Little Falls On the Erie Canal

An early start this morning at 7am in order to join the flotilla to make the first lock opening. Lead by Yolo, Masquerade, NH and a little while later Worthy. All boats cruised at a lovely pace 7.5 knots and by 3pm were tied up at Little Falls Canal Harbor. A total of 42 miles and 7 locks. A bald eagle spotted lurching on the tree top - too far for the camera!The locks are simple yet ingenious structures that raise and lower boats as they transit the water. NH is now 363 feet above sea level. The picture below captures Yolo entering the lock.

Now Nana was wondering what happens to all the drift wood that gets stuck at the dams. Today she witnessed the answer as she watched the working tug scoop up the logs with the bucket. She also noticed that along the canal there were stacks of driftwood waiting to be picked up.

Did you know? The 360 mile east-west Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany parallels the Erie Canal and is part of the newly completed Empire State Trail. Lots of cyclist along the way and of course NH continues to follow the path of the train. Many of the small villages have local museums and visitor centers with restrooms, showers etc to accommodate boaters, cyclists , walkers and paddlers. Very peaceful spots to have dinner onboard or at local restaurants and enjoy mixed sounds of nature and community. Tomorrow we will head for Rome. A European theme going on here with these town names.