Bob Stopper, introduced here many miles back west, ventured east of lock 19 and boarded Herkimer’s Lil Diamond II recently to catch up with the flotilla.

After a stop at Ilion,

Lil Diamond II tied up to see the flotilla and the

crowds gather for the reception of Seneca Chief.

Bob reports that “Crowds of people welcomed the historic Seneca Chief replica at the Gems Along the Mohawk facility.

A special and unique salute and welcome was by 300 7th and 8th grade students and teachers who walked from Jarvis Middle School, Central Valley Academy, across the Remembrance Bridge, accompanied by police cars, to welcome the boat!

The local 4th grade winners of the “Future of the Erie Canal” challenge presented their vision for the next 200 years of the canal in writings, essays, and even in art forms. Congratulations to all the students and their teachers.”

“Following an explanation of the significance of the Great Tree of Peace and the “water barrel” by Brian Trzeciak, the students reenacted the Wedding of the Waters. Adults applauded loudly!”

Below is a photo of Bob with Capt. David Williams of Lil Diamond II.

Today the flotilla is in Little Falls. This is a call for correspondents from Little Falls and points farther east. As a record of these events, Dispatches is also happy to publish images and narrative from any of the stops farther west.