Western Erie Canal

We removed the bimini, strata glass, and sunbrella from the fly bridge on Spiritus, which allowed her to get under the fixed bridges on the western Erie Canal.

We set sail and enjoyed an unobstructed view of the breathtaking scenery!!

The "Canadians" entertained us as we cruised along the canal.  Honk!  Honk!

After a full day of cruising, we stopped at Baldwinsville . . . . 

. . . . and enjoyed the view of the town cemetery from Spiritus.  It was super quiet!

The First Mate found the perfect bench next to Spiritus under a shade tree.  We enjoyed opening all our snail mail but the many anniversary cards we received filled our hearts with love and gratitude.

Cruising the canal was indescribably beautiful.  The pictures can't possibly capture the beauty.

The First Mate did her "Happy Dance" as we crossed Lake Oneida.

It's fun to see folks enjoying the nostalgic Canal Boats on a summer outing.

Approaching a fixed bridge, the Captain witnessed the importance of removing the top of Spiritus !

The most photographed church in New York caught our attention as we cruised into Seneca Falls.

Our decision to depart the Erie Canal for a side-trip to Seneca Falls was truly worthwhile.

Seneca Falls was the birthplace for Women's Rights!

On July 19, 1848, at the Seneca Falls Wesleyan Chapel  . . . .

. . . .  "A Convention to discuss the Social, Civil, and Religious Condition of Women" came to order.

In 1851, there was a chance encounter on the streets of Seneca Falls which forever altered the struggle for women's rights.  Amelia Bloomer introduced Susan B. Anthony to Elizabeth Stanton.  The friendship that was forged between Stanton and Anthony gave direction and momentum to the 72 year struggle for women's suffrage which culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

Who knew the picturesque town of Seneca Falls was the inspiration for the holiday classic, "It's A Wonderful Life"?  We visited the museum and even met Karolyn Grimes, the actress who played Jimmy Stewart's youngest daughter.  She exudes beauty, optimism, positive energy, and joy!

We remember having luggage just like this!  Thankfully, our roller boards have replaced this suitcase.

We walked across the famous "Bridge Street" bridge where Clarence the Angel talked George Bailey out of jumping.

In real life, the town memorializes a hero who also saved the life of someone who jumped from this bridge.

Spiritus was docked right in front of the Seneca Falls Depot and Canal Museum Visitor Center.

We spent an entire afternoon filling our head with local history.  We have several family & friend firefighters who are grateful their fire trucks are a bit more sophisticated than the Seneca Falls original.

Sylvania test tubes and light bulbs got their start right here in Seneca Falls!

Seneca Falls was a leader in the production of lumber and steel, so many tools can be credited to this area.

We have Seneca Falls to thank for the production of buttons!

And Humpty Dumpty Circus toys were made right here in Seneca Falls too!

Our brains needed a break from all this history so it's time for ice cream.

Quite honestly, it's ALWAYS a good time for ice cream, history or no history! 

We departed the finger lakes on a beautiful, clear day.  The Captain has the Skipper's Guide close at hand, informing us of noteworthy sights along the way!

For those who misplace their map . . . . !

The wildlife was spectacular.  Eagles, deer, horses, cattle, cows, and even foxes!

Approaching Newark, we were impressed by the scenic murals painted under the bridges . . . . 

. . . . and on the dock walls.

Tying up and staying at Newark's dock wall was like being in a botanical garden.

The colorful flowers and canal side benches, swings, and picnic tables were so welcoming.

We walked to the Hoffman Clock Museum in Newark and never dreamed there were so many different kinds, shapes, colors, and clock designs!

Some of us remember clocking in at work on a "Time Clock" like the one in the left of the photo.

These clocks were beautifully painted by very talented artists.

This clock was hand carved by a very patient artisan.

Just a "few" pocket watches.  Linda remembers her grandfather's gold pocket watch.

Eddy made rounds with this very same Detex time clock as a night-watchman at Auburn University!

This globe rotates every 24 hours.  It is a combination globe and clock from which the local time, the time anywhere in the world, and the position of the earth in relation to the sun can be determined.

Spiritus is resting up for her next day of traveling.  Locals often stopped by and were interested in how we got there from Florida!

The reflections in the canal water are magical and so symmetrical.

One of the dozens of  bridges we called to have lifted in order to provide ample clearance for Spiritus.  Many times we could TOUCH the bridge as we passed under it! 

This lift bridge is in the Guinness Book of Records for several reasons.

  One end is higher than the other, it is built on a slant and no two angles on the entire bridge are the same.

One of the many jewels on the Erie Canal is the 350 mile Canalway Trail.

We passed bikers and hikers as we cruised in Spiritus, and when we stopped, we joined them!

A delightful stop in another picturesque, flower-filled town: Spencerport; "Somewhere Special."

And anyone who is anybody meets at VICS for evening fellowship and delicious ice cream!

"Village Ice Cream Shop"

The bridge tender lifted the Spencerport Bridge soon after sunrise and we got an early start to beat the record heat!

We smiled as we passed under the "Holley" lift bridge and thought of home.

Linda's school was Holley-Navarre Intermediate School, filled with students from Holley and Navarre.

There's beauty behind every bridge . . . .

. . . . and around every bend!

Fruit orchards . . . .

. . . . corn fields . . . .

. . . . farms that remind us of the heartland . . . .

. . . . beautifully manicured golf courses . . . .

. . . . and crazy cool playground forts!

..

After miles of scenic rural countryside, we have the town of Medina in sight.

For more than 80 years, sandstone was quarried in Medina.  Medina Sandstone was used in important buildings all over the U.S. and exported to England and Cuba.

A walk to the railroad depot reminded the Captain of his days of wearing a uniform! 

Originally, there were two sets of five step locks.  Today Locks 34 and 35 replace them.

The original five locks are still in place, but are only used for water overflow.

The "new" locks on the left; the "old" step locks on the right.

As we entered the last combination lock, we were greeted by dozens of onlookers.

We provided entertainment and an unbelievable story for the locals!

After 42 locks, miles of beautifulness, dozens of picturesque towns, and a head full of history facts, we completed the entire Erie Canal.  

It far surpassed our expectations!