The Erie Canal Walk – Day Eighteen ~ Pittsford/Bushnell’s Basin to Rochester

We met and were passed by numerous joggers, walkers, and bikers as we set out from Bushnell’s Basin to the canal side area of Pittsford, approximately three miles west, where we planned to have breakfast. The increase in trail users is another stark contrast to the walk east of Syracuse, where we could walk for miles and miles and not see another person. Much of this stretch, known as The Great Embankment, is where a 70-foot embankment was constructed in order to carry the canal above the Irondequoit Creek Valley. Another feat of incredible ingenuity, to say the least.

Trail from overpass at Pittsford.
Trail from overpass at Pittsford.
Great Embankment sign
Great Embankment sign

After leaving Pittsford, where we had a yummy breakfast at Coal Tower Cafe and were showered with much appreciated accolades about our walk, we set off for our city walk on the trail through Rochester. It was hot and muggy and only getting hotter and muggier with rain in the forecast. But we had some neat experiences and views despite fairly challenging weather. We saw this boat that I believe can be chartered. It seems such a peaceful way to travel.

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We passed by Locks 32 and 33. This is 32 draining to allow two tiny boats traveling west, to enter.

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This last boat was a real treat as it was the paddle wheel boat we saw days ago while camping at lock 21. I got excited and tried to tell them that we had seen them before. I’m not sure they understood me but we were very happy to see this sweet little boat go by us again.

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We had a few bikers tell us to use caution as we went through Genesee River Park in Rochester, that it might not be safe. I’m sure this park, like all big inner city parks can be dangerous at times, but we found it to be an oasis in the midst of freeways, airport, and trains. The Genesee River runs north-south through Rochester, while the Erie Canal runs east-west. These two waterways intersect in the park.

Intersection of Erie Canal and Genessee River in
Intersection of Erie Canal and Genesee River in Genesee River Park
Genesee River, Syracuse, NY
Genesee River, Syracuse, NY
Filtered Sunlight in Genesee River Park, Syracuse, NY
Filtered Sunlight in Genesee River Park, Syracuse, NY

We’re staying at a hotel just off the trail near the airport. For dinner we had the traditional Rochester, NY dish called “garbage plate.” It consists of meat, home fries, and macaroni salad all smothered with gravy. It was fabulous, especially after a long walk! Between the park, the canal, and our ‘garbage plate,’ we’ve had a real Rochester experience. We’ll walk to Adams Basin tomorrow and stay at the historic Adams Basin Bed and Breakfast.

All the Best,

Ann and Aaron

 

 

 

6 thoughts on “The Erie Canal Walk – Day Eighteen ~ Pittsford/Bushnell’s Basin to Rochester

  1. Julie Selleck July 23, 2016 / 2:29 am

    blockquote, div.yahoo_quoted { margin-left: 0 !important; border-left:1px #715FFA solid !important; padding-left:1ex !important; background-color:white !important; } I wNted to mention, now you know first hand, it’s going to be really hot so be safe. ❌⭕️ You need to know that reading your blog is a highlight of my day. 😃 Keep it coming sister and safe walking. 

    Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

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    • bellinghamwalks July 23, 2016 / 6:49 am

      Yes! We drink lots of water and are trying to get most of the walking done early in the day.were just not used to it. Thanks Jules! ox

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  2. Leah Martaindale July 23, 2016 / 11:32 am

    Yea! You guys are doing great!!!! I can’t believe the long distances you walk everyday ! If you are staying at the Adams basin inn you are in for a real treat. Your hosts there are amazing and will give you a wonderful, detailed historical tour and a fantastic breakfast. It was one of our most favorite places. Keep having fun!

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    >

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    • bellinghamwalks July 23, 2016 / 4:06 pm

      We are ahead of schedule so will take a day off in Holley and another at Lockport. We want to see Niagara Falls, so will be in Buffalo for a few days to do that. Glad to hear the B and B in Adams Basin is great. Thanks Leah!

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  3. mary corcoran July 23, 2016 / 8:20 pm

    These are awesome Ann! I’m darn proud of you too!!!! I am totally loving following this trek. Having done my teacher training at Sunbridge and Don’s family being from the Utica/Syracuse area, it has been wonderful to “visit” NY again via your posts. Don’s sister is here for the summer and possibly beyond and it’s funny, last night she made a statement of how she has to get used to the pedestrians and sadly, I think, bikes that just step out! She said that it’s just now becoming common in FL for folks to give pedestrians the right of way! Went to the rooftop cinema last night and saw “The Last Waltz”, The Band’s farewell concert. I was joined by Therese’ and we had a lot of fun. Dave and Lee arrived this week and all 3 are enjoying the luxury of staying at your beautiful home. They found a small but totally sweet bungalow in Columbia that they can move into Aug. 1st. Lots of love, Mary

    On Fri, Jul 22, 2016 at 4:46 PM, Bellingham Walks wrote:

    > bellinghamwalks posted: “We met and were passed by numerous joggers, > walkers, and bikers as we set out from Bushnell’s Basin to the canal side > area of Pittsford, approximately three miles west, where we planned to have > breakfast. The increase in trail users is another stark contr” >

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    • bellinghamwalks July 23, 2016 / 9:57 pm

      Great to hear from you Mary. Glad you’re enjoying the blog. Can’t believe I’m doing it.
      Looking forward to Niagara Falls! Didn’t know Don was from Utica! Lots of love, Ann

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