JULY 16, 2007...Plattsburgh, NY

The data link is very slow so we won't post any pictures today. This will be our last update untill we find a wifi link in Canada that will work with our system. We have trouble getting the internet link up once we have the wifi link. Also we will not be getting emails on a regular basis, so if you need us call 419-722-9218, Craig's cellphone.
We returned the car early Monday and left Burlington at around 9:30 for the short 20 mile run to Plattsburgh. On the way we cruise around Valcour Island, which was about 5 miles south of Plattsburgh. The island is 2 miles by 1 mile in size and has about 7 miles of hicking trails. It does have an abandoned light house and ML got a picture of it. The island is a popular anchorage area and has 6 or 7 well protected coves which were filled with boats. Many of the boats were rafted off each indicating "party time"was under way.
We then proceeded on to Plattsburgh Boat Basin where we had to check in at the fuel dock before we could get a slip assignment. The dock is really low to the water and with the wind and sail boats anchored in the harbor, ML had to be on her toes. She did a great job. Once we were signed in, we were assigned a slip on the wall right in front of the restuarant at the end of a number of docks. Nice calm spot, but tricky to get into!
The walk uptown was kind of a waste of time...there is nothing there except for a few monuments. They are trying to redevelop an area close to the river, but have a long way to go. Now it mostly store front offices and restuarants, no shops. We did find a place to get ice cream, so all was not lost.
For dinner we ate at the Naked Turtle, the restuarant next to the boat. It seems to be the only game in town and was very busy. This was our first Mexican food since we left Florida...pretty good for this far north.
Tomorrow we cross into Canada and will have 10 locks to do on Wednesday, but the only ones between here and Montreal. After that we will have extra hands on board to help us. The locks are fairly small and old. However, according to Skipper Bob boooks they give you a lot of help. We will have to buy a locking pass for $400 that will cover most of the locks while in Canada. The fuel is also getting expensive, $4.00 a gallon in NY and even more in Canada.
Again, we hope to update as we go along, but we don't know how much or when.