BoatU.S. - March/April 2010

favorite chartering spots. We had
so many great responses that
we’re presenting this inspiring
feature over two issues. Here are
some of the most intriguing
U.S. destinations
From sea to shining sea, vacation opportunities abound. We asked readers to write in and tell us about their
Barging Through The Empire State

Inside WillMahlmann’s dream barge vacation.

I chartered a 42-foot Lockmaster barge to
cruise the Erie Canal for seven days from
Mid Lakes Navigation in August of 2005. It
was just two old friends fishing and cruising the
locks. Mid Lakes Navigation provided absolutely
everything but food, even down to the gloves for
handling the lines while locking up. They also give
a full orientation and driving lesson. Fuel for the
week is also included as are two bikes onboard for
exploring the towns and trails where you tie up. The
barges are meticulously maintained, immaculately
clean and very comfortable. Bring along a cushion
for the person handling the tiller. All you’ll need is
food, drink, a couple of good books, and an ability
to learn quickly what relaxation really is all about.
I’d highly recommend this as a vacation for a couple,
a family, or just old friends!
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Getting There: The New York State
Canal System is a 524-mile inland
waterway that crosses upstate New
York. Boats depart from Macedon near
Rochester. www.nyscanals.gov
ERIE CANAL, NEW YORK

Where To Stay: Mid Lakes Navigation is the largest of several charter companies that rent houseboats on the canal. They offer easily operated Lockmaster self-skippered canal boats with weekly prices for 2010 starting from $2,300 for a 34-foot barge. www.midlakesnav.com

LAKE POWELL, UTAH

Otherworldly Offerings In Utah

— By Barrett Fait, California

My family has been going to Lake Powell for 30 years. We usually charter a boat from Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas (Amarak) at Bullfrog Marina in Utah. Back in the mid-1970s the boats were nothing like they are now. The number of people using the lake has grown too, but it’s still very remote. We trailer PWCs and ski boats in with us so we can move around and do watersports all day. We’ve done this at Lake Powell and Lake Shasta, and though we enjoyed Shasta, we seem to come back to Powell more often.