Erie Canal (Clinton's Ditch)

[tangentair]

Speaking of, what do you think about it? Is it worth the money, a good idea, or just another political pork for some specialized interest groups?

[rowdy]

What is it?

[Hamin' X]

More info please.

[Catigale]

Its a great recreational waterway, rich in history.

Right now its administered by the Thruway authority, who are in trouble because gas prices >>less travel >> less tolls >> tighter budgets

We cruise on it every year though. The towns love boaters - offer free tie ups, water and power and food is practically free upstate.

Great summer venue

http://www.nyscanals.gov/cculture/history/

[tangentair]

I was considering it for a few days run but it looks like you would have to drop the mast for most of it till you get to Onida(sp?) Lake.

[Catigale]

Mastless pretty much.

Nice sailing diversions on Oneida, Cayuga/Seneca, and Ontario of course - you get to Ontario through the Oswego Canal.

AndyM slips down on Seneca, and Im on the Hudson river end of the canal of course.

[Hamin' X]

There might be more responses to this if it is moved to: Events & Venues and retitled: Erie Canal.

[pokerrick1]

One of the best vacations I EVER took was a week on the Erie Canal in about 1970 from Buffalo to almost Rochester and back in a 20' Chris Craft with a 4 cyl Grey (Gray?) Marine inboard. Many places back then to pull into coves that were right off the canal - - - walk up stairs to the gin mills on the road - - - and eat GREAT FOOD!!! And all towns along the way welcomed us with open arms - - - hotels had boater rates, etc.

Rick

[Catigale]

You can rent a canal boat, a 30 footer liveaboard for 3-5 days and spend it on the western end of the canal - Fairport NY is a nice place to hang out. There are several Canal day events during the year.

The Canal is open May until early November each year.

Incidentally, the Canal was the idea of a business man in debtors prison, and Governor Dewitt Clinton grabbed the idea and named it his own, pols dont change, apparently.