6/15/24 - Spencerport to Fairport - Relaxing cruise, farmers market and good music

Pre dawn Erik got up and had the boat prepped and ready for an early morning cruise.  Our planned destination for the day would be Fairport which we have been told by several folks is one of the best towns on the canal.   We saw that there is a farmers market there from 8-12; we always enjoy those so we wanted to get an early start. 

Captain Riva after a bath at sunset in Fairport NY
Isn’t she beautiful!

Dawn in Spencerport prior to our 6am departure

The lift bridges in this area were built in 1913 
They look great for being 111 years old!

We shoved off the wall at 6am to enjoy a very tranquil and crisp ride.  It was refreshing to not have the sun blaring down on us since we are still cruising with our top down to be able to clear many upcoming low bridges.  The canal would widen and even open up into some large ponds periodically as we floated through rural areas.  We had a bald eagle sighting but as usual we can never manage to get a good pic.  

Tranquil waters

                                                                      This is our story 

By 7:50 we had cruised 15.9 miles and made it to the first of two locks which technically didn’t open till 8 but the operator had it opened and ready for us when we arrived.   We had spoken with her on the phone late yesterday afternoon and she told us then she was usually there before 8 and would be expecting us.   The second lock was just about 1 mile below the first one and we were in and out of that by 8:55.   Each of the drops were 25’ so we were now 50’ lower than we had started the morning at.  Exiting the second lock we were now nearing Rochester NY and we had expected it to be busier and more industrial feeling.  In actuality it was the opposite; the area of the canal through Rochester proved to be quite serene with thicker vegetation and woods on both sides of the canal than just about any other area thus far.   There were a LOT (57 to be exact) of bridges that we traversed under on this leg, however all but the last one as we made our approach into Fairport were just high enough that we could simply cruise under them with no lifts necessary.  

One of many bridges
This one was a pedestrian bridge as we neared Rochester 

Beautiful homes, boats and yards between Rochester and Fairport

As we got closer to Fairport many people were out walking, jogging, playing golf (we passed several courses along the canal today), and playing summer ball

By 10:30 we had cruised the last 8.4 miles to Fairport.  We got tied up to the wall directly in front of a wine and cheese bar that we suspected might have some nice live music later in the day.  The farmers market was nice and within walking distance.  Riva saw many canine friends on the way and at the market.  

Mules were important to these canal towns 

Farmers market purchases 
Cinnamon kettle corn, sourdough bread, salsa, hot bread and butter pickles, butter pecan toffee and a couple pieces of espresso carmel

Back at the boat we fixed a quick lunch and then headed off to walk the town.  Many people were out enjoying the multitude of shops and restaurants.  We stopped into a few of them walking away with several things including a long sleeve Erie Canal shirt for Renee (she didn’t pack well for cool morning temps), a couple of gifts for friends and family and a pasta meal in a bag.  Erik was getting sleepy so back at the boat he partook in a nice 1.5 hour nap 😴 while Renee hung on the flybridge talking on the phone and people watching.  

Live music started at the wine bar just off our aft deck at about 2pm and played for the next several hours.  The band was good playing a mixture of 60’s 70’s and 80’s.   Nice way to relax for a while.  

                            Entertainment with live music for our relaxing afternoon and evening 

Before fixing dinner of taco salad (with corn salsa from the farmers market) we rode bikes a couple miles out of town to get some more lettuce and shredded cheese at Target.   The ride was a bit hilly providing for a good workout…calories burnt to allow for an evening ice cream cone maybe 🤔   After dinner we gave Riva a bath and showered up ourselves before taking another walk, chatting briefly with a gold looper tied up on the other side of the canal, and more relaxing on the aft deck while enjoying more live music and the sunset.   We are researching and debating whether to stay here tomorrow and another night or to move on east….we,ll decide in the morning.   

Sites of Fairport

The cleaned up Diva at sunset again
🤗