Barging Through Life: At 7 mph

From: Robert Davenport, New York, NY

Magical and majestic, part Amazon River, French Canal, and Northwoods Lake, the Erie Canal and its locks are a true national treasure that floats effortlessly and timelessly through Upstate New York.  Rich in history and magnificent panoramas, and studded with an amazing array of waterfowl, wading birds, and birds of prey, the Erie Canal is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

The Erie Canal boats are handsome, charming, and intimate, and are the only way to journey along the Canal.  Cruising at a leisurely seven miles per hour, the boats embody the pace and peace of a time long past, permitting the captain and crew to enjoy every river bend, mountain vista, wild flower, fish and bird.  The lock keepers are very friendly and assuring.  We loved chatting with them as they hoisted or lowered us through their amazingly simple routines.  What began as sweaty palms approaching the intimidating locks, soon became comfortable banter with new found friends.  Richard Powell, entrepreneur of the Erie-Champlain Boat Company is always attentive and helpful, and never more than an instant away by cell phone to provide advice and counsel. 

The services along the Canal are still Spartan, but with a little planning, after each day’s voyage, we were able to dine on fine wine and local cheeses and produce, delighting in cool evenings and spectacular sunsets.

From never having been on a boat larger than a row boat in sixty-one years, in two short hours I became an experienced and skillful captain capable of maneuvering the Canal and more than forty of its locks over our week’s expedition.  While perfect for a family outing, I think it would be better to go with a lover.