Lake Oneida - Sylvan Beach

We left Ilion early, excited to make our way to Lake Oneida. We've been in rural spots since we left Waterford. It will be fun to visit a busy town. While waiting for lock 21 to open, a big red Tug came up behind us. When we exited the lock we saw that it was Antares Star out of Hudson Wisconsin, the neighbor town to where we live in Minnesota. We called them on the radio to chat.

Approaching Lock 21 through a rock cut

Passing Utica, NY

Locks 21 and 22 are down locks which means they lower you rather than raise you. Going down is so much gentler than going up. These two locks drop us to the Western Erie Canal where the view changes dramatically. As we approached the dog leg turn at Fish Creek, boat traffic increased from both directions. We navigated the narrow turn, then all hell broke loose. Hundreds of boats were coming at us from every direction. It's a no-wake zone so everyone was going relatively slow but there was so much chaos it took our breath away. It was like entering a time warp into a different world. Sylvan Beach is a resort town! There are lots of people and boats.

The free wall is 700 feet long on the north side and 500 on the south. We wanted a spot on the north side. Antares Star was already tied to the wall. Captain Walt helped us into a sizeable opening. We motioned to Brian to bring Serenity in behind us. Osimo snagged a corner spot at the end of the wall. During all the commotion, we saw Heath and Joy (from Canajoharie) cruise by in the opposite direction. They yelled a greeting to us as they grabbed a spot in front of Osimo.

Serenity keeping her eyes on Mystic at Sylvan Beach

Mystic at Sylvan Beach

Mystic and Serenity at the Sylvan Beach wall

Antares Star at Sylvan Beach

We sat on the wall enjoying docktails on our first night at Sylvan Beach; just relaxing and catching our breath. The wall was full even though electricity is not available. We noticed all the locals carried small Honda generators which sat outside their boats and powered their boat toys. We helped many boats come in and tie off while we were at Sylvan Beach. Across from us on the South wall we saw the famous tugboat Manatee. Sarah and Ted have done the Loop 31 times. They told us they spent the longest time getting through the Erie Canal this year; it took an extra month with all the lock closings!

Little Manatee on the north wall
Manatee on the south

In the morning, we set off to explore the town. There is a permanent Carnival at the beach. It is a destination location for families with young children. There was a lot of action going on to prepare for the Corvette show. We walked through as cars were being lined up all over the park. We meandered through silent auctions and an art festival.There were over 300 vets on display. 

A row of nice rides

One of our favorites

Beautiful home across from Sylvan Beach wall

Fun House

Lake House

Lake House

Marker 106 Garden

Park Fountain

It's July but the Mayflies are everywhere

Sylvan Beach is on beautiful Lake Oneida. Boats anchor off the beach near the Lake House. Jet skis dash around and put on a show by doing consecutive flips. People along the shoreline stop to stare then take videos of the fun! The water is shallow. We went for a swim to cool off and found ourselves far from the beach just to get completely wet. 

Boats anchored off of the Lake House

Swimming at Sylvan Beach

This was a lovely stop! We stayed two days, waiting for the big lake to calm before we crossed it. We are looking forward to the western half of the Erie Canal. We hear it is beautiful!