Popular Post Thaddeus Kosciuszko Posted October 26, 2013 Popular Post Share #1 Posted October 26, 2013 Finally, finally, was able to get a day off from work and decided to take an overnight tour. I looked at a number of options, but time and open campgrounds limited the choices. It turns out that boaters and cyclists can camp for free at any lock along New York's canal system provided you call ahead and get approval from the lock operators first. So based on that I planned my route for a day of riding, an overnight, and a day riding back. The first interesting point was, of all things, a cemetery that dated to 1785. Hey, if you're going to name a town why not name it after a brewery? A view of Saratoga Lake with the Adirondacks in the background. A view of Maple Shade Falls. For some reason someone felt it necessary to construct a huge wall and tunnel to carry the stream through. I think it may have been part of a trolley or rail line, but the overall construction made no sense for a mill. Note the metal staples holding the wall together. A millrace and a derelict factory in the village of Victory. I don't think the millrace has be used in about half a century. The factory itself closed about 20 years ago. The dam that creates the millrace, and a small falls below. The creek further downstream A bit of history relating to Schuylerville. Living in upstate NY in the 1700's made for dangerous times. Across the street I visited the National Historic Site of General Philps Schuyler's mansion. In its day it truly was a mansion. His first home was burned by the British during the battle of Saratoga. The towpath of the original Champlain Canal, now a recreation path. To carry canals across creeks, canal builders constructed aqueducts. Basically they were water filled bridges with wooden sides and decks that allowed the canal boats to go over creeks and rivers. The stone structure below the footbridge and the rubble upstream of it are all that remains of the aqueduct today. Fort Hardy in Schuylerville, where the British grounded their arms. I next stopped at Middle Falls, but so much water was running through the adjacent power plant that no water was going over the falls. Disappointing to see a bunch of rocks where a falls should be. My next stop was Dionondahowa Falls. A power plant sat next to these falls too, but I hoped at least some water was going over the falls. The path going in said access by foot only, so I had to walk my bike and trailer about a 1/2 mile in along the path to the falls. It was worth it, as the power plant diverted some water over the falls. Total height of the falls is about 75 feet. This viewing platform is about 150 feet above the stream bed. Downstream the Battenkill cuts a gorge through the rock on its way to the Hudson. Further down the Battenkill abandoned trestle supports wait for trains that will never come. By now the day approached sunset. The bridge I intended to cross to reach the camp site at the lock was closed, under construction. Fortunately the next bridge upstream only meant a three mile detour. A little dicey riding across the open metal decking even on the wider touring tires. I set up camp right next to one of the original locks of the Champlain Canal and ate as the sun set, finishing the day with 51 miles. A view of my camp site the next morning. Overnight the temperatures had dropped into the mid-20's but Mrs. TK recently bought me a sleeping bag rated to zero degrees. It lived up to its billing and I was comfortable all night long. Loaded up and ready to head home. The navigational dam above the lock. Another section of the towpath of the old Champlain Canal. I thought it rather fun to ride along the same path that mules used to tow boats up and down the canal. For the most part I retraced my ride of the day before, so I didn't take many photos of the ride back. For most of the ride I fought a head wind or cross wind that the weatherman said was '10-20mph, and often higher'. It made for a longer trip home but I took my time and enjoyed the ride anyway. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Square Wheels Posted October 26, 2013 Share #2 Posted October 26, 2013 What a great trip. You write the best reviews and provide terrific pivs. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralphie ★ Posted October 27, 2013 Share #3 Posted October 27, 2013 Wow - that looks like a wonderful adventure. I am amazed at all the the ruins in upstate NY. Thanks, Thaddeus! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Road Runner Posted October 27, 2013 Share #4 Posted October 27, 2013 Absolutely great pics and write-up. Much Thanks. P.S. It was sad to see the graffiti on the stone wall in the fourth pic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingtermite Posted October 27, 2013 Share #5 Posted October 27, 2013 Beautiful. I especially loved the abandoned trestle supports photo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tybeegb Posted October 27, 2013 Share #6 Posted October 27, 2013 Nice ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longjohn ★ Posted October 28, 2013 Share #7 Posted October 28, 2013 Your pictures inspire me to try to slow down and take more pictures and do more exploring. I have seen some amazing things on my rides and didn't stop and take pictures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smudge ★ Posted October 29, 2013 Share #8 Posted October 29, 2013 Wow! Great write up! Really nice pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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