Canal Fever

Boat/US Magazine, May, 1999

Following the route of the early settlers to the western frontier, a flotilla cruise open to all boaters this summer will celebrate history as well as new visitor amenities along the New York State Canal system, including the famous Erie Canal. Set to depart July 6 from the bottom of Lake Champlain and July 8 from Albany, the flotilla will merge in Waterford and continue, as frontier settlers did back in 1825, to Buffalo for a large-scale canal festival July 18.

Bicyclists will also be part of the Canal Trek 1999 and navigate the bike paths that run along the canal. Special events are planned along the way and the flotilla will even be led by a 1901 tugboat. For information on joining the canal cruise, call 800-4CANAL4 or visit its web site at www.canals.state.ny.us.