I have been considering the North from Albany approach to the NY Loop and backing away/reversing from that if my potential air clearance of 16ft is insufficient for passage. I have been down to 16 1/2 but not 16-will that be a problem in normal not flooding conditions?   Unless provoked I prefer to travel with currents at current diesel prices and recent comments have caused me to consider going west from Albany and then eventually south from Ottawa-so having an air clearance issue at the end of the loop rather than the beginning is kinda important.   We enjoy cultural events like Americade-motorcycles in Lake George in ealy June, Vintage Car races in Watkins Glen in Early September,  But farmers markets, parades and wooden boat and Tug festivals are all wonders as well-is there a regional source of a calander of events that is best for this region?   Lastly BUGS-Is there a particular time that blood sucking insects drive you Nuts and is best avoided?   Looking forward to the adventures-and I will be stopping at the 79th St Boat Basin NYC-Its a true wonder with Zebars/Pizza and Bagles alone-the west side bikeway is fantastic and the boat watching rivals the Ft. Lauredale mooring field Sunday afternoons-anchoring flopper stoppers do help.   Kevin Kearney Trawler JOLIE Sutton 45