# 29 Magazine Article 2017

Joe Blanchard has just about done it all on his Red Grand Banks 36 by Peter A. Janssen on 19 Aug 2017 Joe Blanchard has just about done it all on his Red Grand Banks 36 Cruising Odyssey

If you’ve been cruising anywhere in the eastern half of the United States or Canada in the past few years, you’ve probably run across Joe Blanchard on his red-hulled  Grand Banks 36 Firebird. Blanchard has pretty much done it all, mostly singlehanded – the Great Loop, the Down  East Loop, the Small Triangle Loop. And he’s still going strong, heading south from the  Hudson River for Florida, the Bahamas, maybe Cuba. Now retired after a career in the Air Force, Blanchard grew up in Beverly, Mass., where his father was a lobster fisherman. As the oldest son, Joe worked on the boat. His father also  had a wooden 37- foot Egg Harbor that Joe eventually bought to maintain; after his father passed away, he donated it to a school in Maine. In 2004, Blanchard took to the water again, buying Firebird, a 1987 Grand Banks with a  single 3208 Cat diesel. The hull was red when he bought it. “But I love it,” it told me. “I get many  compliments wherever I go. I may get it re-Awlgripped this winter, the same color.” Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cook

On Firebird, Blanchard cruised up to the top of the Bay of Fundy with a friend in 2011. He then  cruised the Down East Loop in 2013 and 2014, single-handed, wintering in Cape Breton and going up to Newfoundland before coming down the coast of Nova Scotia and back to  Beverly. He says that trip served as the dry run for the Great Loop itself. The next year Blanchard started the Great Loop, completing it last August, cruising most of  the time by himself. At his Grand Banks’ cruising speed of eight knots, it took a while. And  he stopped to take in the sights along the way – the art museums in Chicago, the Civil War battlefield on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga (see the picture below), the Red Sox spring training in Fort Myers. Blanchard then took some time off Firebird to help a friend cruise from Tarpon Springs,  Florida, up to Norfolk, Virginia, in the friend’s 53 Trader. Then, back on Firebird, he  completed the Small Triangle (up the Hudson to the Erie Canal, down the St. Lawrence to the Chambly Canal and Lake Champlain and back down the Hudson) just last week. I emailed Blanchard as he just finished varnishing Firebird‘s transom in Saugerties, New York. I commiserated with him, saying that I once also had a Grand Banks 36 like his, and got very tired of varnishing. “I hate varnishing too,” he said. But once the varnish dried, Blanchard was off again. Look for him on the water; you can’t miss that red Grand Banks. This article has been provided courtesy of the CruisingOdyssey.

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# 27: 2017 Firebird on the Small Triangle and Down the Atlantic Coast

SMALL TRIANGLE

Having completed the DOWN EAST CIRCLE in 2013-2014. That took me on a route up the Hudson River thru Lake Champlain to the St Lawrence River east.  In 2015-2016 I did the Great Loop which took me Up the Hudson River to Erie Canal and Lake Ontario west. In between is what is referred to as the Small Triangle: which involves Ottawa, Rideau Canal Kingston, 1000 Islands, Montreal and the Erie and Chambly/Richelieu canals.  There are many ways and options to do the Small Triangle: IE clockwise or anti clockwise 1000 islands first , etc.

My route choice was made for me by mother nature, because of large amounts of rain in May/June the canal systems were severely challenged. Flooding and debris (even some large trees) were serious problems prompting the closures of canal locks and loss of marina facilities.  The Erie was the default route choice, because the Champlain Canal didn't open before the Erie Canal.  Even though the Erie opened earlier, it was not without delays and uncertainty. Debris, Lock repair and high water created challenges for the passage.

I launched FIREBIRD on 22 June and promptly ran into a maintenance issue which took several days to resolve, turned out to be a crack in a flaring which allowed air to contaminate the vacuum required for proper fuel delivery.

25 June 2017: Beverly, MA, MA, Time: 7hrs
My departure from Beverly had a destination of Ram Island, Marion, MA, just past the Cape Cod Canal.  Ram Island is owned by friends of mine befriended in Newfoundland several years earlier. The offer of a free dock is always inviting. The following are pictures of the Cape Cod Canal:

Bourne Bridge:

Rail Road Bridge; Left in the open position:

Arriving at friends "Free Dock" at Ram Island. I met the owner of the dock and Island when I was traveling the Newfoundland coast. He said "if ever in the area look him up". Truly gracious hosts for the evening.

26 June 2017: MA, Is RI: Travel Time: 7.7 hrs

Evening at Block Island:

27 June 2017: Block Is to Little Neck Bay NY: Travel Time: 13.2 hrs


28 June 2017: Little Neck Bay to Haverstraw Cove NY: Travel Time: 7.4 hrs


29 June 2017: Haverstraw Cove to Esopus Creek Saugerties NY: Travel Time: 8.6 hrs

30 June 2017: Esopus Creek to Waterford NY: Travel Time: 7.9 hrs
In the morning I lowered my mast as I knew the RR bridge would be a problem at Waterford and I would have to lower it there before the bridge and the wall at Waterford was without electricity so doing it now made getting to a dock space with electricity more likely.  This is the most convent location because of the placid water and no breeze.

There was a small steam boat gathering at Waterford when I arrived:

Along with the Steam Boat gathering there are the usual vendors and charity appeals, this fellow represents a foundation saving exotic birds.

Of course I always find some amusing signs along the way

5 July 2017: Waterford to Schenectady NY: Travel Time: 6.3 hrs

Because of canal issues with flooding and debris, Firebird was delayed in Schenectady for several days, here isa shot of Firebird at the "wall".

 A small park and trail next to the "Wall" which led across a walking bridge leading to the South portion of the city. These are "pics"

No explanation but is a replica wall with ancient petroglyphs depicting the use of this area by aboriginal peoples long before the Erie Canal. 

 The City's walking bridge:

 On the South side of the bridge:

 The following building is a "Bed and Breakfast," memo to self to come back and stay there.

 Driveway to the B&B

 War memorial

6 July 2017: Schenectady to RiverLink Marina Amsterdam NY: Travel Time: 4.5 hrs

7 Jul: Rivers Casino

8 Jul: Baseball Hall of Fame Cooperstown, NY

 Entrance to Baseball Hall of Fame

 

Perhaps the most famous legend in Baseball:

 Ted Williams and Babe Ruth

 The Hall of Fame Gallery

 The Hall of Fame Ball Park: Doubleday Field:

9 July 2017: Amsterdam to Little Falls NY: Travel Time: 7.8 hrs

10 July 2017: Little Falls to Free Dock Brewerton, NY: Travel Time: 11.2 hrs

11 July 2017: Brewerton to Oswego NY: Travel Time: 6.3 hrs
After refueling at Winter Harbor the cruise to Oswego was fairly uneventful. Locks and river were calm and easy to transit.

12 July 2017: Oswego to Clayton NY: Travel Time: 8.1 hrs
Firebird traveled to Clayton for a visit to the Antique Boat Museum. They had many boats on display in the building and also had some boats floating in their boat "garage". These boats were run on occasion and were absolutely beautiful:

In Clayton NY there sits the Cayote Moon Winery, they have some nice wines from their NY Vines.  On a very hot day, enjoy a frozen "slush" wine cooler. Very refreshing.

13 July 2017: Clayton to Boldt Castle to Alexander Bay: Travel Time: 2.4 hrs
Boldt Castle is truly spectacular, it was never finished by the original owner because it was being built for his wife who died in the mist of construction.  The owner stopped the construction and abandoned the Island. It passed thru several other owners and then languished in disrepair and vandalism until it was finally taken over by the NY Parks Authority where they are in the process of finishing construction based upon recovered remarkable original drawings and plans.

The original intension of this building was to house the electric generation plant required for the island.

This building was intended as the recreation building which held a large indoor pool and children's play area.

The designed arrival gate where guests to the island would come and provide that impressive first impression that the owner and designers intended.

Views from the roof level balcony.

After a long day on the Island, Firebird cruised over to Alexander Bay for the night.

14 July 2017: Alexander Bay to Kingston Ontario: Travel Time: 4.5 hrs

16 July 2017: Kingston to Rideau Canal Lock 38 (Davis Lock): Travel Time: 8.1 hrs

17 July 2017: Rideau Canal Lock 38 to Lock 31 (Smith Falls): Travel Time: 4.1 hrs

 

18 July 2017: Rideau Canal Lock 31 to Manotick Marina: Travel Time: 6.8 hrs

19 July 2017: Rideau Canal Manotick Marina to Ottawa Wall: Travel Time: 6 hrs

21 July 2017: Ottawa Wall to Carillon Lock Ont: Travel Time: 6.5 hrs

By the time Firebird arrived at the Lock it was closed. Anchored before the Lock and would pass thru in the morning.  Enjoyed a refreshing swim before diner and a beautiful sunset.

22 July 2017: Carillon Lock to Lambert Lock ST Lawerence River: Travel Time: 7.7 hrs
Although Firebird was early to the Carillon lock we had to wait some considerable time. I tied up to the wall and shut the motor off.  After a while several boats joined me and there was more than enough boats to fill the lock.  We would raft boats to our side once inside the lock. By the way, this lock is the deepest lock in North America at about 75 feet.  The Erie has Lock 17 which is 47 feet and I thought it was amazing but this one takes the prize. As we descended, more flights of stairs were uncovered.

 Boats rafted together awaiting the guillotine door to open fully

Firebird has to travel one more lock before it arrived at the St Lawrence River. That lock was Ste Anne de Bellevue.  There was the usual wait and then many small boats rafted together to pass thru.  This lock was not as intimidating as the Carillon lock but the traffic on the exiting side was like a shopping mall parking lot.

Firebird traveled the remainder of the Ottawa River and entered the St Lawrence, traveling in the canal waterway for several miles before reaching the Lambert Lock (#2) it was late so we anchored out in a bypass area.  We will travel to Montreal in the morning and have most of the day to explore the old city.

23 July 2017: Lambert Lock to Yacht Club Montreal Que: Travel Time: 2.6 hrs

Getting into the Yacht Club was tricky, as the current was against us at about 4-6 miles per hour, once inside the marina, getting into the slip was also trick because of the wind and current. Finally after several trys I was able to get Firebird secure.

Lunch at an "indoor but not really" restaurant. The facade of the building still stood but the interior was gutted, no roof.  There was a nice quartet with singer performing during lunch..nice European atmosphere.

25 July 2017: Montreal to Chambly Canal Wall above Lock 1,2,3: Travel Time: 8.2 hrs



26 July 2017: Lock 1,2,3 to Lock 9 St Jean-su-Richelieu: Travel Time: 4.2 hrs


27 July 2017: Lock 9 St Jean-su-Richelieu to Valcour Island Lake Champlain: Travel Time: 7 hrs
This portion of the trip had Firebird checking in thru US Customs and Boarder Patrol at Rosses Point.

29 July 2017: Valcour Island to Burlington Vermont: Travel Time: 2 hrs

30 July 2017: Burlington to Vergennes VT: Travel Time: 4.5 hrs

1 Aug 2017: Vergennes to Ft Ticonderoga: Travel Time: 5.3 hrs

2 Aug 2017: Ft Ticonderoga to Champlain Canal Lock 12, Whitehall, NY: Travel Time: 4.2 hrs



 5 Aug 2017: Whitehall to Ft Edwards, NY Free Wall: Travel Time: 4 hrs


 6 Aug 2017: Ft Edwards to Mechanicville Free Wall: Travel Time: 5 hrs
This stop was purposeful because when I was stranded at Waterford at the start of the Small Triangle trip, a couple from Australia was also stranded at Mechanicville and they had relayed how the city had helped them during this time. So I was curious.  I arrived at the Free Wall early afternoon and decided to empty my water hold tanks as the water was a little "punkie" because I did add water from a well source in the Rideau Canal and it was getting stinky.  So I drained the old water and filled my tanks with 160 gallons of fresh city water so convenient to the dock.

After filling my tanks I went up town to get an ice coffee at Dunkin Donuts.  Dunkin could not serve me an ice coffee only hot coffee so I got a cup not thinking anything other than the Ice Coffee machine was broken.  Next I walked around town and happen on a farm stand and eavesdropped on a conversation where a customer was buying corn and a passing stranger was questioning him if he was using tap water to cook it.  When they left I asked the farm stand attendant what the water issue was. She informed me that a"Boil Water" order was in effect.  Really after I just filled my tanks with 160 gallons of water!  I went the police station to get a verification of the water issue and sure enough there was a bulletin describing the issue. DAM, I asked why there were no signs at the Free Wall and told him that I wasn't the only one that added water to the tanks. The police called the water department and informed them of my concern.  I left Mechanicville unimpressed.

 8 Aug 2017: Mechanicville to Waterford, NY: Travel Time: 2.2 hrs
8 miles down the river was Waterford, I decided to head there to sanitize my tanks and change out my water if safe. To my relief the water was safe and allowed me to change out the water.  Arriving at Waterford it felt like returning to home as I had spent so much time here during the star of the Small Triangle and other stops for the previously completed Great Loop and Down East Circle.


 10 Aug 2017: Waterford to Saugerties, NY: Travel Time: 8.2 hrs

I traveled to Saugerties to raise my mast.  This is the location I stopped to lower the same mast on the start of the Small Triangle. I couldn't do this at Waterford as there was a bridge that created a height restriction. I arrived and set my anchor easily and settled down for a restful night. I rowed ashore to the Pub/Restaurant for an evening meal.

Firebird settled in for a relaxing evening.  As it turned out I ended staying 3 days on the hook here.

There is a nice Hotel across the river overlooking the waterfalls. I decided to walk to town and view the falls as I could along the way.

Main streets of Saugerties, with unusual figures and Rocking Horses

Does anyone remember these stores? Unfortunately the store is gone but the sign remains.

A nice wall mural in town.

Interesting signage

And now the Rocking Horse Collection.  I have run into towns that sponsor contests where they decorate different objects to raise money for charity. The first that I ever witnessed was in downtown Seattle (Pigs), Burlington VT had Milk Cans and now these:

 14 Aug 2017: Saugerties to Kingston NY: Travel Time: 2.1 hrs

I stopped here to replenish supplies and to leave Firebird for a week and drive home to catch up on the homestead and take care of some unfinished business.

 25 Aug 2017: Kingston to Croton on Hudson (Half Moon Bay): Travel Time: 6.7 hrs

After a relatively long run I anchored out and enjoyed the evening. Cooked on the grill and had a nice glass of wine. It does get better than this but not by much....

 26 Aug 2017: Half Moon Bay to Liberty Park NY: Travel Time: 4.5 hrs

Short run with the current, got here with plenty of time to get some rowing in and explore the inlet. Stayed 2 days to wait for a favorable weather window.This part of the trip cruised past West Point Army Academy, the city of New York, Ellis Island and around and behind the Statue of Liberty.

West Point

This ship is reported to belong to a Russian Billionaire, note the helicopter on deck.  I understand that the owner wasn't allowed to land on US soil for a while therefore the vessel remained anchored in the harbor for the time that I was there.

I headed into an anchorage behind the Statue of Liberty at Liberty Park and stayed there for 2 days waiting for a better weather window.

28 Aug 2017: Liberty Park NY to Great Kills Yacht Club Staten Island NY: Travel Time: 2.8 hrs

Weather again plays in my decision making, after waiting for a better weather window, I decided to move to this marina as it boasts a helpful AGLCA Harbor Host and would allow easy transport into NY City. The next leg is from NY harbor to along the coast of New Jersey is exposed on the outside and the winds and waves were not favorable. I had been traveling with a Buddy Boat (Panda Bear) since Kingston.  The weather forecast for the next few days showed strong easterly winds and heavy wave actions.  So we decided to stay in place until favorable weather presented itself. 

While here I thought it would be a good time to take advantage of the public transportation and the "Free" Staten Island Ferry to see some of NY.

The Wall Street Bull, I wasn't able to get a better photo as it was too crowded.  I observed one woman holding the bulls testicles for a photo..interesting choice.

I went to the "9-11" memorial and these are a few photos of same.

There are names of the victims on the flat panel that surrounds the water falls.

This is Ladder 3, wreckage which was destroyed when the Tower collapsed. 

The new tower.

Heading to the Empire State Building

Can you see the Chrysler Building? It has the scolloped tower roof, anyway it was built by Mr Chrysler to be the tallest building in NY at the time, that distinction lasted 1 year, when the Empire State Building was having its grand opening, Mr Chrysler was invited for a private tour, he declined.

Looking south to NY Harbor.

Times Square:

I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art because of the Impressionist works that they had there, some you may recognize. 

The main Armory room

Open court

1 Sep 2017: Staten Island NY to Pelican Island NJ: Travel Time: 6.6 hrs

Went outside from Staten Island to Manosquam Inlet and traveled in the NJ intercostal waterway to Pelican Island.  The waterway is very shallow and shoaled over in many places. Travel is only recommended in "High Tide".  Lots of bumping in channel, fortunately it is soft mud.

2 Sep 2017: Pelican Island to Atlantic City NJ: Travel Time:  9.4 hrs

Same comments about the shoaling from above, only more sever in spots, because we traveled for a longer time we went thru the "tide cycle" making low tide spots very challenging.

 4 Sep 2017: Atlantic City to Cape May NJ: Travel Time:  8.9 h

Same comments about the shoaling from above, unexpected delays in bridge openings made it difficult to get further south before the tide changed, thereby making the challenge even more intense. Anchored by the Coast Guard station for 2 days. Refueled here because of favorable prices.

6 Sep 2017: Cape May NJ to Delaware City Marina DE: Travel Time:  9.1hrs

Stopped in at Delaware City Marina as I thought it would be a good spot to hole up until Hurricane Irma made up its mind on the path it would take. The Marina is small but well maintained and more importantly, it is well protected.  The basis of the marina is the remnants of the original Delaware and Chesapeake Canal.  The canal was rerouted and now has an opening 3 miles south of the marina.
Delaware City is a nice quiet historical town near three forts: Fort Dupont, Fort Delaware and Fort Mott.  As I said earlier, Delaware City was the terminus of the D&C Canal during the early days, the original Lock is preserved as a historical site at the end of town.

This is a diving Bell used to conduct repairs under water while building the canal and it's early maintenance.  The worker would clime inside and the Bell would be lowered to the spot where work was required.  The only air the worker had captured in the Bell.  I am unaware if there was a supply hose to refresh the air or the Bell was lowered and raised at intervals which allowed for replenishment.  I am told that this same device was used for the Washington bridge construction and the workers were developing a mysterious illness now known as "The Bends" or caisson disease. 

While waiting for some clear signal that Hurricane Irma was not a threat I decided to tour Philadelphia.  These are some pictures to record the trip:

The Liberty Bell

Guess Who:

Betsy Ross House:

While walking around the city I heard a commotion for several blocks away and decided to investigate. It turned out to be an annual NAKED Bike Ride to celebrate "Earth Ecology" or some such thing.

13 Sep 2017: Delaware City Marina to Havre De Grace : Travel Time: 5.7 hrs
Havre De Grace is on the direct Colonial route between New York and the southern states. As such it was considered as a possible site for the National Capital and barely missed being selected buy one vote. The importance of this village in colonial times (1812 War) therefore brought about the interest of the British Invasion Force.

The 1813 British attack on Hare de Grace was successful but not without a spirited defense By Lt O'Neil who single handedly manned a 1 gun battery.  Lt O'Neil was captured and imprisoned but was eventually released after his daughter went to the British Admiral and pleaded for his release. Note the sign at the Lighthouse to see how the town recognized his bravery.

Havre de Grace has a wonderful promenade which runs about a mile around the coast bordering the Susquehanna River

There are vantage points on the promenade, which have informational placards or good views. You can imagine how the inhabitants felt when viewing the British fleet approaching with the intent of inflicting mayhem to the village. Lt John O'Neill, single handed manned the small canon and delayed the invasion force some time, but was eventually overrun and captured.

At one end of the promenade, there is an outdoor seafood restaurant

 Lt General Lafayette

16 Sep 2017: Have de Grace to Baltimore  (Anchorage Marina) : Travel Time: 4 hrs

 Entrance to Baltimore harbor: This is where I officially ended my travels for 2017.  I rented a slip at the Anchorage Marina for a short time intending to travel south with the changes in weather. However, it got colder south than it was in Baltimore, then with the holidays, I ended up staying. Therefore I decided that my next adventure would be to cruise the Chesapeake Bay in Sumer of 2018.