Phoenix
Directly after I leave Lock 1, the Phoenix wall appears. It`s a beautiful facility the town has setup
for boaters. There is power and water
right at the wall. Although the power
connections are only 15 amps and the town asks you not to use your air
conditioning, the charm of this place more than makes up for this small
shortcoming. There is also a free pump out available. The park adjacent to the wall is well
maintained with adult tricycles to borrow, picnic tables, Muskoka chairs, and lovely
flower beds. There are also many patio tables with nice comfy chairs and
umbrellas available to the visiting boater right on the wall. Bathrooms and
showers are not available on weekend or after hours but the atmosphere of this
place more than makes up for this inconvenience.
Ducks of all sorts abound around the duck
feeding stations rights there in the park. These stations are set up to
encourage the ducks to call this spot home.
Although this town, like so many, has been hit
hard by the recession there is still evidence of pride in America throughout
the harbour area. Houses are being
maintained, American flags are flying, and a good natured spirit lives strongly
here.
A must for breakfast is Larkins.
It’s gotta be one of the friendliest places in the area. A big appetite is needed to finish a regular
sized order. Perhaps I should have
chosen a small plate. The servings, in
my opinion, are huge.
Groceries and basic supplies can be obtained 2 blocks north at the Nice
& Easy.
To explain the attitude the town has towards visitors I offer an excerpt
from the town mission statement printed on visitors pamphlets “To serve all tourists that visit our canal
site, to offer hospitality to tourists and townsfolk …” They certainly live
up to the mission statement, from locals living along the canal who offer
directions when needed, to police officers that are quick to stop, talk and
tease tourists in a light hearted, friendly manner.
Leaving Phoenix you pass a nice new canal maintenance center filled with
tugs and barges. You can’t miss it.
And now I leave the Oswego Canal, heading for the Historic Erie.
© Simon Geller 2014
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