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July 8, 2013 Day 47  Lake Champlain

Westport Marina
Westport, NY

We got an earlier start today, leaving the town wall at 7:15, passed under the final low bridge successfully, and immediately went to our final lock on the canal, Lock 12.   We enjoyed the serenity of the lower part of Lake Champlain which is very narrow and in a rural setting. The Green Mountains of Vermont were on our right to the east, and the Adirondacks of New York were on our left to the west.  We were delighted to see several bald eagles and a few osprey nests. 

Following Irish Attitude, Journey,
and Harmony up Lake Champlain

Fort Ticonderoga

We passed Fort Ticonderoga which was built during the French and Indian War and used in the Revolutionary War.

The day was very overcast and eventually gave way to a little rain, although we missed most of it. Nevertheless, Bill tried driving from the lower helm for a while, partly to test it.  He did not like the limited visibility, so he went back up with his parka on to continue at the upper helm.

We arrived at Westport Marina at 1:05 and the rain had stopped.  We were put on their floating docks with Irish Attitude, Journey, and Harmony.  The marina’s fixed docks were submerged under water and only the top of the electric power posts were visible.  We were told that the water level of Lake Champlain is at 99% capacity!

Beautiful view of Lake Champlain
from the park in Westport

After we got checked in, all four guys spent much of the afternoon putting our canvas, isinglass and radar arch back on our boat.  Bill could not  have done this without them and we are so grateful for their help.  While they were hard at work, Joyce, Janet, Margi and Gay took a short, but uphill walk into the little “downtown” area.  We stopped at their nice Heritage Museum, and went into a couple of small shops.  We enjoyed the view from Main street which overlooks the lake!  When we returned to the marina, we sat on Margi’s boat and visited while the guys were still hard at work.  

Waterfall in Westport

We all went to the Galley Restaurant for dinner. It is attached to the marina and was as far as anyone wanted to walk after our busy day.  The food was very good and going there was a good choice.

We will go to Burlington, VT tomorrow and spend two or three days.