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July 20, 2002

Around 2:30 a.m. we left Rybinsk Reservoir and entered the Sheksna river, known for its clear waters rich in fish such as pike, perch, bream and burbot.

Around 8:30 a.m. we passed through the lock near the town of Sheksna.
The Sheksna Hydroplant consists of a hydrostation, uncharacteristically built into the concrete dam, and Locks #7 and #8. The locks lie side by side and are both operable. Lock #8 opened in 1992 and takes large passenger ships.
From 11 to 3 we enjoyed a recreation stop at Irma. A small village of dachas (summer country houses) were up the hill and its inhabitants in addition to their craft displays had developed a small business of showing their homes, gardens and hospitality.
While some dodged street vendors others participated in a fishing contest with every fish caught worth a bottle of champagne.
After weighing anchor at Irma, we continued sailing along the Sheksna River and by early evening entered into the Sizminsky Floodwaters. This massive basin resembling a lake formerly was a shallow and winding stretch of the Sheksna River of the Sheksna river

As the sun went down we passed by the village of Goritsy, known for its formidable Resurrection Convent. In earlier times it served as a prison for nobility.

That night we cruised White Lake.
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