After locking through the last lock on the Oswego Canal at 8 AM we entered our first Great Lake! With the exception of some approaching storms that we avoided, the 8 hour crossing was uneventful.
Clayton, NY was a fun, busy waterfront town with a New England feel. With plenty of shopping, restaurants, a brewery and a museum it earned a top ranking of stops. We intended to stay only 2 nights but woke up to a bad storm so tightened the lines and stayed another day. The good news is it was a quick storm. Although it packed a powerful punch and we rocked and rolled, by afternoon the sun was shining and we got another day to explore.
The Antique Boat Museum is s dubbed a “must stop” on the Loop. Yup, we agree. An educational experience to appreciate the majesty and history of boats. The speed section and engine rooms was a walk through technology and fascinating to see what has not changed. The La Duchesse is a wonder and such an interesting story of wealth in the Gilded Age.
Along with Kim and Andy from Sweet Equity, we ‘called uncle’ and decided to take a boat trip to tour the Thousand Islands and Boldt Castle. We had planned to take Three Sons over to visit this magnificent castle and then anchor out amongst the Thousand Islands, but the weather was not cooperating. The water tour was fabulous, we saw some beautiful and unique houses and heard some interesting stories about the area.
Boldt Castle was an amazing experience with a cool story. It is a love story of George Boldt, the founder of the Waldorf Astoria, the coiner of the phrase “the customer is always right,” and the the person who helped put 1000 Island Dressing on the map. To show his love for his wife, he built a castle for her on Heart Island (yes, it is really shaped like a heart.) Just 30 days before he was set to gift her this beautiful home, she died. George made the decision that he would never set foot in the home again, and just like that it was abandoned. It is told that for years, folks hosted parties in the unfinished castle and the walls were filled with graffiti. Several years ago, the home was given to the NY Bridge Commission, and they have since begun to restore it using the original plans from Boldt. Only the first two floors are complete so climbing the third floor staircase you find unfinished walls, graffiti and uneven floors. The comparison of floors is an interesting experience.
