Time flies, and April 3 is just around the corner. You can sign up online here.

Let me tell you a bit about Wayne County. In Canal terms, it’s about 35 miles and includes parts of Clyde, Lyons, Newark, Palmyra, and Macedon. I grew up there but barely knew anything about the Canal. In my early 60s, I crossed Wayne County by the current canal as crew on Urger; I was spellbound by details like this low bridge,

a buck crossing ahead of us,

and approaching Lyons village by water, and seeing the courthouse.

In Newark my boss, Bill Sweitzer, introduced me to Bob Stopper, who offered to show me the “hidden” canal sights of Wayne County. My expectations were exceeded.

I’d seen these areas of ditch while growing up, but never imagined that

these were stretches of the original “Clinton’s ditch.” As Bob talked and pointed out more details, the spell grew stronger. After we pulled onto the shoulder of Route 31 at Lock Berlin–a name I never understood– I

was hooked. I’d never expected these places were here, in plain sight and not even hidden.

This and much more is what to expect on this tour. Here is some background. Here are lots more images. And if you want more reading, click here.