Captain’s Log

Journal entries from our Long Haul on the Bicentennial Voyage of the Erie Canal Boat, Seneca Chief

Week One – Buffalo to Fairport

September 24–29

Day 1a – Buffalo Send-Off
The voyage began at Canalside, where the Seneca Chief cast off to the cheers of Buffalo. A proud flotilla of the city’s most famous boats escorted her departure — including the mighty Edward Cotter shooting waterjets skyward. Children aboard the USS Little Rock sang (and shouted) “15 Miles on the Erie Canal,” their voices carrying across the water. It was a fittingly spirited farewell as the long journey eastward began.

Day 1b – Lockport
Flight of Five – September 24
Warm skies and a bustling crowd greeted us at the historic locks. Though our tent sat up on the street, we caught plenty of canal-goers headed to the Rock the Locks concert. First-day jitters were soon washed away as the beer flowed faster than expected. Friends old and new stopped by, including Buffalo’s own Beer Goddess, Tracey Maciejewski. As evening fell, fireworks lit the sky over Lockport — a brilliant start to this long haul.

Day 2 – Medina
Canal Basin – September 25
Clouds gave way to a brief rain shower, but the spirits of Medina shone through. Set up right beside the Seneca Chief, we poured beer alongside Buffalo and Woodlawn Distilling, whose samples and bottles drew curious crowds. Though quieter than other ports, the stop was not without highlights: a warm welcome from Medina’s mayor and her husband, both enjoying a Long Haul, and the discovery that our beer was already on tap nearby. After the shift, a visit with old friend Vandra at the Shirt Factory brought a toast with a rare cocktail — proof that canal towns hold surprises of every flavor.

Day 3 – Brockport
Harvester Park – September 26
A flawless fall day in Brockport brought sunshine, clear skies, and an eager crowd. Though the Seneca Chief arrived a little late, the delay only meant more time for beer. The lines stayed steady as townsfolk gathered to welcome the boat. The energy was contagious, and the town’s beauty left a lasting impression — a place worthy of a return trip, even beyond the voyage.

Day 4 – Rochester
Corn Hill Navigation – September 27
Rochester rolled out a warm welcome, pairing our beer with music, river cruises, and community cheer. From a lively guitar-and-fiddle duo to the folksy Heart Throbs String Band, the air was alive with sound. Visitors boarded the Riverie for 30-minute cruises, catching views of the Seneca Chief from the water. Though I couldn’t stay for the fireworks, the generosity of new friends lingered — from postcards at the Visit Rochester table to handmade crocheted coasters gifted by Angela, whose kindness I’ll carry down the canal.

Day 5 – Fairport, Part I
The Box Factory – September 28
The voyage reached Fairport on another perfect autumn day, with the Seneca Chief docked right behind us. Distilling friends joined once again, this time with Buffalo Distilling and Smokin’ Tails of Phelps, NY. A slow start (perhaps the Bills’ game kept folks busy!) gave way to a steady afternoon, even as we wrangled with card readers. The evening brought dinner with the crew at Junction361 — pizza, good company, and the smell of fresh coffee tempting us past nightfall.

Day 6 – Fairport, Part II
The Box Factory – September 29
To my surprise, weekday mornings in Fairport bustle with visitors. By noon, folks were in a beery mood, and in twenty minutes two cases of six-packs disappeared. It was a long but rewarding day, capped by a special reception hosted by the Village at LuLu Taqueria. Grilled chicken tacos with avocado made a fine pairing to our Long Haul, and I was even invited to join the panel discussion about our journey. To be welcomed as part of the crew was an honor — proof that this voyage is stitching together not just towns, but people.

Reflections on Week One
Six days down the canal, and already this journey has been rich with sights, flavors, and friendships. Autumn in Western New York is showing its colors, and though the road (and the canal) stretch ahead, I feel ready. This is just the beginning — and I’m in it for the Long Haul.

Here’s to the next round, and the next town.

– Kait