And the challenges continue

 August  30, 2022

Massena Internatioinal CG site 129

Massena, NY

Today's adventures turned out to be just as challenging and elusive as the rest of this stay in Massena.  Momma had consulted the on-line schedule for ships passing through the Eisenhower Locks and they headed off early with plenty of time to spare.  They knew that the closest bridge was out of service for repairs,

but that only added about 5 miles to the trip.  They arrived ahead of schedule to view

the stern of the ship chugging along after already passing through the locks.  WHAT????  Too late?? But we are early!!

The signage said the ship has to carefully navigate into the lock that is very close in width to the ship's beam (width).  Then it takes 7 minutes for the 22 million gallons of water to either fill or empty the locks (depending on which direction the ship is heading) adjusting the water level by 42 feet, making the total time in the locks 20 minutes. 

 Well they may post a schedule, but they obviously don't adhere to it.  But Momma and Dad weren't really all that upset about it as they have had opportunities to see other locks close up, in action and this overlook view was so far removed, it would have been advantageous to use binoculars.  Not very visitor friendly.

Momma said they were they only ones in the outlook viewing area besides the feathered friends.

Oh well, just another typical experience for this area for us.  Too late, too far, not available.

But the challenges don't stop there.  Let me recap dinner for you.  Remember that restaurant that was supposed to be open but was closed.  Well, they are short staffed so they take every other Monday off.  Tuesday, they were in full operation mode.

Momma and Dad settled into their booth and the server quickly took their order.  It's a good thing the dressing for the antipasto was served on the side as it tasted like...oil...even after being sure to mix it. Oh well, the meat and cheese were plentiful with a scoop of tuna in the center.  After a while, the waitress came by to say,  "The cooks are learning.  Your calzone is quite crispy.  They have already begun making you another one.  I'll bring the 'overbaked' one in case you want to pick at it while you continue to wait on your meal."  No problem.  Nothing less was expected after the last few days of challenges experienced. This fits right in.

Needless to say, they passed on this crispy, burnt offering saving room for the new and improved version.  

This 'medium' sized calzone was huge.  I guess the cooks must be learning about sizing as well??  I wonder what a large would look like.  Would they even have a pan large enough to serve it on?  

Dad said he sure misses Stavros's.  This calzone didn't even come close to measuring up to Stavros's standards. Maybe you're just getting homesick.  Just give me a taste Dad.  I'll see if it measures up to MY standards.  Why don't I help you out and eat that slice of cheesecake they gifted you with due to the issues with your dinner?

I'm Chloe