48. Unstepping the mast

The weather continued to be cold and it rained every day but not all day, just enough for it to feel damp all the time and for our arthritis to act up. We stayed in a scenic well-protected anchorage up the Esopus Creek at Saugerties. The little town made a pretty picture as the morning mist rolled away and gave way to scattered showers. Where Esopus Creek enters the Hudson, an unusual island lighthouse is connected to the mainland with a small wooden bridge. On we went up the Hudson, up Catskill Creek to Riverview Marine Services Marina where we unstepped the mast, luckily just before the skies opened up again. This time it was a heavy downpour. Rain, rain, we were sick of rain! The unstepping went very smoothly as Roman had everything well prepared and the crew were very experienced.

Back on the docks, just a few finishing touches

We continued up the Hudson and through the Federal Lock at Troy to Waterford which marks the start of the Erie Canal. In the picture below you can see the Visitor Welcome Centre on the right and the locks in the background. I wonder how many beers Roman had when he snapped this picture?
We spent several days at Waterford provisioning, socializing and relaxing in the rain! It would clear up for several hours and then it would rain again. We did a lot of walking in the rain. The best part of Waterford was that they provided electricity with their free docks and we actually dug out the old electric heater Roman had brought along. We could never use it when we did not have power but now it took the damp chill out of the nights. My phone was delivered to Waterford as were the parts for the alternator. Roman thinks he’s got it all figured out now and hopefully the batteries will charge when we take off.