The Erie Canal 34 locks, 338 miles long, 125' wide, 12' deep Travelling through the canal is slow, easy and relaxing. Our maximum speed is approximately 7 miles per hour (6 knots), which has us covering 40 miles per day. Along the canal we have a view of many different aspects of life in upstate New York. We can see the children on their way to and from school each day as well as the joggers, hikers and dog-walkers. The many quaint and picturesque towns along the canal woo us to stay at their docks for the night by offering free comfortable facilities with hydro, showers, restrooms and pump-out. We travelled through Rochester with the expressway on our starboard side. In the country we've passed orchards and corn fields and in the towns we see beautiful homes with their private docks edging the canal. The ducks, herons, king-fishers and geese are everywhere. We have enjoyed hot temperatures and sunny days, but the abundant rain that preceeded us is evident in the lush green grass, trees and shrubs that edge the canal. The colour has just started to turn offering splashes of red, yellow and orange to the scenery. The smiles and waves from everyone that we pass on shore give us a feeling of euphoria by the end of the day. We have also enjoyed travelling through the locks. So far we've had 8 up, 1 down, and have 26 to go. We love New York State and we love travelling on the interesting and relaxing Erie Canal.