We said goodbye to Waterford this morning at 0900. The Canadian Navy was headed towards Castleton on Hudson some 20 miles away. Lock #1 at Troy was the last lock we had to do and was about 3 miles outside of Waterford. However it is not really considered an Erie lock, it is a "federal" lock but is still listed as Lock #1. We locked through at 0930. The Hudson was not at all as I thought it would be. I was expecting lots of traffic and more current. Maybe that was a good thing, easing us into things gradually!

The three boats arrived in Castleton just after 1200, about 16 miles down the Hudson from Troy.

  

We checked in, paid for stepping the masts and mooring balls. Then we set to work. Rob and Serena were ready to step their mast first, we were second with Gilbert and Diana a close third. OMG was it stinking hot! The little bit of cloud we had first thing in the morning had burned off. The sun was blazing down on us. There was no breeze. We were like roasting! The inside temperature of the boat showed 30.9C. The good thing was, we had no breeze so it was relatively calm, except when the tugboats pushing the barges or the ships went by, then we had substantial waves at the floating docks. I must admit the ships seemed to take pity on the sailboats stepping their masts because it seemed like they did slow down while passing the marina.



The Canadian Navy.

Jorge preparing for stepping the mast.

Boats on mooring balls in the background.

 

We finished stepping the third mast around 1830. We were way overdue for something cold to drink other than water. The six of us headed to the clubhouse and ordered some cold beers. Boy did they taste great. We were feeling really relaxed by this point and decided to order pizza. The fellow behind the bar gave us his opinion, offered us a phone and we ordered. Pizza was delivered about half an hour later. It was now getting dark. Rob and Serena had gone to pick up a mooring ball while waiting for the pizza to arrive. Gilbert and Diana, Jorge and I continued to drink beer and wait for the pizza. Needless to say, it was pitch dark when we left the docks to head for our mooring balls. Without too much problem we did find them, tied up successfully and settled down for a well deserved sleep. It had been a full day getting the three masts stepped. Tomorrow the sails go on and the sailing will begin!