October 24. Administrative and red tape hurdles remain, but the convergence of the long, last voyage of Lois Mcclure and the Port Byron Heritage Park display site is alive, although moving at slightly faster than glacial pace.

Craig Williams reports, “Attached are photos from late this afternoon.  The contractors are nearly finished with the road from the lock to carry the trailer that will deliver the McClure to just in front of the Erie House. They have staked out the position of the vessel and have drawn in red on the ground where the concrete supports (10) will the poured (hopefully next week).  I had to smile at the ash layers against the canal wall, right in line with the front door of the Erie House.  Obviously, they heated with wood and/or coal and threw many years of ash from the stoves over the canal bank along with bottles, broken dishes, etc.  I remember when we cleared the prism in 1995 of decades of vegetation we found mounds of old liquor bottles at that location.”

Let me note here: It would be interesting for a future post to use any photos of that 1995 prism clearing effort, including the vintage liquor bottles.

I eagerly await witnessing the trailer proceed down this road with the schooner.

October 27. Several miles away, work continues on Lois McClure and weather protection has been added topside.

November 6. Again Craig reports, ” Late this afternoon, the contractors poured the ten foundation pads for the cradle pylons.  These will be lifted and placed in the prepared holes.  They’ll pour the pylons (hopefully) next Wednesday.  Three images attached.  It was interesting bringing the redi-mix truck through the lock chamber.

Meanwhile, we are still waiting on the Thruway to issue their permit to remove enough of the guard rail to bring the McClure through, a very last minute requirement by the Thruway.”

Personally, I’d love to see photos of the redi-mix truck negotiating the lock.

November 8. Mike Riley sent along these photo reports on work several days prior. Meanwhile, sunlight filtered through the weather protection, making it appear to me at least that Lois McClure had sprouted a gossamer wing to help it fly the distance to the Heritage Park.

Mike and crew had added a fresh coat of bottom paint was to the hull waiting to converge with the prepared area at the Heritage Park.

Please stay with Dispatches as we cover the latest stages of Lois McClure‘s adventure.

Got catch-up ideas for our coverage of Seneca Chief? Please send them along. We have at least one more installment on Seneca Chief‘s journey.

Other ideas for Dispatches stories, please contact us here. New and repeat correspondents on any canal heritage events in the many localities along the canal are most welcome.