Captain’s Log

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

Week Two – Newark to Brewerton

September 30–October 6

Day 7 – Newark
Port of Newark – September 30
The winds swept across Newark with force, turning tents into sails. My original location beside the pavilion felt like a wind tunnel, but shifting closer to the merch tent calmed the storm. The crowd was quieter than Fairport, but the day found its rhythm thanks to the soulful music of Corey Comer, a familiar voice from our Lockport taproom. The mission was simple: keep the tent out of the canal — and it was a success.

Day 8 – Lyons
Lyons Fire Department – October 1
A crisp fall day welcomed the Seneca Chief into Lyons, announced by the beat of a fife and drum band. Crowds gathered at the lock while the fire department grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, giving the afternoon a summer festival feel. Among many canal stories, one stood apart — Chip shared the tale of his grandfather, once a 10-year-old “hoggee” who led hayburners along the towpath. At 12, he earned a promotion only if he could afford a pocket watch — which he did, and that same watch still keeps time today. Holding a piece of living history like that was unforgettable.

Day 9 – Clyde
Lauraville Landing – October 1
The sun warmed Clyde as visitors explored the Seneca Chief, with many first-time tours and even some repeat travelers following their own canal adventures. One stood out: Rick from Canada, journeying from Lake Huron all the way to the Bahamas — now that’s a Long Haul. The day closed with hearty laughter at Stone 8 Tap House, where local law enforcement even helped shuttle the crew to dinner. With the car packed full of beer, the voyage pressed onward toward Central New York.

Day 10 – Baldwinsville
Angry Smokehouse – October 2
No tent required this time — just the lively patio of Angry Smokehouse, where a tap takeover featured four Big Ditch beers. The Seneca Chief docked across the bridge on Paper Mill Island while our Syracuse rep Jess and I poured samples for a crowd that welcomed every sip. When the crew arrived after their tours, we shared a meal of smoky barbecue and enjoyed the restaurant’s prideful, welcoming vibe.

Day 11 – Syracuse, Part I
Onondaga Lake Park – October 4
Summer returned for a day, with temperatures in the 80s drawing parkgoers to the water. Curious strollers became happy customers when they realized they could sip a cold beer while learning canal history. Buffalo Distilling and Cooper’s Daughter Distillery joined in the NYS Distilling tent, adding to the festive atmosphere. That evening, the Onondaga Yacht Club hosted the crew for a family-style steak dinner, complete with salt potatoes and corn — a feast that felt like a backyard party as the sun set over the lake.

Day 12 – Syracuse, Part II
Onondaga Lake Park – October 5
Another hot October day meant strong beer sales, with many picking up six-packs of Long Haul to take home for the Bills game. While the outcome of the game may be best forgotten, the evening offered a chance to explore Syracuse. A stop at The Hops Spot downtown brought a burger, craft beer, and a well-earned pause in the middle of the voyage.

Day 13 – Brewerton
Riverfront Park – October 6
Under a blazing October sun, we set up across from the main festivities — which turned out to be a blessing as our beer supply dwindled. Syracuse rep Jess joined me to get hands-on with the iPad system, preparing to take the reins for a few events and give me a short respite. As darkness fell, the Redneck Reuben Union food truck served the crew a meal under a rising full moon. The nights are growing cooler, the days shorter, but spirits remain strong.

Reflections on Week Two
The miles are adding up, and fatigue creeps in at times. I miss home, but the canal offers something more powerful: kindness from strangers, generosity from businesses, and countless stories that connect past and present. This voyage is proof that the Erie Canal still brings people together, one lock, one stop, one shared glass at a time.

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

– Kait