Buffalo Small Craft Harbor

We took our time leaving Tonawanda. Buffalo is only about 15 miles away so there was no reason to rush. This turned out to be a good thing because we got stuck at the Black Rock Lock most of the day. As we departed from Tonawanda, we turned left at Grand Island and entered the Niagara River. We felt the strong current immediately, staying on the far edge of the channel in the hopes of making way down this powerful river without too much of a battle. It took us a while to pass under the South Grand Island Bridge. This big blue span led us to the Black Rock Lock.  

Leaving Tonawanda

Dick's Dock near Tonawanda, NY

South Grand Island Bridge

Strong current pushing Red 26

We can see a catamaran in front of us heading up the channel. Later, we learned that it was Karrie and Roan on Wayward Winds. Roan called the Lock Master on the VHF requesting a lock through. He was told that a dredge was working in the lock. We would have to tie off to the wall and wait for dredging to be completed. The Lock Master estimated it would be an hour or so, but we'd end up waiting much longer. We slid in behind Wayward Winds and tied off to a decrepit high wall. There were metal strips attached to the face of the wall that concerned us but we put our fenders strategically in place to avoid damage. We were able to tie off right in front of a ladder which helped us leave and return to Mystic with ease. After helping Osimo and a fourth boat tie off, we entertained ourselves by walking around the attached park, taking videos and photos and grabbing lunch. It took several hours before we got word that we could prepare to lock through.

Osimo waiting at Black Rock Lock

Black Rock Lock, dredge visible in the lock

Dave chatting with Sue

Bob and Osimo

Wayward Winds

Mystic and Wayward Winds

Mystic on the wall

Beth and Sue with fourth boat at Black Rock Lock

The dredge

As we passed through Black Rock Lock, Karrie on Wayward Winds took our photo. How appropriate that Osimo was in the shot. We've been together, buddy boating since Waterford. When we came out of Black Rock Lock we entered a protected breakwater. It is about four miles long and keeps the entire Buffalo waterfront safe from Lake Erie. The water changed from the muddy brown of the canal to a crisp, clear blue. It is a striking improvement.

Photo by Karrie on Wayward Winds

Beth in Black Rock Lock

We continue under the Peace Bridge which connects Buffalo, New York to Fort Erie, Ontario. The canal and breakwater walls are covered with artwork honoring rowing championships throughout the years. Some are over 25 years old. The main channel out into Lake Erie is in Buffalo. Wayward Winds headed out into the lake there. They were committed to an overnight cruise down the lake. Mystic and Osimo are looking forward to a stop at Buffalo Small Craft Harbor where we will celebraeg our return to the Great Lakes. 

The Peace Bridge

Walkers on the Breakwater under the Peace Bridge

Rowing Recognition

Rowing Champs 1996

Artworks on the wall in Buffalo

Four miles of Rowing history

Breakwater Graffiti

1995 Champs

Buffalo Water Intake Crib

Sailboats on Lake Erie

Buffalo Main Light

Buffalo Main Light

Wind Farms on Lake Erie

Wind Farms on Lake Erie

Wayward Winds heading out the breakwater

Sailboat races in the bay

Buffalo Main Light

Buffalo Main Light

Buffalo waterfront

Buffalo skyline

Sculpture along the waterway

Kids jumping off retaining wall

Mystic settled in at Buffalo Small Craft Harbor Marina with Osimo right beside her. This marina is the largest in the State of New York with more than 1,000 slips. It's a lovely spot to land, clean with beautiful floating docks. The transient slips are at the end of a long pier, next to the fuel dock. We walked up to Charlie's Restaurant, located on site at the marina, but had to get on a wait list. Bob and Sue offered us a cocktail aboard Osimo while we waited. The Ahi tuna and shrimp tacos were fabulous at Charlie's. Sue wanted the Beef on Weck, a popular sandwich made with spiced Weck bread, but they were sold out. We had a wonderful evening celebrating our re-entry into the Great Lakes!

Marina Yard Art

Land Sharks

We took care of a few things in Buffalo. Dave replaced our tiller. He'd noticed a crack in it while we were underway. Luckily, we carry a backup that he made during our covid layover. Bob and Dave raised Osimo's trawler mast while we (girls) held a safety line that kept the mast in place so they could install all the rigging. Osimo is now back in her cruising regalia with her trawler mast at attention. 

We'll continue down the Lake to Erie, Pennsylvania to do the same for Mystic. We have a reservation at Perry's Landing for the Port Authority to raise her mast. Our Looper friends David Taylor and Susan Beebes will visit us there. We are so excited to see them and be back in the Great Lakes where the water is clear and deep. We still have a long way to go but it feels like home!

Sunrise at Small Craft Harbor, Buffalo