Monday August 24: Clyde NY

We were off fairly early Sunday as the goal was to continue south on the Oswego River to the intersection of the Erie Canal - then head west.

The locks are much larger than those on the Trent canal - but still have leaky doors!

The travel is river travel so no checking of the weather to find out if the winds will allow us to go - just a question of how warm/cool it will be and what are the chances of rain. Or we just look at the sky :-)

We made a quick stop at Phoenix to pump out the holding tank. Do-it-yourself, free pumpouts are almost at every town here on the canal. One thing they have done right - make it easy and free and folks will use them.

This is a nice stop that we have passed by numerous times - seems like the timing for stopping here is just never right. Positioned very close to the junction of the Oswego canal (goes north to Lake Ontario) and the Erie Canal (running east and west between Buffalo and Waterford), it is too close to other places we'd  rather stop.

The Erie Canal has been invaded by hydrillia - a non-native invasive water plant. Many places along the side of the canal (with minimal boat traffic) have been taken over.

It's very thick (we saw herons standing on the plants) and grows very quickly.

This is the same plant that was so pervasive on the St. John's River in Florida. Not sure what will be done to keep it under control. For more info in this invasive plant, click here.

There's tons of blue herons, the usual number of ducks and sea gulls along with a few swans.

Strangely we've not been able to spot a single turtle in the miles we've been on the canal so far. Not sure what that's about. Seems to be plenty of habitats that would appear perfect. One beaver hut as well.

And of course the elephant in the someone's front yard that seemed to really amuse Steve :-) Weirdly out of place if you ask me!


Two immature bald eagles and one adult that just sat very still so we could take it's picture. Such beautiful birds - it's nice to know that they are making a comeback in some of the northern state areas.











The only other animal sighting was at the Baldwinsville Diner - want to ride the Champion Horse? Leather saddle and all! I was tempted but it said you were riding at your own risk. Seemed like I should just pass :-)

So we stayed last night at Baldwinsville. Five dollars for power was the total cost. We are definitely going to get spoiled traveling here.

The small towns all have a town dock - almost all with power and water - almost all free. Some have showers and a laundry (free also) as well.


Up and out for breakfast with a quick ride around town. Nice little place - similar to all of the small towns in the north it seems.

And of course it seems there is also a requirement for at least one building with a mural. With a riverboat. And other illustrations of the days past.

These towns seem to get their identity either from the canal or from one or more large industries that for the most part have now moved on to other areas or have just gone out of business.

After a nice morning we moved on another 15 miles to the town of Clyde. Interesting sights along the way ....

including what appears to be an old bridge abutment. I'm sure there is a story behind this but I thought it was pretty neat looking.

It was a nice town complete, again, with power and water. Both free. Next to a well kept park.

The downside: the train tracks which ran right along the canal on the other side. The upside: they didn't blow a whistle but there must have been a dozen trains throughout the night - and they sounded like they were right next to us!

All in all a good night though.

The homes in the area ranged from this huge 1800's home that is haunted and has tours to a home of what would appear to be the same vintage.

It may truly have been haunted!

Not terribly well kept up. Not even sure if it was still being lived in - although the grass is mowed.

The usual central park along with a nice WWI memorial.

I always find it interesting that WWI is often referred to as the "Great War" on these memorials. Who knew there would ever be another world war?

Topping off our bike tour of the town was the Hillbillies Paradise Diner. We decided not to have breakfast there although, honestly, it probably would have been just the kind of place we like :-)

Tomorrow? Another 20 miles or so west on the canal to another of the small towns that dot the next hundred miles or so to Buffalo.