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Cruising Guide Map: E-
24
At many points along the canal, the Old Erie Canal sections can be
seen if but briefly- here to starboard the original Erie Canal section
in Clyde is exposed. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
24
Many spots along the canal were created by merging into marsh land,
most of it very beautiful to look at while you slowly cruise along.
Unless you are running a boat with a very shallow draft, it's still
advisable to stay in the marked channel - only the channel is assured
safe passage. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
23
More wilderness scenes as we move west on the canal. There
rarely a more enjoyable experience for those of us who like to take it
slow. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
23
G637 marks one of the dozens of old bridge foundation abutments you
see along the canal. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
23
Creagers Road Bridge (E-96) is seen ahead; as we near the more
populated counties, the bridges become more and more abundant.
Watch the markers under all bridges - I've lost two props thinking
I was under the proper side of a 3 base bridge! |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
23
E-97 is an old non-functional RR Bridge you pass along this section of
the canal. |
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| Cruising
Guide Map: E- 23
E-99 RR Bridge is still in operation; on one of our trips we have been
cruising under a RR bridge as the train travels over the top of you.
Very exiting, especially to our 8 year old. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
23
Here is a look at
E-99 RR Bridge close up. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
23
Highway Route 31 is the next landmark; as you pass under the bridge,
now would be a good time to call ahead tot he lockmaster at Lock
E27 to request westbound passage. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
23
G-667 is the last marker before we enter Lyons and Lock E27. In this
approach shot you can see the lock opening (getting ready for us
because of a call from the kindly lockmaster at E26). |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
23
While we wait on Lock E27 briefly, you can see the Lyons Terminal Wall
off our starboard side. The only amenity is transient tie-up, but this
can be nice if you get caught in inclement weather or just need to
abandon the sea legs for a spell. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
23
In the left image, Lyons Terminal Wall has a good deal of room for
tying up; make sure you have your fenders ready on approach - cement
is less forgiving than wood docks. In the right image, you see
the Lyons South Side Canal Park, where transient boaters are welcome
and their is some limited electrical hookups. This is a classic
location where so much more could be done for boaters (restrooms
anyone?). |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
24
Approaching Lock E-27 my first mate stands at the ready on the bow.
After a couple hundred lock-through's, it becomes pretty easy on the
NYS Canal System where barge and commercial traffic is practically
non-existent. Other canals still have considerable commercial
traffic and you must be alert at all times, especially when
negotiating locks. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
23
Inside Lock E-27, the same attention to detail makes our passage
breezy. It is always interesting to talk to the lockmasters and
find out about the number of boats traveling that day, state of the
locks and water, weather, etc. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
23
Erie Canal Cultural Center is off starboard as we depart Lock E27;
this will become a historical center;
Plans for the Erie Canal Cultural
Center include a promenade along the Canal, from Abbey Park
to the Peppermint Office. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
23
Abbey Park is just west of the canal lock and has boat docks (limited
use), a picnic area with grills and play equipment. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
23
Millers Marine has
fuel, transient slips, and electric but we found their restrooms and
other amenities sorely lacking in cleanliness and in need of repair.
One of our biggest problems with most of the marinas we encounter is
the condition of the restrooms and showers. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
22
As we round a bend we can see Lock E-28A in the distance. We
would have radioed the lockmaster about a 1/4 mile before this point. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
22
There is a decent size terminal wall off starboard that makes a
reasonable tie up spot to wait for the lock or take a break. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
22
Entering Lock E-28A; most of the locks provide ropes with attached
floats for hanging on during locking - we find these the easiest to
manage by using gloves and a boat hook. |
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| Cruising Guide Map: E-
22
Inside Lock E-28A once again we see the care taken to keep the locks
neat and clean. |
