Reviews from Timothy Rumbinas (3)

Marina Review for Whitehall Marina

Reviewed by: Timothy Rumbinas , Follow Me, on Sep 11, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 24'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

This is a small, quiet marina just below lock 12. Lynn, the owner, is friendly and accommodating, as is his small staff. The tavern and restaurant on site is relaxed/casual, tasty, and reasonably priced. Bathrooms and showers have always been very clean during my visits. A local favorite for breakfast is Historic Grounds, a ten-minute walk south. You can sleep under their pancakes! Prices are reasonable, and the food is fresh. Whitehall is a very historic town, and an evening walk can be a pleasure.

Docking for larger boats can take some skill, simply because the pool below the lock is not that large. There is typically a wind from the south because of the local terrain, which can be a factor. Access to the fuel dock is straightforward.

Both gas and diesel are available. The next place featuring diesel is over 30 miles north, so be advised should your tanks be low.

The journey north up the narrow lake is one of Champlain's gems. Not only is the scenery spectacular, the area teems with wildlife. It is not uncommon to see a dozen or more bald eagles along the way, and thousands of other birds, as well as turtles, deer, turkey and others.

As with all of the lower lake, it pays to keep a sharp eye on the depth sounder. In many places the channel is narrow, and there is a shoal north of the marina that can be dangerous for keel boats.

This marina is neither fancy or pretentious. I find myself visit at least a few times a year because of the relaxed atmosphere - - plus, the burger is killer!

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Anchorage Review for Fort Ticonderoga

Reviewed by: Timothy Rumbinas, Follow Me, on Aug 31, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 24'
Draft: 3.5'

Although this is a popular and historic spot, it has some real disadvantages. Weed growth is very heavy, and under still conditions mosquitoes can be a nightmare. The decent anchoring spots are exposed to wakes, which can be considerable from large power boats. It can be crowded on popular weekends. Access to the town of Ticonderoga, theoretically possible, involves a fairly long walk. There tends to be a lot of cannon shooting on certain weekends, which is nice if you favor that sort of thing, but not so good if you're catching an afternoon nap. It is also an area to keep a sharp eye on one depth sounder, at it ones from deep enough to stuck in the mud in a hurry. However, if you wish to experience a real piece of colonial history, the location is hard to beat.

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Anchorage Review for Mount Independence

Reviewed by: Timothy Rumbinas, Follow Me, on Aug 31, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 24'
Draft: 3.5'

This can be a better anchorage than Ticonderoga, particularly with an east or south wind. Although there are patches of heavy weed growth, they can be avoided through careful anchor placement. Bottom is clay and mud. A wide fluked anchor holds well. This is an anchorage for the self-sufficient boater. Even if one rows ashore, there is no easy road access, and the town of Orwell is several miles away. It is a stunning location, however, and rarely as crowded as the anchorage at Ticonderoga. In calm conditions, mosquitoes can be a real nuisance, particularly in the evening. A supply of mosquito coils is a must for a pleasant stay. Cell service can be spotty, and depends greatly on your provider. Fuel (91 octane gas) and very limited supplies are available a few miles south on the Vermont side. Coming from the north, it is advisable to obtain any needed supplies in Port Henry NY. Northbound, the best chance to resupply is in Whitehall NY, where the marina features both gas and diesel, a limited ship's store, as well as a bar and restaurant. Other supplies can be obtained by a relatively short walk to town.

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