After clearing the Federal Lock in Troy on the Hudson River, we had a wonderful journey. Passing beautiful state buildings in Albany, huge tugboats and barges, we finally arrived at Donovan's Shady Harbor Marina about 24 miles from Waterford.

Docking there is a bit expensive. They not only charge $2.25 a ft but they count the length of your boat based on the mast laying across the deck. Ended up paying as a 40 ft boat not a 33 ft. A little bit if a rip off, but we have heard stories of this trip where "everyone has their hand in your pocket."

One of the reasons we stayed here was that Dave from Port Dover was there. Even after all of his boat problems, he persevered and ended up passing us in Waterford. We had dinner with him and shared our Erie Canal stories. He is heading back on a flight home to sign some paperwork for his Mom's home sale and then he'll resume his journey the following week.