On the Erie Canal

Cool and breezy, today was a beautiful day in upstate NY.

We blasted out of Niagara Falls this morning with a simple prayer to the wind gods — spare us! After yesterday’s grinding ride from Buffalo north, today we enjoyed cool temps with the wind at our backs.

After 25 miles it was time for lunch in Lockport where we finally joined the canal and just in time to see the locks in action. They’re quite a mechanical marvel and since it was a Friday there were lots of pleasure craft queuing up.

Lockport’s where we actually join the canal. The path is mostly crushed granite which I imagine is much slower going when wet. But the path was smooth with almost no ruts or hazards for the next 30 miles.

The views are sublime — farms, pastures, lagoons, and birds line the route. It’s quite the serene experience, with 10,000 pedal strokes per day.

There are many gorgeous old homes along the canal banks; some make you want to stop and imagine spending the summer curled up in a hammock.

People along the route are very pleasant; there are many well-wishers, hello’s from everyone, and best of all, drivers are very considerate. One example may suffice: this morning we’re on the roads out of Niagara Falls heading east; like many rural areas there are construction projects that narrow the lanes of travel. In all cases I would assert myself and move into the center of the lane when there wasn’t room to pass safely and no one would blow their horn, instead they would wait patiently until we moved aside. I feel like I’m in Amsterdam. Is it because these people value our economic impact? No, the behavior is too universal — it’s a more respectful community and people don’t seem to be in such a rush. I appreciate the courtesy.