Tales from a Tug on the Erie Canal….
Awesome people….
From the locktenders who guide you through, the store keepers along the way and the distillers who make some fine wine and spirits you can’t beat the friendly vibe that welcomes boaters along the canal. There is a great vibe all along the route and the chance to meet some great folks.
Incredible Views….
No boring horizons here - just a meandering trip where there is something new around each bend. See some great homes, cross a few lakes and see a side of towns that you would never from the car. Each leg of the journey is a new surprise with something (un)expected.
Cool Places….
Huge locks, Revolutionary War Forts, gin distileries, music amphitheaters, breweries, eclectic stores, canal museums, colleges, State Parks, huge lakes, small town squares, historic markers, canal boats, hidden spaces and downtown vistas…. welcome to the water that brings you to some unique places!
If you have a chance to explore the Erie Canal area by either boat, bike, car or foot I would highly encourage you to do so. I have spent 2 trips to the area each one spending 10 days traveling different sections of the canal. While many boaters use the canal as a pass through portion of the Great Loop, just as many folks choose to slow down and spend some time visiting the many towns along the way. There are plenty of small towns along the route almost all of which have made boaters welcome to visit and explore. Free docks, clean showers and pump outs are just a few of the welcoming amenities that boaters will find along the banks of the canal. It was not unusual to be tying up the boat when you get approached by a local resident or official greeter who lets you know all about the town where you have stopped. Advice on food, hardware, shops and local events will be provided. In Lyons you can take a shower in the Fire Department. At Syracuse you can take a short walk to the Erie Canal Museum and get some excellent BBQ. Lock 5 Distillary in Phoenix has some excellent local made spirits. Oswego harbor is home base for some of the best fishing Lake Ontario. There really is so much to do along the way!
