Trip Summary Sandusky OH to Clayton NY 2023

Our first leg of this years journey took us from our home port of Sandusky Ohio thru the Western Erie Canal, Oswego Canal, Lake Ontario and the St Lawrence River to Clayton New York. We covered 455.5 NM in 82.8 hours averaging 5.5 knots. We used a total of 145 gallons of diesel averaging 1.75 GPH and 3.1 NMPG.   

Date	Departure/Arrival	Miles	Hours	Locks
05/31	Sandusky to Vermilion	18.4	4.0	0
06/01	Vermilion to Cleveland	32.0	5.2	0
6/2-6/3	Cleveland to Buffalo	152.4	21.2	0
06/05	Buffalo to Tonawanda	12.0	3.0	1
06/06	Tonawanda to Gasport	20.3	4.5	2
06/07	Gasport to Albion	17.8	4.0	0
06/08	Albion to Holley	8.2	2.0	0
06/09	Holley to Brockport	3.8	1.0	0
06/10	Brockport to Spencerport	6.3	1.5	0
06/11	Spencerport to Fairport	20.8	5.0	2
06/12	Fairport to Newark	16.6	4.1	2
06/13	Newark to Lyons	4.8	2.1	3
06/14	Lyons to Baldwinsville	41.1	7.1	2
06/16	Baldwinsville to Brewerton	18.3	4.3	2
06/17	Brewerton to Oswego	26.9	6.7	8
06/19	Oswego to Clayton	55.8	7.1	1
		455.5	82.8	23

Oswego to Clayton NY

Monday morning we were up and ready for Lock 8 to open at 7 to get out on Lake Ontario.  This was the first time we actually shared a lock with more than just one boat.  It was full.  Sorry, too busy to take a pic!

I was able to work while we went across the lake.  It was a bit bumpy at first but flattened out and the rest of the ride was perfect!  We made it to Clayton, NY.  Really beautiful place, quite and peaceful.  We ended up staying here until Thursday, waiting for a replacement light.  

A little backstory here.....in Buffalo we took down the mast and ended up busting our anchor light.  We ordered one right away, but of course it went to Florida.  Once in FL, our mail service packed it up with all our other mail and shipped it to Clayton.  We were expecting to have the package Wednesday, but it didn't come....oh well, if you need to stuck somewhere....this is the place to do it!

We decided to take advantage of the extra time and booked an island excursion that included a stop and tour of Heart Island & Boldt Castle.  The castle was built by millionaire George Boldt, who was famous for managing the Waldorf Astoria in NY.   In 1900 he purchased an island in Alexandria Bay and began to have a 120 room castle built to display his love for his wife, Louise.  What a coincidence!  

Unfortunately, Louise died from an illness in 1904.  George halted all the construction and he never stepped foot on the island again.  For 73 years the castle and island were left without care and was vandalized.  In 1977 the Thousand Island Bridge Authority acquired the property and has since spent 60 million dollars restoring the island and the castle.  

There are 6 floors in the castle, but only the first two floors have been totally restored.  We were able to see the other 4 floors, which showed the wear and vandalism.  

Front entrance

Dinning Room

Ballroom

Library

Bedrooms

 

Outbuildings including the boat house

Unfinished and unrestored rooms on the 3-6 floors. 

Wednesday was warm and sunny!  Summer has finally arrived!   We had a great day and topped it off with dinner at The Channelside Restaurant.  I had the lobster mac & cheese and Willy got a burger, both were delicious!  And the view was awesome.  

Back on the boat to watch the sunset. 

Tomorrow we hope to have our package so we can proceed to Kingston, Ontario!