DAY 5 - PIT STOP BACK AT ALEXANDRIA BAY NY

Woke up early and walked up to Pan Chancho’s in town to get their delicious sandwiches for the cruise home. That required walking through today’s Market in the Square - mostly antiques. They were just setting up.

Just loved seeing the "Duz" laundry detergent box

When I see beautiful linens like this, I think of friend Nancy Bookheimer

Kingston's Welcome Center

I went to the Bakery early  to avoid the long Sunday lines. A lemon/cinnamon bun and chocolate croissant called to me ,,, so in addition to having EGGS, Janet Dolan, I provided a couple of breakfast surprises. I did not get the olive/rosemary sourdough bread. That may mean nothing to you but, in my world, it is definitely worth a shoutout. Notice how I’m not thinking about it either. 

J Dock returning to boat

Breakfast on the Aft

We always enjoy Kingston, the kind Canadians and warm hospitality.By 11:00 we were off as Ted radioed Confederation Basin to advise them of our departure and express our appreciation for their hospitality.

Underway

While we were underway Brad and Sandy (Summer Sled) radioed that they lost steering. Brad said he would radio if he needed help. We could not reconnect so believe he reached his marina safely - sure we would have heard by now if not. I sense another boat story is in the offing. As with most ‘unexpected events’, they usually trigger many stories.

Passing Clayton NY

Private Stock turning off to T.I. Club Marina

Our cruise to Alex Bay was beautiful and uneventful – always good in the boating world - okay, in any world when you're traveling. After arrival and check-in to the U.S., Pam left Simple Pleasures for her boat (Kieran) at Wellesley East Marina.  Before she left, she said she cleaned her cabin and the 'head' and did this and did that. And then she said “I like people to think I’m invisible.” Well, if you know Pam, that just ain’t gonna happen! We enjoyed having her aboard – she ALWAYS adds fun to any event and ‘Pam stories’ are legendary.

Kate and Bill (Lady K) were leaving Kingston today to go on to Belleville, Ontario to meet friends. We enjoyed our time with them and seeing Bill & Donna, Chris & Kelly again.

When we returned, we saw a carriage on the dock. That just means ‘excitement’. Friends Amanda and Joe with newborn Thea Mae were on the river with grandparents Pat & Jen (September) and Kathy & Deacon (Kathy’s Sanity).  Everyone is so in love with our new ‘Dock Baby’. I keep asking Ted for one but evidently, he is NOT ‘on board’ with that idea – pun intended.  I was privileged to hold Thea, feed her, coo to her, cuddle her and burp her. When it came to changing her, turned her over to Grandma Jen.  Amanda is every bit the amazing Mom we all knew she would be.

Mom Amanda and Thea

Thea and Grandma Jen with Thea's Dad Joe over Jen's shoulder

Thea and me

Some dockmates with Ted - Lisa with Carter & Aidan, Colleen and Lynn
Carter caught an 18" bass today. Aidan can do 3 rubic cubes within 2 minutes. Grandson Cam had a wonderful time with them on his visit last month.

Our plan is to do a few ‘get-ready-for-the-trip’ things tomorrow around A-Bay with intent to leave Tuesday morning for the next leg. Heard there is to be a Blue Angels Fly-over scheduled around 10:30 tomorrow morning.

 I awoke sometime during the night to a rather shocking revelation.  Did I hear Ted tell the guys there will be 50 locks on this trip??? And a couple are commercial? Huge international ships go through those locks.  I’ve maneuvered locks before but never commercial – and never 50, especially in a 2 week span. Will there be any time to sit back and enjoy? Time to read? Time to eat? Time to go out to eat? Time to go to the bathroom? And why didn’t he tell me this before?  My mind is spinning. I can hear some of you already saying ‘Poor Ted’. But … think about it.  AAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!