Since lock 16 and 17 were still closed we decided to book a week at Hop-O-Nose. We got a dock over on the far side of the creek beside our friends on Mr. Turtle. After the busy day getting the mast down we were all pretty tired so we spent most of the day resting up. We did make a fire that night in the beautiful fire pit. We even managed to track down some marshmallows for Aria and William to roast.

The next day while Jesse got some work done Aria, Sarah, William and I headed out to check out a chocolate shop / cafe. However we quickly got sidetracked when we noticed a very cool antiques market in a beautiful old church. It was one of the biggest and most interesting antiques stores I've ever been in and we spent a very enjoyable hour poking around and checking it all out.

Eventually we made out way to the chocolate shop and we weren't disappointed. The chocolates were all made right there and were beautiful and delicious. It was a perfect stop for Aria and I since both Father's Day and Jesse's birthday were coming up and we were able to get him some delicious gifts.

Over the next few days we checked out more of the cute shops and restaurants in Catskill. We really enjoyed the Sunday market and I managed to get a lamb roast to make for Jesse's birthday dinner.

Jesse's birthday turned into and real party. Our friends on Mr. Turtle baked a cake and put up banner. I made a nice dinner while Jesse and Aria did some dingy sailing. Several of the other cruisers and one of the staff ended up joining us for cake, drinks and a fire. It ended up being one of those magical cruising nights where things just come together and new friends and memories are made.

All too soon our time at Hop-O-Nose was up. The day we were leaving we got the news that we had been waiting for; lock 16 and 17 would be opening the next day! We were finally going to be able to complete the last leg of our journey home.