04-23-2015

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Weather today
High – 57
Low – 36

This morning started out pretty cold but no frost like we had at Huntington Reservoir a couple of weeks ago. (It seems weird we have been on this journey long enough to say a couple of weeks ago. The time is going fast – next Friday is May 1 already!) I heard some snow fell back home. This is one a the few times you will hear me say this, “I’m glad we didn’t get any snow.”

After eating a breakfast casserole and packing up the boats, we climbed the hill to Perrysville. Perrysville appeared to be a bustling town at one time, but like so many towns in this area, they thrived while the Erie Canal was prospering, but with the abandonment of the canal in 1865 the town has become almost a ghost town. The store fronts look like they are a set for an old western movie. While in Perrysville, we visited one of the few businesses, and something almost every town has – no matter the size – a convenience store/gas station. There we filled our dromedary and freshened up. Unfortunately, John forgot to get rid of the trash. Three “must dos” in civilization – fill water, empty trash, use the restroom. (not necessarily in that order)

As we were paddling toward Perrysville yesterday, John noticed the water tower didn’t have its name on the side toward the water. Today, John specifically looked to see if the water tower had the town’s name on the highway side – it did. The view from the water isn’t considered. The place I notice the importance of the water view is the bridges. The view of a bridge from the road usually has a sign with the name of the river you are passing over. However, the view from the water doesn’t tell you what road you are passing under.

Once we were refreshed and our water filled, we hiked back to the boats and launched for a 25-mile paddle. The weather and water were perfect! The temperature was in the upper 50’s with a slight wind to our backs. Our day was uneventful – boring is good!

We were excited to see nine eagles and eight nests. Many eagles were in their nests. In addition to the eagles, we saw a Great Horned Owl.

We reached Montezuma at about 3:30. I was so excited when I walked to the top of the boat ramp and saw a restroom. I walked with a spring in my step only to find they are working on them and they are closed. This is the third town that had restrooms close to the boat ramp which were not open. I walked with a heavy heart back to the boats.

We then walked to see what the town had to offer – specifically if there was laundromat. No luck! We stopped at the library/culture center and talked with Crystal (Cris) to inquire about the amenities of the town. Not much – it is another abandoned canal town.

Back to set up the tent and eat a dinner of tuna Parmesan chowder (check out dinner recipe page) and vanilla pudding with trail cake. (Check out dessert recipe page) Yum! Then to bed and plan for tomorrow. The temperature is dropping as I write – low 31. Brrrrr……