Day 19 Friday 6-25 Relaxing Trip to Fairport

As we are preparing  the boat to leave two men ask if we are going under the lift bridge.  We tell them yes and they run down about a city block underneath the bridge and as close to the waters edge as they dare. I am happy that we can somehow be a part of an experience they have never had.

I reflect on how lucky we are as I spot a man looking out his lower level office with it's 10 X 10 square shape, standard fluorescent lighting, and all white walls. It reminds me of a young man that we ran into before we left on this adventure. We were at TBM splashing the boat and during a brief chat with one of the workers, we learn that he carries a brochure of the Trent-Severn Waterway in his pocket and has promised himself a trip there as soon as he has the means and a boat to do it.

 I am intrigued by someone so young, without a boat, planning our very same trip. He shows us the brochure and I get a peek at what's to come for me and I hope for him too. As we move under the bridge,  I think to myself, I hope he, the guy in the office, and the two guys waving from the shore are able to make their dreams happen rather than just dreaming about them.

After talking to my sister on Skype, I start to think of things I miss at home. Of course the family and friends come up first and shortly after, it's ......a solid  flushing toilet, consistent warm water pressure in the shower, and high speed Internet. These thoughts shall too pass.

S-SW of Rochester NY  at The Genessee River Crossing we are coming up to lock 33 which will take us gently down another 25' for a total of 75' to date. Within the half hour it will be 100' to date.

The shoreline turns more residential as we near Fairport. I look forward to the small town that lies ahead. The pictures I have seen show it as a family friendly small town welcoming us transient boaters.

After our arrival in Fairport I meet our boat neighbors and The Dock Master.   I  feed the carp just like I did as a kid at Cedar Point in Sandusky OH. I share some crackers with a young boy and his Mom.  We all have fun feeding feeding these big fat ugly fish and watch them fight with the ducks for people food.

We have "Ronnie Burgers" for dinner,( kind of a mini meatloaf in the shape of a burger), along with  salad and some sweet corn that is not ready for human consumption. Oh well, that will come soon enough. Nothing like Midwest sweetcorn. mmmmm

Early night for Patti  after walking to the ice cream Lickety Splitz,  while Ron went visiting with the neighbors.