Tuesday July 22, 2025
After a much-needed peaceful night’s sleep, we finally left our wonderful dockage this morning.
But first, we installed the new cushion I’ve been working on. I’ll share a before-and-after photo once I finish the back pieces—it’s coming together nicely!
Our next stop was Clayton, NY, which took us about an hour and a half to reach by motor. Along the way, we passed Carleton Island, where the remains of a once-grand mega mansion still stand in quiet defiance of time.
The mansion was built in the 1890s by William O. Wyckoff, a successful businessman who made his fortune in the typewriter industry. He envisioned the estate as a summer retreat, and at 15,000 square feet with 11 bedrooms, it was certainly a statement of wealth and elegance.
Tragically, Wyckoff died on his very first night in the villa in 1895. His wife had passed away just a month earlier, so neither of them ever got to enjoy the magnificent estate. The mansion sat vacant for over 70 years, slowly succumbing to the elements and time.
In 2022, a real estate agent purchased the property for $300,000, with plans to transform it into a bed and breakfast—complete with glamping on the grounds. So far, though, there’s no sign that restoration work has begun. The villa still waits, as if holding its breath for a new chapter.
Once we were settled at our dock in Clayton, NY, we visited the Antique Boat Museum—a must-see for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship and history on the water. We also made a quick trip to the grocery store to restock a few essentials.
Dinner tonight will be low-key and just right for a summer evening: shrimp salad and a fresh baguette enjoyed onboard. Simple, fresh, and perfect.
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