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Waiting for the Locks to Open

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 Arrived September 10 at Hammond Marina, Waited until October for the Locks to Re-Open       Hammond Marina, Indiana      Hammond Marina, Indiana   Hammond Marina - Also characterized as a giant parking lot! We knew we'd be here at least 3 weeks and used the time to take care of a few more boat projects. Keith had ordered the necessary parts so we could finally flush the water tank (multiple times). We hadn't been using water out of the tank because it smelled! We always used a water filter to fill our water bottles with water from the marina, even to wash dishes. And always used the shower facilities at the marinas. Nice to be able to use the water tank to at least wash dishes! Keith has also unclogged the drain from the air-conditioner, replaced the solenoid valve for the windshield wiper (a particularly difficult leak to chase down - had probably been leaking since day 1 of the boat), and unclogged the vent hose for the holding tank (another item that has improved the smell
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Lake MIchigan

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We crossed the border from the North Channel of Lake Huron, Canada into Michigan, on July 18. Then we headed to Mackinac Island. Crossing the Border Crossing the Border by boat requires using the CBP ROAM mobile application. "Download the CBP ROAM app and create an account on login.gov. Fill out the traveler and vessel information in the app. Once in the US waters, report your arrival through the app. A CBP Officer will review your submission and may initiate a video interview if necessary." We found this process very frustrating. It required entering and submitting our information multiple times, only to have the CBP officer deny the request because the video link was not working to initiate the video interview. After repeating this effort several times, we were able to reach a CBP officer by phone. In the meantime, we are hanging out in the channel trying to dodge other boaters, stay off of shoals, etc. After multiple phone calls and a lengthy phone interview, we were fin
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Canada

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After leaving Winter Harbor (NY) Marina, June 13, and traveling through 8 locks, we reached Lake Ontario at the end of the Oswego Canal. That's the most locks we've traveled through in a day. It takes an average of 30 minutes to get through each lock. We normally boat 4 - 5 hours a day, but this was a 7 hour trip, and we covered 28 nautical miles! We've completed Troy lock on the Hudson River, 23 locks on the Erie Canal, and 7 locks on the Oswego Canal. Over thirty locks.  The next project was to cross Lake Ontario. The weather wasn't good, but neither was the forecast for the next several days. Not much to Oswego but waiting for suitable weather to cross. The next morning, winds didn't look too bad, and it was only drizzly rain so we decided to go ahead and cross. The wind was on the beam which made the crossing rough with waves over three feet rocking the boat for the several-hour crossing. Everything in the cabin that wasn't attached ended up on the floor. N
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Hudson River to Erie Canal

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Hudson River The scenery changed once we left Liberty Landing Marina and headed up the Hudson River. Highlights for us along the Hudson River were passing West Point Military Academy and visiting the CIA (Culinary Institute of America). We stopped at a small marina below the CIA and hiked up to take a look at the campus. We were even able to get lunch reservations at one of the three restaurants on campus. We heard all three of the restaurants that were part of the CIA are great: French,  Italian and American. We were able to get reservations at the French restaurant.  I had the salmon Keith had the Cornish game hen   We were told French food is all about the sauces. The only French food I am familiar with is French pastry, so we didn't know what to expect, but both meals were very tasty. Next best thing to actually traveling there! Erie Canal Then our time on the Hudson River was over.  Turning west, we started on the Erie Canal after Troy Lock, and traveled the first "flight
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