09/10/05 - Erie Canal

Hi: Rick & Carol--- I agree the Seneca Lake State park is probably the best location over all. I recently spent a week there. Also they do have 24 hr. security, reasonably priced camp sites and a free boat ramp with ample parking and reasonable over night berths, plus being on 19,000 acres. A small store across the road handles a variety of supplies, including ice and firewood. We could possibly gather there over the weekend and start the canal cruise on that coming Monday, Sept. 12th. I understand that Henry B's (Italian) is a good canalside restaurant in Seneca Falls,that is set up for groups but they are closed on Mondays. There is a good restaurant in Trumansville called Red or Red's, and two in Lodi --Suzanne(dinner), and Ginny Lee(brunch),at the Wagner Winery. Good places to go over the weekend, but only car accessible,but not far from the State Park. Rich
 
Rick & Carol--- just noticed, I have gotten Sampson State Park confused with Seneca Lake State park, I don't know a thing about Seneca Lake State Park, where I was staying was at Sampson on 19,000 acres and a picnic bench for every person,(a great spot) but it is further south on Lake Seneca. I must be chasing to many rainbows. Rich
 
As Rich said, Sampson Lake State Park has a ramp and camping. We camped there but did not launch there -- parking truck and trailer there, we were told, was $5/day. So we launched at Seneca Lake State Park the next day and left the truck and trailer there for no charge. Security must have been fine, since we just picked it up and all was fine.

Richard B's restaurant in Seneca Falls is a great Italian place, but expensive. A less costly place would be Parkers, a 'pub' in Geneva with good food at a reasonable price. Geneva is a short distance from Seneca Lake State Park.

Rick of Maine -- there is a fine town dock in Seneca Falls. Free tie includes electricity. Might want to be there instead of a b&b. We stayed at the dock and enjoyed the town.

The ramp at Seneca Falls will probably not be crowded on the 10th. First, it is late in the season. Second, locals out for the day, launch at a nearby (free) county ramp rather than pay the day-use fee at the State Park -- but the county ramp may not have the security the State Park has. For us to launch at the state park, we would pay one-time day use for the launch day and then leave t&t for free.
 
Thanks, Guys, just the info we were looking for.

I've got to take Carol to the B&B in Seneca Falls. It has a private dock! It was featured in "Victorian" magazine a few years ago. It is unbelievebly done up in Victorian fashion, with every Victorian ruffle, flourish, knick knack, doll, etc that Carol could ever want to see. Plus it has magnificent gardens leading to the dock. So, I've got to stay there with Carol. Luckily, it's only around the corner from the town docks, so we can still meet you guys there and play with ya.

Meeting in Geneva at the Pub sounds super to me. Do the rest of you guys want to meet there on the 10th, 11th, or 12th? Which date shall we meet? Once we get the date, we can set a time. Let us know your time preferences, too.

Rick & Carol from Maine
 
OK, here's my 2 cents worth....... based on previous posts it looks like we'll meet at Seneca Lake State Park on the 10th and the canal cruise will start West Bound on the 12th....... OK... that's what I'm programed for.

Also, it looks like it would be a short run by boat to Geneve for eats.

One question on the canal...... I've got the cruise guide and have gone over it thoroughly, but haven't found anything about the "workings" of the "Guard Gates". I'm guessing this is some sort of gate across the canel that provents you from proceeding.... any explanations.... thanks
 
The trip to Parker's in Geneva would be by car from Seneca Lake State Park -- not on the water. Also, it should be mentioned that the pub can be a bit noisy for evening meal and much quieter for noon meal. Not pushing this place, just giving information for all to put in there 2cents worth. George and Penny may have some ideas, now that they're home from their canal cruise.

Guard gates are vertical drop-down guillotines, designed to dam the canal if there are flood events. They save wash-outs from flooding.
 
Hello to All: Just had a thought this am. The Ramada Inn in Geneva has two good dining areas inside plus a large bar, and an outside dining deck. On the ground floor. It is located right on the Lake and the city of Geneva has a very good public boat dock,right next door, we were the only boat there in late June. I believe it is a floating dock with free electricity. We had a good and reasonable lunch with very good service and it is more upscale than your typical Ramada. Just might be a good gathering point by boat or car. -----Rich
 
Wanderer is home in Annapolis after completing a 23 day trip on the Erie Canal, Champlain Canal and Lake Champlain. We launched and then left the tow rig at Seneca Lake State Park. Our trip took us east to Mile 0 at Waterford and then north as far as Vergennes on Lake Champlain. We then turned around and retraced our track past the CS Canal and as far west as Holley – Mile 283. Finally, we returned to Seneca Lake, hauled and towed home. Skipper Bob shows the Erie Canal to be 342 miles. Penny and I did not see the last 59 miles toward the West.

Considering whether to cruise east or west from the junction of Erie and Cayuga/Seneca Canals? Here are some of our impressions:
Seneca Lake State Park is a fine place to launch and leave a tow rig. No Camping. Head up the Cayuga/Seneca Canal go through one lock and spend the night in Seneca Falls. It is 8.6 miles from your launch point.

If you are interested in history, traveling faster than 10 MPH, or seeing outdoor scenery, go east. If small towns not far apart, facilities (shower, bathrooms, water and electricity) and restaurants are your main interest, go west.

The most interesting day of the trip ashore was visiting Ft. Stanwix in Rome. This fort was built to control portage between Wood Creek and the Mohawk River.

The most interesting day underway was the run from Lock 12 –last one before Lake Champlain – into Lake Champlain.

The best evening was in Spencerport. We enjoyed the concert.

The most attractive buildings on “Main St.” were seen in Pittsford.

The best antique shops were in Little Falls.

The best walk was in Holley.

Much of the eastern section of the canal is along river beds. The Mohawk Valley is attractive.

As we understand the new speed limits, you may travel no more than 45 MPH when the canal follows a river bed or lake. You must also be more than 100 feet from another boat or a dock. The general rule that you are responsible for your wake always applies. Some areas are posted No Wake.

To the west of the CS Canal, we saw nothing but a cut canal or a raised embankment. Here the speed limit is 10 MPH or 8.7 knots. More areas are posted No Wake.

If you go west, these towns are worth a stop: Newark, Palmyra, Fairport, Pittsford, Spencerport, Brockport and Holley.

If you go east, don’t miss Baldwinsville, Sylvan Beach, Rome, Utica, Little Falls, Canajoharie, and Waterford.

A good one week cruise could be had in either direction. If you intend to go our and come back on the water, save some of the good spots for the return trip.

In the next few days, I'll add this trip to our web site http://www.2Wander.com.
 
I'm considering joining my fellow C-Dory travelers for the Erie Canal transit. I would be single handed most of the way. My bride begins teaching another year of high school on 9/6, or thereabouts, and won't be available, and my "crew" would consist of my 4 year old grandson, for part of the way.

I'm wondering if it's feasible to single hand, and if not, where problem areas are, and what arrangements I could make to raft and/or take on a temporary crew member.

El and Bill, and George and Penny, perhaps you have particular suggestions, but I'm open to all advice.

Thanks in advance.

David on Alma's Only
 
David --
Only problem might be in the locks -- as long as the lock tender allows, and they should if told in advance as we lock in, you could raft with us in the lock and then single-handling should be easy. You may already be adept at single-handling a lock, but if not, you're welcome to raft to us. It isn't difficult, but takes a little practice and you can see the technique by rafting and if you feel confident (or experimental) you can then go on your own.
 
El and Bill:

Thanks for the encouragement, and generous rafting offer. I have never single-handed a lock, but have done single-handed docking, and negotiated locks with or as crew in Virginia (Dismal Swamp and the Virginia Cut), and from the Ohio River to the Gulf of Mexico. I don't think most would pose a particular problem, especially if I did a little pre-rigging of lines. But, there are always those few stinkers, and I think I'd greatly prefer to raft through them.

So, I'll begin doing some trip planning!

Looking forward to seeing you again.

David
 
Hi David,

I have read that the Canadian locks require 2 people in the boat when locking. I've seen boats single hand the Cayuga Seneca canal locks with no problem just holding one line at the fore/aft centerline of the boat. But, the 22' C-Dory centerline is forward of the cockpit, so it's not as easy.

I second Bill's motion that you should raft with one of us to make the locking easiest.

I've thought about how I'd single hand the locks, and decided that the easiest way would be to use the solid fixed cable/pipe that some locks have on their wall. Those would be easy to just loop a line around while standing in the forward corner of the cockpit. You'd be able to control your boat from moving with the line and a boat hook.

However, most of the western Erie & CS Canal locks only have loose footed lines that hang from the top of the wall. With these lines it's good to have someone forward hold one line and someone aft hold another to keep from swinging out. Rafting to a boat that has 2 people will eliminate that problem.

You're also welcome to raft with us.

Rick from Maine
 
David,

Rafting to Halcyon is the way to go. They have more experience than anyone I know. And that is after Penny and I worked 92 locks on our recent trip to the NY canals.

Now, if Bill’s fee gets too high, talk to El. She’s really the one in charge and is a soft touch.

Should you go through, as the only boat handler, here are a few thoughts. Wear a life jacket and have a way to get back on board. Leaving a four year old on board alone is "un-good". If he were my grandson, he would be wearing a life harness that would be tied so that he could not reach the water whenever the boat required most of my attention. Read “Skipper Bob” and know in advance the type of attachment – hanging ropes, rope and pole, etc. and whether going up or down. Some locks will require you to use only one of the walls. Put one bumper on the aft quarter and one on the middle cleat. Unless they are large bumpers, you will need another hanging outboard, from the handle above the step into the cockpit. If you are holding the boat by yourself from the cockpit, the ends will want to rub the wall - especially during a lift.

I apologize for sounding pedantic. It's your fault; you invited “particular suggestions”. In my defense, you need to know that on the water, I am a “belt and suspenders” type. I don’t want to make this sound scary. It is not. I wouldn’t hesitate to lock up or down alone.

You’ll have a ball. Enjoy!
 
Thanks to all for the specific info on locking thru..... I had planned on bringing only 4 bumpers, but now see I'll need six...... any other specific suggestions will be appreciated.
 
Hi Everyone,

Pat and I just returned from two weeks on the Erie Canal. We launched at Seneca State Park in Geneva, good ramp and free secure parking.

It is only a short ride to Seneca Falls. They have free dockage and some of the spots even have electricity. They are installing new power poles on the other side of the canal but they may not be ready by Sept. The town has a good musuem, visiter center, and the Womens Rights Natl. Park. Plenty of good food and a big coffee house with lots of good food. Very important! a good canal side ice cream shop.

We went east to the Oswego Canal then up to Oswego a nice town with a good maritime musuem and plenty of good food. The trip into town as you are locking down is special. With any wind two persons are needed for lines. We were blown off of a single line, but , we recovered OK.

We do prefer the western end of the canal. We like Newark, free dockage, free showers, free washer and dryer. The 1940s Newark Diner is a must and Palmers Resturant is also a very good stop, all with-in walking distance from the docks.

Fairport is not to be missed. The best showers on the canal and a lot of canal side docking and the resturants could handle a lot of Sea Dogs. Good gift shops and a neat walking tour. We have been cruising to Fairport for over 10 years and it is still our favorite stop.

Pat and I will be coming to Lake Seneca from Ohio so our date of arrival is still not solid. We plan to head west as far as Fairport and hope to see some of you that are cruising the western end of the canal.

The idea of rafting for the single handers is good. We tried a single line, but the wind gave us problems. The best for us since Pat cannot work on the fore deck is, Pat in the starboard stern quarter grabs a free line, i leave the helm and scamper forward with the boat hook and snare the bow line. Well scamper my not be the best word! This works really well when you have a stern wind.

Sorry for the long post. See you in September.

Fred and Pat
 
Hi All,

Fred Heaps posted a message about needing fender boards and long lines for the Erie Canal. While boards may help keep your fenders clean they would probably be a pain on some of the rough walls. Pat and I just use two 9 inch by 22 inch HTM fenders mounted on our cleats. This set up seems to work very well for us. The locks on the Erie and all NY canals provide either free hanging ropes or fixed cables. When possiable we get one line and one cable, i usually hold the cable with the boat hook.

Look forward to meeting everyone in Sept.

Fred and Pat on C Trek 22ft from Red Lion,Pa.
 
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