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Cruising
Guide Map: CS-11B
As we start our tour we must exit Cayuga Lake via Cayuga-Seneca Lock
1, here seen in the distance. Turning to port here would send us
west on our
Cayuga-Seneca Canal tour. |
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| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-11B
After passing under Freebridge S-1 on our way north to the Erie, and
for a good deal of this part of the canal system you are in the
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. This is a beautiful cruise
on the canal for nature and especially bird watchers. |
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| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-11B
Just before you reach the junction of the Cayuga-Seneca and Erie
Canals you pass under one of the landmarks that stopped commercial
traffic on the canal system - New York State Thruway 90. First the
railroads and then the highways made the commercial usefulness of the
canals negligible. Fortunate the pleasure boater, fisherman, and
historic significance of the NYS Barge Canal made it attractive as a
tourist attraction. |
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| Cruising
Guide Map: CS-11B
Now we reach the island in the center of the canal that acts as a
junction for the Erie and Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Veer to port and
you are headed west to Lake Erie, veer to starboard and you are headed
east to the Hudson River - after several days journey that is.
For this, our first long excursion on the Erie Canal, we are headed
west to Spencerport NY. |
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| Cruising
Guide Map: E- 27
We are on the Erie Canal! Heading past marker R548 on our
journey west. Our first Erie Canal awaits at E25. Enjoy the bird
watching on this part of the canal. Blue Heron are abundant. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
26
As we approach marker R-552 I call ahead to the lockmaster at E25:
"Lock E-25, Lock E-25, this is the Kopasetic requesting
westbound passage, over." And I get a prompt reply and the state
of the lock. In this case, the lock was ready and waiting. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
26
Approaching Lock E25, you can see it in the distance in this image, as
well as the first mate, boat hook at the ready. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
26
Here we are entering Lock E25, just as immaculate as all the others we
have seen on the canal system. Be prepared for any type of
device to hold on to in the locks - sometimes you'll get cables,
sometimes ropes, sometimes ladders. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
26
Inside Lock E25 we have a view of the lock house and the well
manicured grounds. The lockmasters strive to make their lock the
best on the canal, and there is a contest to see who maintains the
best looking lock. Many have flower gardens, picnic areas for
landlubbers, and allow fishing off the approach walls. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
26
Leaving Lock E25
we pass under a bridge and head toward Oak Orchard Campground, one of
the many along the canal system. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
26
Oak Orchard Marina & Campground is located just past Lock E25 and
is a popular spot for anglers to park their RV's or tents to test the
fishing in the canal system. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
26
Bridge E-92 looms ahead as we cruise along a nice picturesque section
of the canal on our way to Lock E26. The first mate enjoys
lounging on the bow during these stretches, where she can read a book
or listen to music. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
25
At marker
G577, although its out of site from the |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
25
Another nice stretch of canal as we pass marker
G584A. There is no better feeling to canallers than these
peaceful stretches of woods. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
25
Here we are approaching Lock E26 where there have a picnic area and a
boat ramp. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
25
Lock E26
is again another example of the fine upkeep and maintenance shown by
the lockmasters on the NYS Canal System. An it is a lot of hard work -
these locks are closing in on a century of use! In the image on
the right, you can see the lock information sign which is available at
each lock for information on the depth of that lock. There usually is
a "distance to next lock" line as well. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
25
The next bridge as we depart Lock E26 is marked with a "low clearance"
warning in the NYS Canal Guide - caution is advised for taller
cruisers. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
25
R612 - not everything is pretty... |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
24
At marker
R613 we happened by the two reasons the canal system is no longer the
bustling commercial venture it once was - the train and the highways.
Interestingly, they followed the canal system lead by using the route
devised by the canal builders to lay the track and road that runs
through New York State. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
24
E-94 Bridge - entering Clyde we pass under NY Route 414 which runs
south through wine county in the
Finger Lakes Region of
New York. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
24
As you continue west you see two accommodations on the canal in Clyde
- The boat launch (left) and the terminal wall, where you can tie up
for a visit to Clyde. |
