Sept 5, 2024 Port to Port on the canal. Fairport to Brockport

 Thursday, Sept 5, 2024  Fairport to Brockport  32 miles and 5.5 hours

Still enjoying the nice weather.  Sunny warm and light breezes.   Today's trip takes us around Rochester.  Parts of this area were supposedly the hardest to get done as it was solid rock. Lots of digging and blasting. The original canal route went right through the center of Rochester but todays route is a loop around the south side.

Canal cut into the solid rock bed around Rochester

Interesting series of old bridges in Rochester

Had to traverse 2 larger locks today taking us up 25' each.  First lock had rough walls and slimy ropes to hold onto as we lifted.   Second one had been refurbished with smooth walls and mounted wire ropes.  Much nicer conditions but both are notorious for the fountains of water they spew out from the forward gates.  We just made sure to stay well back which was easy being the only boat locking through. .  Other obstacle were 3 more lift bridges. These are not as elegant as the one in Fairport but a more standardized design we'll see going forward.  Most have been in use for some 110 years which says alot about their simplicity and durability.

The water fountain at the head of lock 31

Lift bridge in "down" position

And in full "Up" position with full 16'  air clearance.

 The second half of our trip today has us entering more of the "old canal".  No longer river based but almost all man made, narrower and uniform depth.   Posted speed limit is 10mph which is our normal speed but we put up too large a wake to be responsible boaters.  We back down to 7.5-8.5mph as a compromise between making time and making waves. Plenty of slowing down to idle for docks, fishermen, bridges, kayakers, etc. From here all the way to Buffalo runs the old mule tow path right beside the canal.  It has been converted into a trailway used by bikers, hikers, walkers, etc.   Getting plenty of use.  Surprising number of long distance bikers carrying all sorts of gear.  Made it to Brockport.  Just one other boat here for the night.  Small tug headed east.  Brockport downtown consists of one main business street.  Some nice older buildings with a handful of shops, pubs, and restaurants.   A bit disappointed with the low level of activity here after Fairport.  But their wall was in good shape, had power and the bathroom facilities for boaters were decent.

The old tow path on right is now a trailway. 
 Eventually they hope to have the trailway follow the entire NY State canal system

An architecturally interesting and restored storefront on Main Street 

Restaurants in town weren't doing anything for us so decided to at least get drinks at the Barber Tap Room.  Decent tap selection on their menu so asked barmaid if they do flights. "Yes, we can do flights.   No one ever asked me before but let me find the glasses."   Then 2 of my 4 selections got a "Sorry, we don't have that anymore".  The Rohrbach Scotch Ale wound up as my favorite. Then dinner on board.  We really need to do it more often anyway. Need to use up some of our supplies and get refrigerator cleaned out.

Journey for Sept 5, 2024