As we locked through we saw original dry docks, “upside down” bridges, what’s left of the original locks and the beautiful new locks. We also saw the remains of the building owned by Birdsill Holly who invented the fire hydrant. This building burned down. The ride itself is best told in the pictures. The grounds surrounding the Canal Cruise area had pretty gardens that invited one to sit and rest a spell. The building, which housed a restaurant and gift shop, was all set up to host a wedding reception. We had hoped to crash the party on our return, but were told not go through the building. Darn! We were hoping for open bar!

Speaking of the gift shop, I bought a book that I highly recommend, “The Erie Canal: The Ditch that Opened a Nation” by Dan Murphy. Address all inquiries to Brian Meyer, Publisher, Western New York Wares Inc., P. O. Box 733, Ellicott Station, Buffalo, NY 14205. Email: buffalobooks@att.net. I’m not sure if this book is available from any other source. It’s listed on Amazon, but not available. Filled with lots of factoids that bring the Canal alive.