“I first became interested when I stumbled over Lock 23 in Rotterdam, NY, about 1990. I was advocating for the Mohawk Hudson Bike Path and we wanted to have a work party do some clean up. The town said we couldn’t work on the trail, however, if we wanted to clean up the lock, that was fine. Mary Van der Bogert and I, working as OAR (Organization for Action on the Riverfront) led the clean up. In my search for information, I read Stars on the Water, the only Erie Canal book the Schenectady Library had at the time. Little did I know that it is not a great introduction.”

Beyond Mike in the photo below is the Richmond Aqueduct.

“I enjoy all things canal, but if someone forced me to say what was my favorite, it would be Little Falls, NY. It is a charming city of about 5000. It’s walkable and has great history and geology. One doesn’t need to be a canal fan to enjoy Little Falls with its shops, restaurants, history, trails and Moss Island.“

“I wish more people knew that there are so many more canals aside from the Erie. The study or “hobby” of canals can take you to many great places all over the Northeast, Atlantic Coast, and Midwest states. And many of these are being reused as linear parks with canal-side trails. And each canal is unique enough on their own to warrant a visit. The walk along the C&O to the east of Great Falls will reward you with views of the Potomac River as it flows through the rocks, much like the views one sees as you walk along the Genesee Valley Canal at Letchworth Park. There are canals with tunnels, canals with inclined planes, canals that climb mountains, and so much more. It’s a great hobby.”

Many thanks, Mike. Check out more about Mike here.

How did you become interested in the Canal? What is a favorite time/place? What do you wish more folks knew about the canals? Dispatches is looking for many more “faces and voices.” Send a photo and your brief answers to… canalsocietyofnysphotos@gmail.com. We’d like to hear from folks from all over whether boater, biker, hiker, or even mostly armchair traveler.