Amsterdam NY and Waterford NY

8/28/09
Amsterdam NY
Amsterdam is located on the banks of the Mohawk River, and was settled first around 1710 by the Dutch. As we (Knot-a-Lot and Polar Pacer) approached Amsterdam we noticed two vacant spots to tie up on the wall of the approach to the locks, some locals helped tie us up. After a bunch of guess work with the non working electric shore power box,



the locals began to tell stories. I learned from them (which I never did catch their names) and double checked the facts that the community was originally ccalled Veeders Mills and Veedersburgh after Albert Veeder, an early mill owner, but was switched to Amsterdam in 1803. Amsterdam was known for becoming an important manufacturing area, primarily of carpets, textile, and pearl buttons.




8/30/09
Waterford
Waterford is right after “The Flight of Five” a series of 5 locks, the last five locks on Erie Canal, all about a mile apart. Which I took note, that the first and last locks are the best. The first lock is great cause it’s the first and you feel like it’s going to be an awesome adventure from here on out. And the last lock is the best because it’s the last, and after 30 of them, it’s so nice to be finally done! It only took us and hour and half to do the five locks.
It was so neat when we got to Waterford. It was about 9:30 am, and right where we tied up on the wall was local farmers and artist setting up for the Saturday Farmers Market. I talked to a bunch of people who came and oohed and awed over our boat. They were very helpful with giving local history. Here is a little of what I have learned.



The village of Waterford is the oldest incorporated village in the USA, it was incorporated in 1794, before the town was formed.
In September Waterford is home to the Northeast's largest annual tugboat festival.
I also got a little restless and went for a bike ride through Peebles Island State Park – A state park in the south part of the town. Later that evening I ran into a homeless person, who lived there forever and he told me that the factory that has now been turned into the headquarters and visitor center located on it, used to be and old t-shirt factory.



I really enjoyed Waterford; I even bought a book at the marina about the Erie Canal.
Only one last lock ever to go, and that one is located in Troy NY.