When we pulled into the city dock yesterday, we quickly determined that Fort Edward deserved an extra day for exploration. We took a walk up and down Broadway this morning and enjoyed what we saw ... along with the warm temperatures, sunshine, and blue sky. The artwork on one building proclaimed, "By river, by road, by rail -- All paths lead to Fort Edward." Further down the street we found a Mail Pouch Barn with the advertorial message still vibrant and legible. A transition to the residential area brought the nice surprise of an authentic hitching post out front at the curb.
We returned to Crossroads for a little breakfast. By this time the two other boats who were with us on the wall had already departed, one heading north and the other south. We had the whole dock to ourselves. This wall is a bit taller than others we've tied up to (or is the water lower?) and it takes a bit of acrobatics to climb up our steps onto the bullwork then onto the cheeks before stepping off to ground level.
Our next destination was the Rogers Island Visitor Center. We found the expansive grounds and landscaping quite impressive. There were signboards around the exterior informing visitors of the area's history and present. Also of interest was the Variegated Norway Maple tree that we were told was a rare specimen. Its leaves are definitely unique.
Inside we watched a movie on the archeological significance of the area (true to form, I fell asleep and missed the last half) and then toured the nice collection of exhibits. The island was home to Captain Robert Rogers' Rangers and also housed British barracks during the French and Indian War. Rogers is famous for detailing his training methods and way of confronting an enemy on the battlefield, laying the basis for today's Special Ops.
The museum touched on the history of Fort Edward and we learned that the amazing yard game of Jarts -- that I played in the 1970s without incident or bodily harm -- was developed here in Fort Edward by a dentist in the 1950s. Wow, this is something I will always remember!
We returned to Crossroads for a relaxing afternoon of route planning, reading, napping and watching the mallards. We also ended up just watching the cottonwood pollen fall. We were first introduced to this fluffy fairy-like spectacle back in Croton-on-Hudson (Half Moon Bay Marina) several weeks ago and have chased the pollen season as we have moved north. As you can see from the specks on the water and our docklines, it accumulates like snow and makes a real mess. We had made it through pine pollen and oak pollen seasons in Virginia and finally had gotten all of it washed from Crossroads. Now we can't wait to see the end of cottonwood pollen season.
Overall, we had a great visit here in Fort Edward. All is good on Crossroads and we will head out tomorrow morning, continuing north to Lake Champlain. Temperatures will be on the rise here as well, with predicted highs in the 90s. Maybe I won't need a sweatshirt.
And, finally, my favorite mallard shot from this evening. He (and his reflection) sure are handsome.
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