As we head west on the Erie Canal, there is a junction where loopers often head north along the Oswego Canal to Lake Ontario and north to explore Canadian waterways. With the Canadian border still closed due to COVID, if a looper boat can sneak under several 15’ bridges, the most expeditious route is to continue west on the Erie Canal. Thankfully, by taking down Slo Pace’s bimini top enclosure and lowering the radar mast (it’s hinged), we can get down to an air draft of 14’. Whew! We have been reminded of the song “Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal” written about mules and low bridges on the Erie Canal. As a side note, for the boats who are not able to reduce their air draft to pass under the low bridges, they can travel along the USA side of Lake Ontario and make arrangements for a captain to take their boat through the Canadian Welland Canal and out to Lake Erie, bypassing the western Erie. So glad we can fit by going topless!
We are about half way through the western Erie Canal. This week’s highlights include a concert in the park at Newark, NY; Dave helping a young boy rescue his model boat drifting away at Lyons, NY, an awesome Farmers Market in Fairport, NY, and we enjoyed a history lesson on the women’s equal rights movement in Seneca Falls, NY where many of the meetings were held and also strolled through “It’s a Wonderful Life” museum. Yes, we walked over “the” bridge from the movie. Walking around Seneca Falls was just like being in Bedford Falls (except we didn’t run into Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed nor was there any snow falling).
We continue to travel through many locks along the canal, just passing through Lock 30 before our most recent stop at Fairport, NY. The western Erie Canal has rental boats which we are now seeing at the various stops. Our good friend Joe Coleman has orchestrated several trips with friends and families in the boats – I think they have up to 10 boats at a time in their flotilla. I see what a great trip that would be. For our friends from Florida, one of the pictures below share a connection between Fairport, NY and Deland, FL. Hopefully you can zoom in and read the story,
Onward toward the Great Lakes!
Photos of Baldwinsville, Lyons, Newark and Fairport, NY – Western Erie Canal
Photos at Seneca Falls
Thanks for following along our adventure.
Dave, Brenda, and Murphy
Wow, I love the pics!
I assume it is always sunny and mild weather in western NY 😉
Enjoy!
I’d fallen a little behind in catching up with you guys, but so happy to learn about your visit to Seneca Falls and all the history you’ve encountered. And the history Dave made along the way rescuing a motor boat in distress! The pictures are amazing. I be the town in beautiful in winter as well. Enjoying your adventure right along with you topless beauties!