Day 242 - June 24, 2013: A reading day on Great Laker

Today, Anne posted the following on her Facebook page to commemorate our 15th day on the Erie Canal:

"I've a boat, her name's not Sal
Fifteen days on the Erie Canal
I've met some good old workers with my good old pal
But we're ready to be gone from the Erie Canal."

And she expressed her apologies to Thomas S. Allen who wrote the original in 1905!

This morning, I stopped at the hardware store for some cleaners for the hull on my way to return the rental car. We will miss the mobility of the last three days.

Muriatic acid in highly diluted form is effective in removing wood tannins present in rivers that leave a mustache-shaped stain on the bow and scum that collects along the boot stripe. Acetone can be used as a cleaner that is effective in removing the small rubber burns on the hull left from dock fenders. I finished touching up the starboard side which is facing the dock and will do the port side next time it is facing the dock.

The day was hot, humid and rainy, and not good news for the dam workers' progress. We shut the doors, turned on the air conditioning and read most of the day. Anne also spent time in her office communicating with family and friends and handling some business.

Anne in her office

Everyone is curious about how we are doing. There is some good news that the two locks above lock 11 should be open by Wednesday. That leaves locks 9 and 10 still under repair. Each day we look forward to news of when we can depart.