Day 64 Beginning the Erie Canal

Really wanted to get an early start for the Federal Lock to start the Erie Canal, but the temptation of the Troy Saturday Morning Market was too much. So wandered back into town for some NY breakfast bagels with our new friend, John, and browzed the market. Bought some local blackberry honey and yellow plums. Delicious. Then hit a hardware store for a couple things including velcro for the bottom of the screen doors to foil Jack's attempts to escape to land. The little Houdini has learned how to unsnap and unzip the doors. Sigh. Forced ourselves to leave around 10am and successfully navigated the first lock. Stopped at the second lock to purchase our boating pass and gather information - by this time it was around 1pm. Where did the day go?! The lock master talked us into staying today and getting an early start tomorrow. Walked to the store for kitty litter and other necessities then did much needed laundry. There's free or cheap dockage at the locks, so this stop only cost us our time. Met some more nice travelers who we will probably be going through the lock with us tomorrow morning at 8:15. The pictures are views from our boat of the lock and wall dockage. While I was up on the bridge taking pictures, guess who snuck out the opposite door, walked across the bow and jumped on land. Velcro's working great. Another sigh.