Day 28: We leave the Erie Canal

Several murals along the way.

Lots of corn along the canal but this was a striking color shift.

New image for me of what constitutes a boat house.

Swing bridge in North Tonawanda..

June 27, 2025: Tom faced a number of challenges with the day’s schedule, primarily, the fact we had to travel roughly 60 miles through a number of locks and lift bridges. There were also nice stretches of rural area; however, the speed limits on the canal are 10 mph and 5 mph. Did we get busted for exceeding the speed limit? Yes, at least twice and probably three times but no penalties were assessed other than we were made to wait. We did reach the Seneca River, which is essentially the end of the Erie Canal.

The day got sunnier and hotter as we progressed so everyone got a deck shower once we arrived in North Tonawanda - just to make us civilized enough to go to dinner. On the surprises was the change in the water color as entered Tonawanda - from river green to glacial blue.

The above demonstrates a lift bridge. After yesterday’s mishap, Zander now ducks when we go under bridges.

What is not obvious, is the existence of a paved or wide gravel trail along the entire length of the Erie Canal. In most towns, there would be people walking or riding bikes along the trail. In some instances, the cyclists were doing the entire trail.