The Erie Canal needs better kayak access. Here’s a case in point: May 2nd, paddler Richard Harpham and photographer Glenn Charles set out on a 500 mile long kayak expedition that began in the Erie Canal Harbor in Buffalo and will eventually end at the Statue of Liberty in a few weeks time. Click here to watch a newscast video of their departure: http://wyrk.com/historic-erie-canal-kayak-trip-departs-from-buffalo-video/ Come on Buffalo – is this the best you had to offer these kayakers in terms of kayak access to the Erie Canal? The politician being interviewed is clueless. How about building some ramps to floating docks for kayakers?
In my experience kayaking the Erie Canal, I found most docks were built for motor boats and were totally useless to kayakers. It’s an opportunity NY State is missing in terms of increasing tourism to the Erie Canal.
Back to Harpham and Charles. They have dubbed their project the New York State’s Spare Seat Kayak Expedition. The name stems from the fact that both men are paddling tandem kayaks and thus they each have a spare seat on their boats. Those who would like to join them out on the water can fill out a registration form online and if chosen they’ll be able to ride along for a leg of the journey.
Cool! We need to work on this in Montezuma. We’ll be welcoming Richard and Glenn today for a picnic on the Richmond Aqueduct.
So true! I had the wonderful opportunity to be Richard, Glenn, Rose & Simon from Holley to Lyons as ground support with Simon. It was a great experience and they are finding out what a fantastic region this is. But in planning the trip is was very difficult to find proper docking for kayaks and small boats. I do have to mention as the villages are developing or improving their docking areas they are including low docks. There is hope but more the better.
Joan Delaro, Western Erie Canal Alliance
I was honored to meet Richard and Glen at Lock 20,Marcy NY USA-excellent floating dockage for kayakers and canoeists.Plus several restaurants nearby-pizza/manicotta restaurants,Dunkin Donuts and Fastrac.And the beautiful Lock 20 Park. On thursdays and some fridays July and August enjoy Betsy Music (22 years) at Frank Gruenwald and Everett`s Pavilion..Also Nearby-Childrens Museum International Kayak,Canoe,Row ,Bicycle hall of Fame -Eight Inductions strong..311 Main St Utica .www.museum4kids.net..Butch Waszkiewicz