Captain’s Log

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

Week Three – Sylvan Beach to Riverlink Park

October 7–13

Day 14 – Sylvan Beach
Erie Canal Bypass – October 7
Rain finally found us in Sylvan Beach, marking our first soggy stop of the voyage. The Seneca Chief tied up beside a shuttered amusement park — surely a lively place in summer, though quiet now in the gray drizzle. Spirits lifted when Andrew, our sales director, arrived with a much-needed beer resupply. Together we set up in the rain and were rewarded with strong sales, especially Hayburner. That evening, Mayor Rick Sullivan welcomed the crew into the warmth of Eddie’s, a town staple, where dinner brought comfort after a damp day.

Day 15 – Rome
Bellamy Park – October 8
The weather shifted through warm, windy, and chilly as the day wore on, but Rome offered energy from the start. A crowd of 100 fourth graders greeted the Seneca Chief with wide-eyed excitement, while BMC’s education director, Chelsea Moore, delivered a lively Q&A on canal history. Rome holds special pride as the site where canal construction began on July 4, 1817. After 15 days in a row on the road, the promise of home and family carried me through. Before leaving, I admired a new tradition: planting a white pine tree at each stop, a living symbol of peace that will endure for centuries.

Break in the Voyage
After two weeks of nonstop travel, I finally took a few days at home. Chores, a campfire, and an Oktoberfest in my own backyard worked wonders. Thank you to Jess for stepping in to keep the long haul alive while I recharged.

Friday – Gems Along the Mohawk (by Jess)
Herkimer – October 10
Sunny skies and a crisp breeze made for a picture-perfect afternoon. The Big Ditch tent sat high on a patio with views of the bandstand and presentation area. School groups kicked off the day with projects and history presentations about the canal, filling the gazebo with energy. As the sun set, the band Soul Injection played into the night, capped by fireworks. The vibe was warm, welcoming, and fun — a shining gem along the Mohawk.

Saturday – Little Falls (by Jess)
Benton’s Landing – October 11
The morning started chilly but soon gave way to bright sunshine. Set up beside our friends at Buffalo Distilling, the tent looked out over the canal with beautiful views. Crowds wandered down throughout the day, many recognizing Big Ditch and especially Hayburner. One memorable piece of feedback dubbed Long Haul “spruce juice” — a nickname that made us smile. From nearby, a country concert at a brewery provided a soundtrack, adding to the lively mood.

Day 18 – Amsterdam
Riverlink Park – October 13
Another rainy day, but this time, a few steps from the Seneca Chief, our tent became a welcome shelter. Visitors ducked under the canopy to escape the drizzle, often leaving with a sample or a story. One gentleman brought Erie Canal treasures — photos from the 1850s, reprinted maps, and a book about Port Jackson. Holding these pieces of history in hand was a reminder of the depth of this journey. As night fell, the crew gathered to watch the Bills game outdoors. The final score disappointed, but the camaraderie — with beer and laughter — carried the evening.

Reflections on Week Three
Time at home gave me the reset I needed, and returning to the crew felt like coming back to family. We’ve learned that the Erie Canal is more than a waterway — it’s a thread connecting towns, people, and stories across generations. There are some things you can’t share without becoming closer, and traveling the Erie Canal together is one of them.

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