Boat Trip Down the Erie Canal
Our next stop was in Poland NY. We were only there for 4 days, but we found a couple of fun things to keep us entertained. Nothing more fun than a boat trip down the famous, historic Erie Canal.
The Erie Canal is 363 miles long, construction began on July 4th, 1817 in Rome NY and was completed October 25, 1925. The canal was then restored September 3rd 1999.
It is used mainly for recreational boating now, commercial hauling being done mainly by truck or train nowadays. The width was made to be 40 feet wide and 14 feet deep, Running from the Hudson River in Albany to Buffalo at Lake Erie. The present Erie Canal rises 566 feet from the Hudson River to Lake Erie through 35 locks.
Sue's happy cause she's on a boat again !!!
We went through Lock 18 which is 150 feet long, it dropped us 20 feet before continuing a short ways then we turned back and when through lock for the return trip.
Fort Herkimer Church
As seen from our cruise, this church was built between 1753 and 1767, Fort Herkimer Church is one of the oldest churches in New York State and the oldest building in Herkimer County. It serves as a reminder of days past, having functioned as both a fortress during the French and Indian War and American Revolution as well as a place of worship for valley settlers. Today, the church is used for various religious, patriotic, and family services.”
Unfortunately the tour boat had a loud speaker that played Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal most of the way back, and you can only listen to this so many times in on hour and not go insane.
You know the song - it start out with:
I've got a mule and her name is Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
She's a good old worker and a good old pal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
She's a good old worker and a good old pal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
Next stop:
Cooperstown NY
Home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
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| Above Baseball Hall of Fame and town of Cooperstown |
Cooperstown is one of those places that you have to visit if you are in the area. It sure is a beautiful area, on the banks of Lake Ostego. The area is very beautiful, and the Lake was beautiful The town is quite beautiful, full of historic buildings. We enjoyed a slice of NY pizza while we were there, and we must say, it was outstanding.
Doubleday Field has seen its share of baseball action; from 1940-2008, Major League Baseball held the Hall of Fame Game where two MLB teams would play in Cooperstown. That game has since evolved into the beloved Hall of Fame Classic, featuring Hall of Famers and former players in a fun-filled exhibition.
Definitely a fun place to stop to experience a true taste of Americana.