The Lois McClure crew left Waterford with thunderstorm forecasts looming overhead. The crew’s eyes were on the sky as we moved from Waterford to Schenectady, then from Schenectady to Amsterdam. Luckily for us the thunderstorms never came. We got to Amsterdam under clear skies. While underway the crew got a first hand look at the Erie Canal’s transformation from a commercial waterway to a recreational waterway. As we travelled along we encountered kayaks, fishing boats, row boats, water skiers, and more. The Lois McClure was the largest boat on the canal, where 100 years ago it would have been considered small and not gotten a second glance. It’s wonderful to see people taking pictures of the boat at locks and as we travel along as a moving piece of history. We have encountered plenty of enthusiasm for canal history already, and our tour down the Erie Canal is just beginning!
We docked in Amsterdam the night before our tours the following day. The forecasted rain finally hit us that night and into the next day while we were open for tours. We still had a great turnout on the rainy day! After closing for the day we packed up our gangway and made way above lock 11 to get a jump on the following morning, and to get a great Italian meal at a crew favorite, Russo’s. Our stop in Amsterdam was outstanding thanks to support from the community. We’d like to acknowledge and thank Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Director of Tourism for the Fulton/Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce and Danielle Whelly, Assistant Recreation Director for the City of Amsterdam. Danielle organized a crew to receive our gift of a white oak tree to be planted in Amsterdam. Many thanks to Dan Nelli at Riverlink Park for great food and hospitality.
Have you guys seen the Nina and Pinta during your time on the Erie? Its amazing you’re all there and going in the same direction at about the same time! Twitter @ColumbusShips or http://TheNina.com/
We’re in Sylvan Beach and will look for you and them passing through soon! Would be great if you guys cruised together, at least to Three Rivers. All that history… amazing…