Great Loop: Erie Canal E2-E7 – Fondue and Bowling!!

Days 148-149: June 14-15, 2023

Locking our way to Schenectady

There were a lot of loopers waiting to start the Erie Canal in Waterford, so we opted to not be first in line and were off the wall for the second locking. The destination we set was Mohawk Harbor Marina in Schenectady, the sister marina to Shady Harbor (Pig Roast).

Traveling with us were Saga, Coda, and our new friends on Legacy.

We had studied lock E2 so knew what to expect from the upcoming locks. All the Erie Canal locks have prehung ropes that you come up and grab. And most of them are really gross. We definitely recommended wearing gloves.

The trip took us through Locks E2-E7, so we did 6 locks. Most of them were very close to each other. We’d leave one and could see the next a short distance away.

Mayli had fully prepared for the locks with costumes and all! Up first, pirate theme of course!

Fondue & Wine

After a bit of relaxation, we had a restaurant called The Shaker & Vine on the radar. It was an amazing place. They had a self-serve wine bar where you get a card and then fill your glass with whatever wine you’d like. Everyone had a great time trying many different wines.

Then we had the fondue. How can you go wrong with melted cheese. Delicious.

Schenectady

Tonia and I walked around to see what Schenectady had to offer. We found a block labeled Little Italy that had a lot of history and still has an Italian bakery and a few restaurants. We popped into the bakery for some Italian cookie treats to share with the crew.

While walking around we decided we should find an ATM and get some cash. That led us to city hall of all places. They did indeed have an ATM and the building itself was very interesting.

Outside city hall they were setting up for a farmers’ market. One of the venders was selling roasted nuts so we picked up a couple packages and some local produce.

Here are a few more random pictures from town.

Bowling

Down the street was a bowling alley that we had walked by earlier. When we threw out the suggestion as an afternoon activity, everyone was in, so we headed over for a few frames. It was a blast!

Tonia & Barbara Happy Hour

Before we left, Tonia and Barbara decided to treat themselves to a little ladies’ happy hour just to have the Peachy Keen cocktail from our fondue night at The Shaker & Vine (they had a lot of fun-sounding drinks). It was a drink and dessert in one! In case you are wondering, here’s the drink rundown: Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka, Crème de Pêche Liqueur, Rumchata, House-Made Cinnamon Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, French Vanilla Ice Cream, Puff Pastry, Peach Slice. Yes, you read that correctly — ice cream with puff pastry where the fruit garnish typically goes and a yummy peach slice to boot!