I mistakenly said, in my last post, that we had walked to North Tonawanda when we actually walked to Amherst. In the city, it’s difficult to discern where one city ends and another begins.
I’m writing this a few days after Day 26 and our arrival at the waterfront in downtown Buffalo. This eastern terminus of the trail is located in an area called Canalside.
This was the longest and most challenging stretch of the walk. We walked about 22 miles. The trail in Amherst and Tonawanda meandered through parks and affluent neighborhoods but eventually led us next to oil refineries, under and along freeways, next to the city of Buffalo’s sewage treatment plant and crumbling (yes, crumbling) brick factories of old. The trail was maze-like as it wound its way towards Buffalo. At one point we came to a locked gate with a sign that said this section of the trail was only open Monday – Friday. We were there on Saturday. It gave a street to use instead. We also had a long detour at one point.
It was close to 6pm when we reached Buffalo, hot, tired, thirsty, and just pooped. The streets were mobbed with people as it was Buffalo’s annual “Rib Fest.” The festive feeling in the air was rejuvenating and just what we needed
Thank you for your encouragement and well wishes sent along the way. This was a challenging endeavor and we were, many times, carried along by your words and reflections.
In gratitude,
Ann and Aaron
Bellingham Walks 
Congratulations Ann and Aaron!! You guys did it! Thanks for your commitment to sharing your journey, Ann. It was great to be there with you every step of the way! I am so happy for you both. Enjoy the remainder of your time away, as very soon you will be back to Bellingham. You guys rocked it!
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Thanks Kathie…will be thinking of you on JMT! You R ready! ox
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blockquote, div.yahoo_quoted { margin-left: 0 !important; border-left:1px #715FFA solid !important; padding-left:1ex !important; background-color:white !important; } 👍🏻👍🏻 well done! Thank you so much for sharing your adventure, words and pictures. ❌⭕️
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
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Thanks for being with us! OX
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Yay! You did it! Wow. Buffalo! My old college city. Gritty, windy, cold, plucky Buffalo. Winters there were brutal. There were ropes strung between classroom buildings to hold onto to keep us from being blown away by the “lake effect” wind, and snowstorms that went on for days, weeks, that paralyzed the city … so much snow! I can’t lie: I do not miss those winters, living here in the Pacific NW. Thanks again for taking me/us along on your arduous and fascinating journey … you are brave and intrepid, and generous with your sharing.
–Nancy Moore
ps, and welcome back to Bellingham when you get here!
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Yes, gritty Buffalo. I felt the need of a rope to hang onto that last day. That is an amazing image you gave. Thanks Nancy! C u soon!
Ann
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Congratulations!!!! I sent a facebook post, but in case you didn’t get it – you two are amazing! And, keeping us with you through Bellingham Walks was such a treat. We love you and safe travels home. So excited we see you soon! Love Lisa and Fred
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We are happy to be finished! Looking forward to September!!
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Way to go!!!! So proud for you! What an accomplishment that you can remember and treasure forever. Most of all thanks for sharing it.
Sent from my iPhone
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Back at you, fellow pioneer of through hiking the Erie Canal Trail!
Only the best to you and Steve,
With love,
Ann and Aaron
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Can’t wait to see you! Have loved following you! Love,
Maggie
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Thanks Maggie…we catch out train home tomorrow night. We’re looking forward to being back home.
ox
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