Heading East in the Erie Canal

Sat 9/23/06
Brewerton, NY to Little Falls, NY
70 mi, 7 hrs, 10 locks

At about 8:30 AM we pulled out of the boat yard and into the Erie Canal headed east.

The temp is in the 50’s and there are the beginnings of rain. It looks like a less than perfect weather day is ahead for us.

After a few minutes we entered Lake Oneida

for a 20 mile run before we reenter the canal at Sylvan Beach.


This portion of the canal, to Little Falls, is almost all cut (dug) channel,

so there is a 10 MPH speed limit; but it’s heavily wooded and very natural. Also the trees are just starting to turn,


making it just plain beautiful.

The first 3 locks we raise the boat up, and the remainder of the locks will take us down to sea level in the Hudson.

As we approached the first lock of the day,

I am sure that both Amanda and Jason were a little apprehensive;

but they quickly got the hang of it,

and seemed to enjoy themselves and they even gave me a few turns at the lines.

Actually we all took turns driving and handling the lines;



and Jason really mastered maneuvering the boat in the tight confines of the locks.

But it’s not all work. There are wonderful times of solitude,

as well as times of togetherness,

interesting sights,


and magnificent scenery.



About 4:00 PM we tied up at the terminal wall at Little Falls for the night.

Amanda and Jason went for a run, and explored the town while I “rested” and cleaned up. The harbor master drove us into town where we had a wonderful dinner and we walked back to the boat (to justify the deserts) for a good nights rest.

It’s really wonderful to have Amanda and Jason with me. I truly love my grandchildren; but it’s so nice to have some time alone with Amanda & Jason without the kids. I am so thankful that Bobbie & Terrance and Brenda & Jerry were able to baby-sit and give me this moment in time.