FORT EDWARD, NY TO WHITEHALL, NY

Sunday, June 14th, 2015

Day 314
Miles Traveled: 24
Total Miles Traveled: 4511


  We started our day by locking through Lock #7 and entering the man-made portion of the Champlain Canal.  This section has wooded banks, old bridges, mountains, and five locks.  It was a nice relaxing cruise day. 

scenery on man-made section of Champlain Canal

  After Lock 8, we were at the highest point above sea level on the Champlain Canal.  Many of the locks have cement walls next to a small park that you can tie off to and spend the night.

At highest point above sea level on Champlain Canal

  Mark & Vicki of "Blue Willow" traveled with us, and, we both stopped just after the last lock of the Champlain Canal at Whitehall Marina in Whitehall, NY.  This marina just opened under new management and the owner, Lynn, and harbormaster, Justin, were very friendly and helpful.  We docked just after lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon at Skene Manor.  A local boater was kind enough to drive us there.  Although it was a little less than a mile walk, it was all uphill to get there.  We appreciated the ride.  Skene Manor is a gothic style Victorian castle built in 1874 by New York City Supreme Court Judge Joseph Potter.  In 1946 it was converted into a restaurant.  It fell into disrepair, and, in 1995 a non-profit organization, Whitehall Skene Manor Preservation, purchased the building and is in the process of its restoration.  There is a restaurant on site which serves lunch and desserts and is run by the organization.  Free tours of the home are available. For more info about Skene Manor go to: http://www.skenemanor.org/home.php 

Skene Manor

  After touring Skene Manor, we walked the mile down the hill to return to the marina.  The owner, Lynn, cooked us a gourmet dinner. We all shared stories about our life experiences.  It was another good day on our Great Loop adventure.