On Sunday, July 18th we were up early with the promise of seeing the raising of a circus big top. See the picture of Vera, the elephant, raising the king pole above. This scene was two blocks from the dock. After taking on some fresh provisions we were off mid morning for Ilion.

Lock 17 was interesting because of the lock gate is lifted over the boat entrance. It also has a 40 foot lift which gives you the feeling you are at the bottom a deep well. There is a picture in the photo gallery.

Today some major sunshine entered our life. Just as we were entering lock 18 on July 18th we received a call from Joshua with the news that Gwen delivered a healthy baby girl, Lila Debra Faulkner Munger, at 7 pounds 7 ounces. I have got to admit I had a few happy tears. Grandfather is such a mush ball and it complicated maneuvering in the lock.

For the actual weather, it has rained for four straight days in the afternoon and it is getting old. This has required us to continue to move past some interesting stops so we can be tied up before the storms are on us. Today the area was under a flood watch. We tracked the storms with the weather service Doppler radar display and made it to Ilion an hour before the afternoon deluge hit. The weatherman isn't promising much sun for the remaining days we have in the canal. Sigh.

We found water and it is back to long showers.

Tomorrow, depending on the weather, we will either stop in Rome or Sylvan Beach, New York.