
This is a popular town for visiting and has several nice restaurants and a great diner which we found well worth the walk. Unfortunately, we arrived several days too late for the final concert of the season but it is obvious that this definitely is a great venue for entertainment on the water.
There is a visitor’s center located conveniently to the docking wall that is staffed by cheerful and informative volunteers. While there is no charge to stay on the lock wall/city dock, there is a $5 per day electricity fee. Currently there is no pump out facility or fresh water, but it is hoped that the funds for these items will be in the town’s future budget. Nonetheless, Baldwinsville was great place to stop and visit. I am sure that we stop here again when we travel back east on the Canal.
Utica to Brewerton
Hours on the water: 6.75
Nautical miles traveled: 43.8
Number of bridges to be opened: 0
Number of locks: 3
Next Destination: Baldwinsville, NY
What we are listening to: Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling
Lessons for the day: We loved staying at Ess Kay Yards & Thank Goodness that Laptop Kurt has been given a second life
Obligatory knitting report: Navy Blue Sweater for WK Madeline
Brewerton to Baldwinsville
Hours on the water: 3.75
Nautical miles traveled: 18.9
Number of bridges to be opened: 0
Number of locks: 2
Next Destination: Seneca Falls, NY
What we are listening to: Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling
Lesson for the day: It was great to be on the move again
Obligatory knitting report: Navy Blue Sweater for WK Madeline
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