As usual, the 2014 boating season started with the journey north, from home to Lake Champlain. I had Echo hauled from my back yard and launched into the Hudson at the Alcove Marina, just north of Albany. My friend Don, ever in search of adventure, came along for the ride.

The ride through the canal system was pretty uneventful. Having Don along made passing through the locks considerably easier. Below, we're waiting for a lock to cycle through so we can enter it.

After running the Canal we arrived at Chipman Point Marina, near the southern end of the lake.

Besides a shower and a nights sleep, Chipmans Point Marina has a crane for raising masts. We took avantage of the opportunity and set the boat up for sailing.

A little diner topped off the day

Dusk at Chipman Point

Don, enjoying the moment

The next morning we headed out at the first hint of light.

By about noon we were approaching the new Champlain Bridge in Port Henry

That's Port Henry in the distance

Heading north past Port Henry and Westport we passed the palisades on the west. To the east lies Otter Creek.

A few hours later we arrived at Essex. The Essex Shipyard was flooded from snowmelt.

Fortunately, Echos summer home is next door at the Essex Marina

Echo at home with the Essex Ferry in the background