We are now in Oswego, NY - it has literally taken us 2 days to finally get a US phone and data plan. Long story, and I don't want to relive it; but I can tell you that Verizon was robbed twice in those 2 days. I can tell you that not all staff at AT&T and Verizon know what they need to know to provide service to their clients. It was the most frustrating experience to date, but it's over, and we're finally "connected." We can now blog from our boat!

Crossing Lake Ontario was less stressful than getting our phone and data plan. We had a good weather window - all predicted (and actual) winds under 5 knots. We pulled our anchors up early - 5am - and were off before first light. We arrived in Oswego around 2:30 - 3:00 pm; despite some engine troubles on CS'ta Time (which you can read about on their blog - cstatimeodyssey.blogspot.ca). We experienced more rock 'n roll on Lake Simcoe and in the Bay of Quinte than we did on Lake Ontario. It felt great to get that crossing behind us! Celebrating together with Jorge & Kim, while our boats were tied up below the lock; we wished for pizza. As our Canadian phones would incur roaming charges, and we hadn't a phone contact for any pizza places; we resorted to asking passerbyer's if they could recommend any particular pizzeria to us. We struck up a conversation with one sweet little old lady, who advised us that there were no places within walking distance. Though she did not have her phone with her, she offered to come back with it, so we could call to order one in. She asked "do you not have any food?" So cute. We thanked her for her kindness.  We did manage to order in a pizza later that night ... Kim & I walked to a nearby restaurant, and they recommended a place and offered us use of their phone :-)

The Oswego and Erie Canal systems were built for barges. Some of these are moved by tugboats. Last night, we had a barge and tugboat tie up on the wall with us. Captain Sam and deckhand Mike welcomed us aboard for a tour. The daily rate to contract their tug was $7000 + fuel; it burned 40 gal/hr.; and we were told the fuel tank held 60,000 gallons! The fuel filter was over 4' high. The entire bridge (the captain's wheelhouse) could be raised or lowered (to clear bridges). The barge they were moving was 200' long. I was impressed with their ability to manouvre these huge barges (ie. they cleared our boats when departing from the wall ahead of us).

Hey Frank, the fisherman, the fishers in Oswego are pulling in their limit of 15-20 lb. salmon and taking them home. As I understand it from you and Graham, those fish are toxic and should not be eaten? Has the lake been cleaned up?

Ron, how's the bubbler system coming along?

Please be patient with Gil & I. We're on a learning curve. I shall attempt to add pictures to our blog soon. Stay tuned.