Great cycling conditions today. Tailwinds, comfortable temperatures and smooth pavement on the Erie Canal Trail. Since I’m almost done with the ECT, I figured it would be good to share some images of the current version of the canal.

A crew at work.

Lock 17, the lock with the biggest lift of the entire system. It will raise or lower a boat 40.5 feet. This is more than any single lock in the Panama Canal.

Lock 8, Scotia, NY

New York State has a number of parks celebrating the history of the canal and I stopped at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site. The fellow that worked there was very knowledgeable. That site was where a large aqueduct was built to carry the second version of the canal over Schoharie Creek. It’s amazing how those people with such low technology were able to produce such impressive structures. We talked about how critical the canal was in tying together the east part of the country with the midwest. He was also familiar with the Middlesex Canal that ran from Boston up to Lowell.

I asked him why the state was still operating the canal as boat traffic, especially in the eastern half of the system seemed light. He said that operating the canal was mandated by the state constitution and the canal also generated revenue from hydroelectric power and water for irrigation.

One thing I’ve noticed since getting to the eastern part of the county is how the bird calls are far less apparent than in the west. I think it is primarily because in the east it seems that you are never far from a busy highway or noisy industry which drowns out the bird calls.

I did 86 miles today and made it to a motel room in Schenectady. Tomorrow I will be entering Massachusetts and the Berkshire Mountains. It will be interesting to see how I do in these eastern mountains as I haven’t crossed any mountains since Montana. Total mileage stands at 3367. Under 200 miles to my home, plus another 30 to reach the beach on Great Neck in Ipswich.