#9 Schenectady, NY to Amsterdam, NY

Sam ready to Lock

Written by The Crew

Rev writes all the posts as "The Crew" at What Yacht To Do. It's just part of the First Mate duties. That list just keeps growing...

June 10, 2019

We woke up when we wanted to and since it was Sunday, we had Belgian waffles.

Sunday is Belgian waffle day.

I created it so I could bring my Belgian waffle maker on the boat.

After breakfast, we went through our checklists and got out of Schenectady.

The weather could not have been more beautiful.

A Short Trip

The distance from Schenectady to Amsterdam was only about 17 miles.

We took it nice and slow.

It was easy like Sunday morning.

We spent three nights at the Mohawk Marina in Schenectady.

To recover.

From the first day of locks.

But it was time to move on.

Three Locks

To get to Amsterdam, we were going to have to go through three more locks.

Locks 8, 9 and 10.

Lock 8
Once we got in, a group of cyclists greeted us and watched us as we moved through Lock 8. They said had seen us leave Mohawk Marina in Schenectady.
Lock 9
Lock 9. We are coming for you!
Lock 10
Lock 10. Last lock before our destination in Amsterdam. NY

But you know what miraculously happened?

Those locks didn’t seem like a big deal at all.

We just went through them like we had been doing it all our lives.

Yes.

True.

Miraculous!

Amsterdam

I have never heard of a lot of the places that we are passing by and passing though.

I’ve been to Amsterdam but not the one in New York.

They are NOTHING alike.

We docked at Riverlink Park.

Riverlink Park
Riverlink Park in Amsterdam, NY

There are floating docks (accommodating 30 amp only) and then a higher sidewalk with cleats to tie up to (for 30 or 50 amps).

But if you get there after other boats have tied up, the sidewalk goes even higher and I honestly don’t know how people got on and off their boats.

There is a restaurant right there where you check in but there are also other places within walking distance.

It’s a really nice place.

Riverlink Park
Riverlink Park
Riverlink Park
Riverlink Park
Restaurant at Riverlink
Restaurant at Riverlink
Restaurant at Riverlink
Restaurant at Riverlink. This is where you check in.
Boats on the Riverlink Park
Boats on the Riverlink Park dock

We did hear of a report where beer bottles were thrown at boats and lines were untied just the night before.

I’m going to chalk that up to rowdy Saturday night drunks.

We didn’t have any trouble.

The Surprisingly Serene Erie Canal

The biggest shock for me on this part of the trip is just how serene the Erie Canal is.

Erie Canal is Serene
Ah! Erie Canal is Serene beyond words.

Yes, there are locks.

And I did have a good time just sitting back cruising on the other parts of the loop.

But traveling down this canal brings a tranquility that is hard to beat.

I see why other boaters really like it.

Now that I am more comfortable with locks, I like it, too.

I can’t even believe I just wrote that…

Our Thoughts

Our Trip

Nebo Trip: Schenectady to Amsterdam
Nebo Trip: Schenectady to Amsterdam

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16 Comments

  1. Wow, Erie Canal is something to behold, even in the pictures, so I’m certain it was spectacular, tranquil and beautiful in real life! So you like locks, yay, good for you. You have had quite an amazing education on the waters this past week! More fun ahead?

    Reply
    • I’m certainly ready for more fun! Learning was stressful!

      Reply
  2. So glad you got through the locks and get to sit back and enjoy. We miss you but it’s so neat reading your posts; it’s like you are still close by! Hugs to you both! ~Deb

    Reply
    • Hi Deb! We started this site and YT channel for my mom so she wouldn’t feel like we are so far away. I’m glad it’s working!
      We miss you and Jeff, too! Thanks for coming along on the Great Loop with us.

      Reply
  3. YES! You are getting to be “old salts”!

    Reply
    • HA! I don’t know about that but we sure are getting more experience with this whole thing!

      Reply
  4. Well, look at you! Already comfortable with locks—well done! It does look beautiful, and idyllic and serene. Thanks for sharing your journey for us land locked lubbers! Lol! We love you guys. Our prayers go with you

    Reply
    • Well, we need those prayers! Keep ’em coming! We have seven more locks until we get to visit you. The countdown continues…

      Reply
  5. Good going! Love the Helm Wheel! Looks like an Italian design! Have a Good Day today!

    Reply
    • Thanks, Tony! We are moving forward!

      Reply
  6. Thanks for sharing your trip! I look forward to your posts.

    Reply
    • Thanks, Brenda! I’m glad you’re coming along with us.

      Reply
  7. Hey Sam & Rev,
    What an awesome adventure. Just discovered your blog & had to play catch up on your journey so far. So fun to see places we have been from your perspective of traveling by boat. Will keep following. Cheers to Belgian Waffle Sundays, Rev, you need to add mimosas with them. Safe Travels.

    Reply
    • Hi Patti! We are so glad that you found us and are coming along with us. Belgian Waffles + Mimosas. Genius!

      Reply
  8. We were just at Delaware Seashore State Park Glamping with our land yacht… lol Class A Motorhome. We were there May 15th to the 20th. Even took the Cape May Lewis Ferry to Cape May on the 17th. Had no idea you were in the area.

    Reply
    • That’s hilarious! Yes, we were there and would love to have seen you. We have found several marinas in New York that cater to both boats and RVs. I have never heard of that! Maybe we should get an RV next and travel around the country. That sounds like fun, too!

      Reply

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