June 18 Scotia Landing to Amsterdam Locks 8-10

June 18

Awoke to a cooler dreary looking morning with a forecast  for possible light showers in the morning but clearing and warming into the mid to upper 70’s – a veritable heat wave  for us lately.  We managed to depart the docks  at Scotia  without issue despite the  side current and headed up the Mohawk to lock 8.  

Smooth sailing on flat calm waters

The original Erie Canal from the early 1800’s was a completely man made  narrow and shallow cut that followed along the banks of the Mohawk River.   That canal allowed mules to pull the relatively small barges both up and down the canal without worrying about the rapids, shallows or high spring waters of the river.   It wasn’t until the big expansion of the canal in the early 1900’s that technology was available to dam the rivers  and fabricate the big locks that make the river navigable today.   Along  the current route you can still find remnants of the old  canals  such as an old stone wall or remains  of an aquaduct.

Remains of old aqueduct that carried canal across the Mohawk

Todays trip was relatively short.  Just 20 miles and 3 locks taking us to Amsterdam.   They have a great park on the waterfront with a nice dock and wall for overnight mooring.  Six looper boats here tonight.  The town has built pedestrian   walkways that take you from the park across the river to South Amsterdam as well as another pedestrian bridge taking you over the busy railroad tracks and Route 5 to Amsterdam proper.

Statue of mother nature in park

Reproduction of ancient Indian pictographs that were on a wall along the river in 1800's

 Interestingly,  we got another  exhibition tonight by the local water ski club who were practicing for a show they were doing in 2 weeks.  I guess  the locals  take advantage of any sunny day  they get this time of year but it sure looked cold to me.

Amsterdam was a very  industrialized city in the 1800’s.  Partially due to it’s location along the canal and ability to move manufactured goods both east and west.   But that industrialization was actually made possible by the water flowing through town in the Chuctanunda  Creek that was used to power  the hosiery, carpeting and paper mills along it’s route.

Todays locks each  only lifted us about 15’ but it seemed like entering them was a bit trickier as they were all next to dams that were discharging a good amount of water that created swirling water around the entrances.   Thankfully just 2 boats  going through the locks together today so quick and easy passage once we got in and secured. 

Entering lock 8  on the left side with a hellish side current from the right

Mohawk River flow is still significant creating a .5 knot current or more

  We did hit a little drizzly weather   during the trip  but my crew hung tight  to the wet and slippery lines to get us  safe passage. 

The afternoon  turned out quite delightful with sunshine and  those promised 70 degree temperatures.   We had a good walk over to South Amsterdam and another great Italian  dinner.   This is still NY after all and if you can’t get good Italian food here you’ll never find it!!

Amsterdam Castle B&B - former home to the New York Army National Guard Armory. 

Journey for June 18