OSWEGO across LAKE ONTARIO to CAPE VINCENT

We pushed off the OSWEGO wall Tuesday morning at 8 am and passed thorough our last lock on the OSWEGO canal. It's a bitter sweet departure this morning, as we like OSWEGO and met some wonderful fellow Loopers. Happily, a weather window opened, so we are crossing LAKE ONTARIO (where we learned  last year can be very treacherous.)

Our plan was to travel across the Lake and up the St. Lawrence River to Clayton, a long 65 mile day. About a third of the way across the Lake we started to hear reports of a squall line, with hail and severe wind headed our way. We promptly checked our weather maps and changed plans. Powering Thistle up to 2750 rpms or about 11 knots (to out race the approaching weather) we headied to the nearest marina in CAPE VINCENT, NY. Battening down the hatches the moment we docked .... Whew, we just made it :) 

FYI: We usually cruise 8 knots at 2000 rpms, and at WOT (wide open throttle) of 3300 rpms we can hit 13 knots. At 2000 rpms we use 2 gallons of diesel an hour. At WOT we probably burn 10 times that amount.

The town of CAPE VINCENT is unique because it is the only town in the United States where you can enjoy both LAKE ONTARIO and the St. Lawerence River at the same time. 

We walked around the small picturest town (year round population 2,500 and summer population 10,000 +). When the rain stopped we moved from the Town Dock to the CAPE VINCENT Fisheries Station Dock, where there are clean warm showers ( priceless and free). It was a very bouncy rough night, with wind waves and wake from the "Lakers".  After an almost sleepless night (not complaining just part of our environment) we pushed off the dock at daybreak (5:30 am)...... To be continued when we decide where to dock today :) 

Looper Tip: Check and recheck your weather when crossing LAKE ONTARIO, the Weather changes quickly!

Our course across LAKE ONTARIO.

Canal Pass for New York.

Clearing Lock 8 on the OSWEGO Canal and entering LAKE ONTARIO.

Crossing  LAKE ONTARIO, passing Galloo Island (one of the largest private islands in the United States) with a smiles.

Out racing the approaching storm line on LAKE ONTARIO.

Happy to see the CAPE VINCENT'S Tibbets Point Lighthouse.

The beautiful homes on the St. Lawerence River in CAPE VINCENT.  

"Lakers" (ships traveling the St. Lawerence River and Great Lakes) ... New word for us !!! Not the Basketball Team :)

Nice sunset on the CAPE VINCENT, Fisheries Sation Dock.