The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Erie Canal Boat Float
Annual boat ride a chance to enjoy outdoors
CHITTENANGO, N.Y. »
The Erie Canal Boat Float saw new and experienced kayakers bring their boats to travel the historic Erie Canal on Saturday.
Participants were invited to one of four launch sites, from Cedar Bay Park in DeWitt to the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, with each point a longer trip than the last. Among those starting at the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum were Sandra Gregoire of Baldwinsville and her nephew Owen Caupp, who came out with their family to paddle the Canal.
“It just seemed like a great event to do with the whole family. We’re pretty outdoorsy,” Gregorie said. “I haven’t done this before, so its our first time. My older sister launched from Pool’s Brook.”
Owen said he was from Tennessee and has been visiting family for the last month and was excited to get on the water.
“I haven’t done that much kayaking, but I know how. It’s been a while, though,” Owen said.
Owen admitted that he didn’t know much about the history of the Erie Canal and was interested in checking out the boat museum after the Boat Float.
“It is exciting to see people of all ages come out to fill the canal with colorful kayaks and canoes,” Said Jamie Kowalczk, member of the Old Erie Canal Commu- nity Working Group putting on the event. “Paddlers can expect to see wildlife along the way, view sunken canal boats near Chittenango Landing and have the experience of paddling through historic working aqueducts. The flat, calm waters of the canal make it a perfect place for beginner paddlers and families too.”