Sunday, June 24, 2007

The Launch - June 23rd, 2007


It was "media day" at 2 o'clock pm as TV Channel 10, the Times-Union and Schenectady Gazette newspapers arrived for stories on the start of our 300 mile canoe trip. And the Rensselaer County Sheriff's Marine Patrol was on hand as well. It looked as though they saw this character who, Wasn't from around here", but the reality was that they were there, by request, to help the Common Man in case he got into trouble. And glad we were to have them.
The launch went off at 3 pm as scheduled! (The Captain is still a Captain, even if only of a 15 ft canoe.) lol
Despite a stiff wind and an outgoing tide, we got underway and made good progress by paddle, rowing and eventually a motor. Then that 50 foot pleasure boat threw us a huge wake. The sheriff's knew what my hand motions meant as I swerved to cut that wake and pounded through it with water coming over my bow. "That's why I wanted you guys out here!, I told them. All's well that ends well.
Eight miles later I'm in the Federal Lock at Troy; my first time "locking through." And a fun time was had by all. Thanks to the Rensselaer Sheriff's Office and Marine Patrol, thanks to all the friends who showed up to wish us well on the start of this great adventure. And thanks to those of you who are following our progress this summer.
Sorry we're a day or so late in posting this Blog entry, but our 18th century expedition was immediately plagued by 21st century computer problems at the end of our first day. But, we're on our way with 10 miles completed on Day 1 of the Common Man Tour!

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