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ERIE CANAL BARGE CRUISE
September (dates TBD)
In 1825, the Erie Canal opened from Albany to Buffalo. With its numerous locks it was the engineering marvel of the 19th Century. It spurred the first great western movement of American settlers, gave access to the rich land and resources west of the Appalachians and made New York the preeminent commercial city in the USA. With the exception of Binghamton and Elmira, every major city in New York State falls along the route of the Erie Canal, from New York City to Albany, through Schenectady, Utica and Syracuse, to Rochester and Buffalo.
The Canal carves its way through New York’s heartland, past lush farmland, famous battlefields, scenic port towns and thriving wildlife preserves. And links the Great Lakes with the Hudson River and the St. Lawrence Seaway.
It is now a premier waterway and greenway destination for recreation, boating, tourism, and community revitalization. One experiences yesteryear--picturesque marinas, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping boutiques, lodging, museums and verdant parks.
For more on the lore and lure of the Erie Canal system, see www.eriecanalway.gov, www.eriecanal.org and www.nyscanals.gov. A good map of the interconnecting, northeastern inland waterway systems is at www.eriecanal.org/maps/canal_map2.jpg.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED…
The Cruising Committee is considering a one-week charter of self-drive, well-appointed, live-aboard barges. From 34, 41 and 42 feet with two bikes. Sleeps two to six. $2200 to $2850 per barge. See www.midlakesnav.com. Click on “Lockmaster.”
To assist the Cruising Committee in planning, would such a barge cruise interest you? Please pass on your expressions of interest or suggestions to C. Lincoln (Link) Jewett, at linkjewett@earthlink.net.
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