WE HITCHED A RIDE DOWN THE ERIE CANAL ON THE SS-ILANGA...

The Captain and crew aboard the SS-Ilanga was ready to leave Brockport this morning and we went along for the ride to the next town...Spencerport.  Daniela, Ariana and I arrived around 9:15, just as Harald was preparing for the departure.

 We left around 9:30 and headed East.  A couple of other boats pulled out at the same time, as we all had to wait for the bridge to be raised (and it was easier to do it once).

 The power boats were big and created fairly large wakes.  We cruised at 5 knots and barely left a path.

 Not too much humidity but very bright and warm (especially when we were not moving).

 Once we went under the first bridge, we were able to go over half of the distance without having to wait for the bridge tender to lift one.  In many places, they work more than one bridge and need to bike or drive between the two (frequently you have to wait awhile).

 Harald let two boats pass us, as they were going faster.

 I prefer the slower pace.

 Behind this tree, I heard someone calling my name!  It was Roger, out for his morning bike ride.

 His timing was perfect.

 It was so peaceful....and a great opportunity to learn more about our new friends.

 When we got to Adam's Basin we had to wait for about 15 minutes to have the bridge raised.

 

There was Tina (Roger's wife...you know her).

 

 She was taking pictures of us while we took pictures of her.

Here we are from her perspective!

 That would be me waving to her.

 

(4 photos above by Tina)

 We were passed by a big inboard going West.

 Harald asked Daniela if she wanted to take the wheel.  But of course!!!!

 Then it was Ariana's turn.  She was a natural...Harald did not have to touch the wheel as she took us over a mile and a half.

 As we pulled into Spencerport, a flock of geese greeted us.

 Harald docked the boat and we got off.  Called Gary to let him know it was time to come and get us.

 Harald made his request to have the bridge raised and they had to wait another 20 minutes.

 We waited in the shade of the Gazebo.

 Gary arrived before the bridge went up, so they got to say there good byes.

Who would guess that you could meet people from all over the world when you live in a little town like Brockport.  Bon Voyage friends! Please keep in touch.