http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ Just another bbPress community en-US Sat, 31 Jul 2010 14:10:15 +0000 bbpress 1.0-alpha-2 q http://www.nycanals.com/forum/search.php http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=15#post-55 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:09:11 +0000 admin 55@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>Putting a bike ahead is a great idea. Paddling is relaxing, but relatively slow when you need to cover double the miles per day. Biking should be easy along the canal as it is all flat. </p> <p>I do not believe Towpath Lane (north by Lock 9) and Towpath Road (south by Lock 8) officially connect. You could go around biking very little on the main roads. See the map <a href="http://www.feedercanal.com/images/BicyclepathMap1.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.feedercanal.com/images/BicyclepathMap1.pdf</a> from the feeder canal site. The area of concern is at the northern end of "Old Champlain Canal Towpath" bike path. The map has "no outlet" there. The road is a stone throw away and the only access is via the railroad maintenance path adjacent to the tracks. I'm not sure of the legality of it. Surely officials would not suggest using the railroad for use because of safety issues of being near the tracks and private property.</p> <p>Along the modern canal, there no bridge over the creek where the feeder canal water enters the canal, so no getting by there (another "no outlet" on the map). Looking at a aerial photo I did see an unofficial trail from the Old Champlain Canal Trail to the Modern Champlain Canal trail, which goes over the train tracks. Again, not sure who owns the property.</p> <p>Good luck and make sure you have a wide-tire bike if you plan to use the towpath trails. They are stone dust at best. </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=15#post-54 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:59:18 +0000 canalpaddler 54@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Just started paddling the Champlain Canal by myself this summer. The dilemma has been paddling each section R/T. It's tough work for an old guy. Anyone have any clues to whether or not the Towpath Rd. or Ln. is accessible from Lock 9 back to Lock 8?. </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=14#post-53 Sat, 10 Jul 2010 01:20:21 +0000 joesdocksidecafe 53@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>July 9, 2010; Joe's Dockside Cafe at the Ilion Marina just opened. Food and service are excellent. Friendly folks. Great Marina. </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=13#post-52 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:51:11 +0000 admin 52@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>I think I figured it out. The "wiki" plug-in was activated on your trip report. It allows you to use Wikipedia type format instead of Mediawiki syntax. I deactivated it on your site (it's under plug-ins tab). Having used WordPress before, it should be very familiar for you now. Let me know if I can help and have a safe and fun trip!</p> <p>-Greg </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=13#post-51 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:58:55 +0000 loonfeather 51@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>I've used WordPress before and have had no problems posting pictures. Yet with this site, I get an error message and Post will only show HTML link instead of image. Is there a problem on your end or am I doing something wrong? </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=12#post-50 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:12:47 +0000 admin 50@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Hi suel,</p> <p>Thanks for the info, I'll add it to the Phoenix page.</p> <p>Keep up the good work,<br /> Greg </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=12#post-49 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 02:10:18 +0000 suel 49@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>The Schroeppel Historical Society Museum in Phoenix near Lock 1 on the Oswego Canal will be open to visitors this summer. We will be open on Saturday afternoons, June through August, from 1 to 4 P.M. Located in the former St. John's Episcopal Church at the corner of Main &#38; Volney Streets, we are within easy walking distance from the canal. Stop by and check out our collection of local history, including early canal and village photos and postcards. Our historic building is listed on the Local, State and National Registers. Other times from late Spring to early December we are open by chance or appointment. During the summer you may inquire at Lock 1 for contact information. </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=11#post-48 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:18:17 +0000 kayakthecanal 48@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Sounds Cool. I get out on the canal a bunch and Ive started writing about it in my blog. </p> <p>As stated there are a bunch of places to stay and I find that the people working at the locks are friendly and accommodating. I sometimes find it hard to match good locations with my pace though. And yes the majority of land is private. My advice is to get some hours on the canal to get a sense of what its like. </p> <p>The NYS Canal Corp is suppose to release the GPS Locations of all the kayak/canoe launch points. I cant wait to get that data. </p> <p>-Eric<br /> <a href="http://www.kayakthecanal.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.kayakthecanal.com</a> </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=11#post-47 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:35:44 +0000 freedom1 47@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Sounds like a fantastic trip! I've been paddling the canal a piece at a time and it's alot of fun. The Canal guide is very useful. I also google maps of specific places I'm going through and have them on deck of my kayak to check out my progress. The lock masters are wonderful and they notify each other and look out for you along the way. I always find places along the way to tent out - have always been safe. I have never felt hassled at all. People along the way have been very friendly, helpful, and are usually amused at a kayak going through the locks with all the "big boats". FYI - at Middleport there are restrooms and showers. Also at Medina, Brockport, Holley. Spencerport is a nice stop and has a visitors center. Fairport is a great place to stop, eat, etc. There's a boat launch area with portapotty and walking distance to town in Clyde. I've tented overnight there. The wildlife preserve area is peaceful - listen/look for the eagles nests as you're going through.<br /> I'm doing the Oswego Canal portion this summer. Let's hope the winter goes by quickly... Happy Kayaking!! Rose </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=11#post-46 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:08:21 +0000 Greg 46@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>Sounds like a fun trip! I have seen many people do this type of trip, even if not the entire canal. Most people seem to enjoy themselves. <a href="http://www.soundrowers.org/triplogs/knakal_2003/erie2003.htm">Here</a> is a good trip report of someone who did the entire trip in a rowing shell in 2003. He probably moved a bit faster than you will, and facilities have changed significantly for the better since then, but its a good start.</p> <p>The guide is both good and bad. Good: Great labeling of locks (Phone numbers, lift, etc.), bridges, towns, town dock/marina information, etc. Basically everything for a motor boat. Bad: does not detail what to do in each town, where to camp, etc. for those not sleeping aboard. </p> <p>As far as public lands (and where to camp), ownership of the canal banks change from one place to another. Primarily on the artificial cuts, it is canal corporation property and often the canal trail follows one bank. The river sections are usually privately owned. That said, there are many places to stop such as parks, locks, canal walls, etc. for lunch breaks and the like. The guide gives the location of many of these places.</p> <p>Camping can be found at some places along the way, such as state/local campgrounds along the waterfronts. Also camping is generally permitted (to paddlers/Canalway bikers etc.) at many of the canal locks. I strongly suggest calling ahead to confirm availability, but being a paddler there should be good reason for a lock master to turn you away such as construction, etc. As far as leaving your boat/gear, thats a toss up depending on where you are. At the very least I would bring a bike lock for locking the boat to a tree. Also I would keep my expensive gear (camera, GPS, phone, etc.) in a bag on me. That said, I would be comfortable leaving my boat at many locations during daylight hours. If you can keep your items inside a hatch and out of sight, even better.</p> <p>Let me know if you have specific questions or have a hole in your planning that needs working out.</p> <p>-Greg </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=11#post-45 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:17:41 +0000 pjmmax 45@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>I am starting my planning to kayak the canal from Buffalo to Albany or NYC in late summer of '10. I have ordered the guide and hope it is pretty inclusive or will have to Google everywhere along the way. We expect to camp most of the time. Have people seen many kayaks or rowboats touring the canal? How is the security along the canal, are you able to beach you boat and walk into town for a meal or is that a concern. Is the land along/adjacent the canal all public or private. Where is the start of the canal in WNY? Thanks for any advice, discouragement or Encouragement ! </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=9#post-44 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:22:54 +0000 ericrjones 44@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>By the way, I want to say thank you for all the advice. My wife and I have done a transit by canoe of the Rideau Canal, and paddled several sections of the Trent-Severn, but I've never been on the Erie or Champlain, so this is all new.</p> <p>According, to Erie Canalway website (http://www.eriecanalway.org/explore_canal-regions_champlain_rec.htm) Lock 4 has a canoe launch. I've been using the Bing (http://www.bing.com) Bird's Eye Map View as well as the Google Map Satellite view, and I think it probably is the low place in the bank on the west side of the river above the lock near where a barge seems to be permanently moored. I'm sure we could put in at the Terminal Wall in Mechanicville as well; there is supposed to be an actual boat launch there somewhere, but I can't find it from either Satellite view.</p> <p>I'm leaning slightly toward Stillwater/Mechanicville because it gives us convenient stopping places (namely the locks) every 1.5 hours. That is good for the kids. The other trip would probably involve launching at Lion's Park in Niskayuna, at Lock 7, or at Ferry Road. These are all close to the Vischers Ferry Nature Preserve, which is supposed to be nice. However, it doesn't look like there is anyplace to stop until Waterford. That's a long haul with kids. Also, I'm worried that access to the Mohawk may be difficult because of the water chestnuts. </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=10#post-43 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:35:52 +0000 Greg 43@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Irony: No gas in Gasport?</p> <p>I'm not sure. Do you have the guide from the Canal Corp; they list all the places with gas, and if your unsure you could call the one or two that would be critical for you.</p> <p>Just out of curiosity, what is your range? Also, when on our sailboat we carried 2 standard gas cans for extra fuel and generator. Most places have a gas station within walking distance if your in need (or the local marina's price is just unreasonable; I've seen $2 over the regular street price before elsewhere). </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=9#post-42 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:23:03 +0000 Greg 42@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Hello,</p> <p>Trip 2 and 4 sound good to me. The nature preserve is nice, though there will be more boats on this leg of the trip than the lower Champlain. </p> <p>2. There is a launch on the high side of E7, so you can pack the boat 10 feet from your car. I would talk with the lock master and let them know your plans, and give him or her a heads up about your car. You would start your day out with a lock. Its then a nice paddle to the preserve for lunch/break. And another nice paddle to Cresent Terminal wall (@ route 9 bridge look for the old stones of the former Erie Canal aqueduct) for another break and a Stewart's next door (cold drinks, ice cream &#38; restroom?). This area has houses, but they are not completely lining the river. The north shore is where the old Erie Canal ran, and for a good distance is all public (basically from just past the preserve to Cresent Terminal wall). If needed you should be able to pull out in an emergency, though note the docks are private, the land is not.</p> <p>Then its a paddle to Guard Gate 2 (lock E6) where there is a ramp you can easily get out at. I'm not sure, depending on time and more, if you would camp at the guard gate area, lock 6 or continue. We have camped here before, and fishermen get there early, so if possible take the south side, it may be a bit quieter. Its then an easy time down to Waterford. Before you head down, talk with the person in the Guard Gate house, he or she controls all east bound traffic through the flight of locks (E6-E2).</p> <p>Once in Waterford, pack up your stuff, then start looking around. There are the old side cut locks next to Lock E2. There is a museum south a mile or so. There is Peebles Island with trails and more. </p> <p>4: The Champlain has the advantage of overnighting in Waterford (restrooms &#38; showers), lots to see and do as said above. But it will also be a busy place, so camping will be loud. Starting at lock C4, I'm unfamiliar the launch location, so I'm not sure if you would have to go through the lock. Its a quick crossing to lock C3. On this stretch, be careful of currents, it is not a big deal, just be aware of where you are going, so you don't get caught near a dam. After lock 3 Mechanicville is on the west shore, with a terminal wall. From here south I don't think there is much besides the locks until Waterford. There is a ramp/floating dock at Lock C1, for easy entry/exit. Boat traffic here would not be too bad. There are not too many open water areas like further up the Champlain where people ski, tube, etc. I guess after writing this out the other sounds better.</p> <p>Thanks for letting me know about the canal corporations' rule, I was very surprised to hear about a permit and did not think it was right. I would still call ahead a day before to the campsite of interest just to be sure; I'd mention that you talked to the Canal Corp. </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=9#post-41 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:25:09 +0000 ericrjones 41@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Oh, here's a 4th possibility. </p> <p>4. Lock C4 to Lock E6. There is supposed to be a canoe launch at Lock C4 (Stillwater). Canoe down the Champlain to Waterford, camp there, canoe up through the Waterford Flight and take out at the boat launch at the top of the flight. This one seems like a decent trip, though I don't know what boat traffic will be like on a holiday weekend. </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=9#post-40 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:11:39 +0000 ericrjones 40@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>I talked to someone from the canal corporation and he confirmed that no permit was needed as long as you were arriving somehow other than car (boat, hiking, biking). He did hedge on that it was up to lockmaster, and said they like to know about "groups", which seemed to be anything more than one canoe/tent.</p> <p>I'm actually having trouble finding a "perfect" trip. I need something in 8-10 mile range to keep the kids from engaging in mutiny. I need at least one lock, nice scenery, a good place to camp for at least two tents, and decent put-in and take-out points (for canoes/kayaks, so I don't necessarily need a ramp). We'd need to be able to leave vehicles overnight at both put-in and take-out points (or be able to make alternate shuttle arrangements). There should be some points of historical interest as well. And we're planning on going labor day weekend, but I would like to avoid being overwhelmed with boats.</p> <p>Here are my ideas so far:<br /> 1. Whitehall to Fort Ann. Put in on South Bay, lunch in Whitehall, overnight at C11, take out in Fort Ann. Scenery is reported to be very nice, Whitehall has all the history you need, and there are old Champlain works in Fort Ann. The only really con (no pun intended) is that the overnight is across from the Great Meadows Maxmimum Security Facility, so this is probably not going to happen!</p> <p> 2. ~Lock 7 to Waterford. Put in somewhere; there don't seem to be any good launch points between Lock 7 and Lock 6 (during the summer anyway, when the water chestnuts appear to be in charge), so that could make for a long day of paddling. The Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve is supposed to be very nice, with lots of birds. Waterford flight is something to see I take it, and the Waterford Visitor Center is as well. There is also Pebbles State Park, etc. Not sure what camping is like at Waterford, but it is an "official" campsite along Canalway Trail.</p> <p> 3. ~Lock E10 to Lock E12. Put in at Lock E10 (Amsterdam) and travel down to the Boat Launch on Schoharie Creek. Overnight at Lock E12 (another designated campsite on the Canalway Trail). This looks like it might be nice. There are the remains of an old aqueduct at Schoharie Creek. I think this area is pretty, having seen it from the Thruway (admittedly at 65+mph).</p> <p> Any thoughts? Amsterdam is probably as far West as I want to go, but I'm open to suggestions! </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=10#post-39 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:21:23 +0000 willc 39@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>I wondered what towns still have gas available for boaters heading west from the Seneca Cayuga canal? It has been said that gas is no longer available in GAsport or Pittsford. </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=9#post-38 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:37:37 +0000 Greg 38@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>That is interesting. Let me know what you find out.</p> <p>-Greg </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=9#post-37 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:40:48 +0000 ericrjones 37@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Interestingly, I just talked with the lockmaster at Lock C2, and he said you can't camp at any of the locks without a permit. I haven't seen that information anywhere else. I've got a call into the Canal HQ to see what they can tell me. </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=9#post-36 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:33:56 +0000 Greg 36@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Hi Eric,</p> <p>I'm not sure how far you plan on going, but depending on recent rainfall when your paddling it may or not be an issue. I would suggest going the other way though. Why not go with the current? You will make very good time (3-5mph) vs 2-3mph in the other direction. If you are worried about camping locations, any lock should be fine on the lower Champlain Canal.</p> <p>If you do go north to south, expect some slow going in certain places, especially near the locks and dams if there had been storms recently. The water does not move too fast, but most people can only paddle about 3-4 mph, so a 1mph current is a great help or a curse. Most areas will be less, but some more.</p> <p>The area is mixed with houses and scenic stretches. Peebles Island is nice (note: rapids on all sides other than the Hudson and Waterford Visitor Center). It makes a good afternoon place to explore via foot. There are also smaller scenic locations at the locks. I just started writing <a href="/Champlain_Canal_Boating_Guide">Champlain Canal Boating Guide</a>. That may be worth a read, though it still has a long way to go.</p> <p>Keep the questions coming.</p> <p>-Greg </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=9#post-35 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:25:54 +0000 ericrjones 35@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>I'm now pondering putting in just above E6, going down the Waterford Flight and then up the Champlain. Looks like Lock 2 might be an OK place to camp. This would mean paddling the Hudson upstream. Is there a significant current or is the Hudson basically slackwater? Is this area in any way scenic (looks like Peebles State Park might be nice)?</p> <p>Thanks for the continued advice.</p> <p>-Eric </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-34 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:44:16 +0000 Greg 34@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Hello again,</p> <p>Good anchorages on Oneida Lake...thats a tough one. Oneida Lake's depth and shoreline is very unlike Lake Champlain. Bays are usually shallow and the shoreline is mostly straight which means there are few bays. If you prefer to anchor, there are some bays on the western end of the lake that will keep you better protected, but you must always watch your depth, there are a lot of shoals about. I would make sure to have a working depth sounder and a good map. Get a map and look at Lower South Bay (near the 2 islands), big bay and 3-mile bay. They are all nice, depending on the direction of the wind. If there is a light wind, Sylvan Beach (the physical beach, not canal) is a great spot to anchor off and enjoy the lake and beach. </p> <p>Its hard to give a recommendation on where to anchor as it is 100% dependent on wind. Unlike Lake Champlain, Oneida Lake runs east-west, and thus the waves build quite large when approaching the eastern shore (4'+ is a weekly occurrence). Worse yet is the lake is very shallow, mostly less than 30 feet, and thus the waves stack very close together. Therefore even though you may see larger waves on Lake Champlain, they are spaced rather far apart and are easier to navigate. The Sylvan Beach end sees much larger waves then that western end. The plus side is that the wind usually only blows from the west from noon to about 6pm. So even after a good blow, the lake is typically calm by 8:00, so you may find yourself moving about.</p> <p>That said, if cost is an issue, there are free public walls on the canal in Sylvan Beach and Brewerton on both ends of the lake. Also in Cleveland there is an old canal wall (free), but only protected well from west and north winds. If your in the area, its a good spot to go and wait out the waves for a few hours if need be. As far as Marinas, I'm not sure what your looking for, but there is fuel in Sylvan Beach and Brewerton. As far as services, Brewerton seems to be the place to go (eg. Winter Harbor Marina is very popular).</p> <p>As far as Albany, I'm not sure about docking. I don't have first hand knowledge of someone docking in Albany, though there are some docks there at Albany's "Riverfront Park at the Corning Preserve". </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-33 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:50:26 +0000 couteb1 33@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Thanks for all your help, but I got a few more questions:<br /> My first option still to go down to Oneida lake, can you tell me the good spot on the lake for anchoring, cause we prefer to be on the lake than to be in a marina, but I need to know some of the best marina too.<br /> Second option is to go from Lake Champlain (Whitehall) and go down to Albany, can you tell me if there's possibility for anchoring or the best spot to stop for the night or spend a few days too.</p> <p>Thank you very very much ! </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=9#post-32 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 02:46:19 +0000 admin 32@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Hi Eric,</p> <p>That is a very scenic area of the canal, with no houses, and generally no places to stop, besides locks, Fort Ann, and Whitehall. The canal merges with Wood Creek, though I can't remember if its before or after Lock C11 without my maps.</p> <p>Camping at secluded locks is generally allowed, I'd just call ahead to make sure. Camping probably wouldn't be recommended at lock 12 as it is right in town. Good swimming locations would be hard to find, but I'm sure the water quality is nearly as clean as it gets.</p> <p>-Greg </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=9#post-31 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:22:44 +0000 ericrjones 31@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>I'm thinking about paddling part of the Champlain Canal. I'd like to make it an overnight trip. I'm thinking C9 to C12 may make the most sense (I believe this is north of the dredging activity).</p> <p>Does anyone have any information about camping at the lock stations in general, and at C11 in particular? Are there places to swim along that part of the canal? What about places to stop or things to see? </p> <p>Thanks for any advice you can provide. </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-30 Sun, 31 May 2009 23:58:30 +0000 admin 30@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>There is a little of everything. There are plenty of woods and plenty of towns. Its a nice trip with some great towns from a boater's prospective: Whitehall (lots of history, go to the museum at the terminal wall if you get the chance it will put everything in prospective), Waterford, Little Falls, Sylvan Beach. </p> <p>I also am an avid outdoorsman and love the quiet spots with little else than perhaps a picnic table and/or the canal trail: Lock E20 (upper side, power/water), Lock E16 (upper side), Scotia town dock (not exactly hidden away, but has nice adjacent parks), Lock E7.</p> <p>Then there are some in between towns like Mechanicville, Amsterdam, Brewerton, Rome, etc. which have reasonable docking and a reasonable amount of things to do in town, but they are not ideally situated like those of the above towns. These towns are 10x better with bikes to effortlessly get around. Most towns are centered around the old Erie Canal bed (if it ran though it) and not the current river canal. That means that while most towns have a "downtown" it may be a few blocks to 1/2 mile away from the current docks, unlike for example Burlington which has always revolved around its current waterfront.</p> <p>All in all, if you want a relaxing trip and to meet interesting people (locals and people cruising from around the world) you'll find it on the canal. The people who do not like the canal are those that are always in a hurry as you get nowhere fast on the canal. The canal is what you make of it. A little reading &#38; note taking beforehand will save you lots of stress though. Its always nice to know what options you have for the upcoming day in case you have weather other things come up.</p> <p>Let me know if that actually helped,<br /> Greg </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-29 Sat, 30 May 2009 11:43:05 +0000 couteb1 29@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Thank you for your help, now I'll get this cruising guide and start to plan that trip.<br /> Your opinion, is it a nice trip to do, what I mean by that is, along the way is it clean, is all you see is wood or you have good spot to see everywhere, etc</p> <p>Thank you </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-28 Sat, 30 May 2009 00:00:30 +0000 admin 28@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Hello again,</p> <p>I forgot to say that the <a href="http://www.nyscanals.gov/exvac/cguide/index.html">cruising guide</a> is a must have. It has all the maps for the canal system and is labeled. One thing that it does not do well, in my opinion is highlight the free walls, you may want to mark which places you want to visit before you leave.</p> <p>There is plenty of fuel along the way. If I were you, I'd fill up in VT (cheaper than NY) on your way down and that will probably last you to Oneida Lake if you have reasonable sized tank(s). Then top up again before heading back. You'll pass fuel at least once a day, so just don't get too low.</p> <p>My best suggestion is to get the guide mailed to you and find out which towns interest you; see the guide section of this website for a start. Just don't set a definite day-to-day plan, its the best way to ruin a relaxed trip.</p> <p>Let me know how I can help,<br /> -Greg </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-27 Fri, 29 May 2009 20:57:46 +0000 couteb1 27@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Thank you for this info, it really help, I've just talked to my wife and our trip should be from lake Champlain to Oneida. I won't spend time on lake Ckamplain cause I'v been boating on this lake for the last ten years.<br /> Right now I have my GPS but I always make sure I get the map of where I'm going, in case of. I saw a cruising guide for sale on a site called (The NY state canal system) Are those maps got all the info about this canal! and can you tell me if there is problems to get gas between Whitehall and Oneida lake.<br /> I'm pretty sure that I'll have more question for you soon, right now I want to read everything about your trip, I'm sure I'll get a lots of info right there.<br /> Thanks for everything, really appreciate this. </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-26 Fri, 29 May 2009 20:06:28 +0000 admin 26@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Hello and welcome,</p> <p>I did a very similar trip in 2007, just in the opposite direction on a 25' sailboat and am toying with the idea of doing it again this year, only on a 27' cruiser and with a similar 2 week time frame.</p> <p>1.) Swimming varies by who you ask; Lake Champlain, Oneida Lake and Lake Ontario are clean. The Hudson is questionable with the dredging taking place. The Lower Mohawk River (eastern Erie Canal) is pretty clean and worth a dip on a hot day. The artificial channel portions (Rome area, Fort Edward-Fort Ann) of the canal do not turn over quite as much and I'd stay away from them, plus there is typically not space to anchor and allow other large boats to pass. Use common sense and don't drink the water and you'll be fine. I'm not sure about swimming in the Oswego Canal as Onondaga Lake is upstream and is heavily polluted, but it is only a small part of the water flow.</p> <p>2.) We took a relaxing 29 days from Oneida Lake to Lake Champlain and back. Two of the weeks were on Lake Champlain and we had a max speed of about 6-7mph. If you'd like to read about our trip, <a href="http://oday.nycanals.com/blog/">here's a link</a>. I would say from Whitehall to Sylvan Beach would be about 7 days at a nice relaxing pace, including a day off for weather.</p> <p>Sample overnight stops I'd recommend:<br /> 1. Whitehall Terminal Wall<br /> 2. Mechanicville<br /> 3. Scotia/Amsterdam<br /> 4. St. Johnsville/Little Falls<br /> 5. Marcy Lock E20/Rome/Sylvan Beach<br /> 6. Spend on Oneida Lake, spend night at Brewerton/Sylvan Beach.</p> <p>3.) From Sylvan Beach to Oswego (Lake Ontario) would be another 2 days at a relaxing pace. Spend the night at Brewerton, Phoenix, and/or Oswego.</p> <p>Unfortunately a relaxing pace means that plans will undoubtedly change. Barring any extended severe weather, you should make it to Oneida Lake. If you still have time (and the 7-day forecast is not miserable), keep heading west. This also assumes that your not exploring Lake Champlain. For the way back plan on hitting towns that you didn't spend the night on way through like Little Falls/Ilion/Utica, Fonda/Fultonville/Canajoharie, Scotia, &#38; Waterford.</p> <p>Waterford to Whitehall is doable, similarly, Mechanicville to Plattsburgh is doable. These are both longer days though. Fort Edward is a nice stop, but with the dredging going on there, it may be worth skipping this year. Also call ahead to the lock master at Lock C7 to see if there are any expected delays or unusual circumstances due to the dredging.</p> <p>Also plan on the ability to go faster, if you desire, on the eastern Erie Canal while in the undeveloped part of the river, and on Oneida Lake. Unfortunately most of the Champlain Canal is 10mph or no wake and from Oneida Lake Utica is mostly artificial channel and thus 10mph (though you can throw a wake).</p> <p>Let me know if I can help,<br /> -Greg </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-25 Fri, 29 May 2009 19:16:22 +0000 couteb1 25@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Good day, I'm planning to do a trip on canal Erie from Lake Champlain to Oneida Lake or maybe I'll try to reach the Lake Ontario, depending on how much time I have.<br /> 1-On this canal can we sometimes stop and jump in the water, is it clean enough<br /> 2- (Option 1)How much time do I need to plan to do that trip from Platsburgh to Oneida Lake, I'd like to enjoy this trip, don't want to run,<br /> 3- (Option 2) Same question, but from Plattsburgh to Lake Ontario.<br /> What can I do with two weeks of leave.<br /> My boat is a 30 ft cruiser and can be easily self-sufficient for 3 days. </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=7#post-24 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:46:40 +0000 admin 24@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Hello all,</p> <p>Good news, for 2009 there will be no change in cost or hours of operation for the Canals from the 2008 season. While we all want something for nothing, the prices are very fair. Plus you can't really beat 7am-10pm all summer long. As an added bonus, there is an extra week of extended summer hours in September!<br /> <a href="http://www.nycanals.com/Main_Page#2009_Boating_Season_Information">Click here for details</a></p> <p>Job well done Canal Corp! This almost makes up for the hundreds of dollars I pay on the Thruway each year, almost. Now it's time to get the boats uncovered and ready to go.</p> <p>-Greg </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-22 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:37:15 +0000 dnltaylor 22@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>Thanks Mike</p> <p>No relation all our familys are in Michigan thanks for the web page connection </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-21 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:47:55 +0000 mikebike 21@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>dnltaylor<br /> Bridge ht. tables found at<br /> nycanals.gov/exvac/boating/bridgeheights.html<br /> Mikebike </p> http://www.nycanals.com/forum/topic.php?id=2#post-20 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:23:57 +0000 mikebike 20@http://www.nycanals.com/forum/ <p>dnltaylor,<br /> There is much info on bridge hts. &#38; such on the Ny state canal site. Find Erie canal site for complete info .</p> <p>Do you have a brother named Ed , who had a home built tri. hull sailboat ? Grew up in Ma. father was a chem. Prof.?</p> <p>My hull is 22 ft. When canaling I keep the mast down . </p>