Sacandaga Res. is a cool lake to hang on. Spent many an afternoon at sand island playing vollyball and fishing around the Edinburgh bridge in my late teens. But it's a resevoir. We always had the houses (my Dads, Step Brother and three Step Sister's) to go to after being on the lake all day. Unfortunately the season ends so early. By labor day the water is being lowered and that's that. We "almost" bought a camp up there about seven or eight years ago.
Good lunch spots would be Catskill Point as previously mentioned, Yanni's Three in the Athens "Side Cut", The Boat House at Shady Harbor, Yanni's Too at Coeymans Landing, "The Barge" at the Albany Waterfront, "The "Other" Barge" at the Watervliet park, Fresno's or Brown's at the Troy Docks. All are right on the water and are easy to dock, get in and get out.
Ditto what everyone else said about the locks. Be sure to switch your radio to 13 upon approach to the Federal Lock. All of the canal traffic and locks operate on channel 13.
We anchor out accross from Waterford during festivals and go to that Price Chopper quite a bit. Usually by dingy, but I have gotten my 24'er in and out of there with no problems. Only saw grocery carts in the water once and that was two years ago.
Ron, if he is going to Alcove Marina, those guys are one of the few boat haulers around here. Same name. They move huge boats. As well as my friend's boat every year and have always done a good job.
Robert, any more questions just ask! Enjoy your new boat up there. Indeed, not the largest boat up there, but it will seem small compared to the miles you can go on the river.
