America's Great Loop on Emilie B

We have now gone through 12 locks and will be in fresh water until we pass through our last lock into the Gulf of Mexico sometime in the fall. We think this is probably the first time Emilie B has been in fresh water. No longer a need to check tide charts, something we have done in all our previous boating experiences. We have been traveling with another boat "Voyager". They have completed about 4500 miles of The Loop in various stages and will cross their wake in Kentucky this fall.  We'll continue traveling with them to Montreal where they may choose to stay for a couple of extra days, but I'm sure we'll catch up with them again. Troy Federal Lock - first one for us! Ahead is Voyager, anything possible has been lowered for the bridges ahead Up close with the lock wall - ready to go up Exiting the Troy Federal Lock - 1 down, over 100 more to do on The Loop Decision point This way to the Erie Canal Our path - north to through the Champlain Canal Extremely importan...

We've had beautiful summer weather traveling north on the Hudson River. We've stayed at very welcoming marinas, met another American Tug, saw family and enjoyed our first Looper Docktails. We are currently in Troy, NY - hanging out enjoying "Wake Up Wednesday" - live music right outside our door. Tomorrow we will be transiting our first locks with a couple of other boats who are also headed north to Lake Champlain. So many sights along the Hudson and it seems like Kyra is really becoming a boat cat! A fellow looper going by captured us as we were picking up a mooring next to the GW Bridge - we feel very small! Capt. Linda - a rare sighting Beautiful bridge structures Kyra observing the wildlife at Half Moon Bay marina Lunch with Taylor (nephew) Beautiful end to another great day! Passing by West Point Bannerman Castle - iconic Hudson River sight Happened upon live music (Kristina Koller) with dinner at The Falcon in Marlboro, NY Facebook post by the marina we stayed a...

Choppy ride as we left Sea Cliff, excited and a little anxious as we anticipate the NYC boat traffic and currents. We have transited the East River with friends on their sailboat a few years ago so it is not all totally new. It is a beautiful day! First view of the NYC skyline "Execution Rocks" lighthouse, very spooky history Steppingstone - last one before the East River Throgs Neck Bridge - 1st of many bridges today Different view of La Guardia With blue lights flashing! Hell Gate - in the best of conditions, the currents are still impressive The UN Hunters Park Neighborhood Empire State Building Our first glimpse Brooklyn Bridge Joining The Loop! We'll "cross our wake" here next year. A perfect day for a trip around Manhattan! Linda's grandmother came through here from Sweden on September 30, 1919 Views of the High Line from a whole different perspective Last bridge of the day - we'll be staying the night just on the other side. Peaceful night - looki...