The Midlakes Navigation Company offers both day trips and multi-day trips on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal between Seneca Falls and Syracuse. It is travel in the slow lane with time to relax and enjoy the scenery. In Seneca Falls admire the Trinity Church poised so picturesquely on the shore where the Seneca River and Van Cleef Lake meet. The Anglo-Gothic church was built in 1885 with some of the stained glass made by the Louis Tiffany Studios. Heading across Lake Van Cleef, the Captain explains that the lake now covers homes and roads. It seems that in 1912, in order to improve navigation and provide hydroelectric power, a dam was built, which necessitated flooding homes and roads. Evidence of the “lost village” can be seen can be seen on rare occasions when workers need to lower the water for dam repairs.
Locking through is always interesting. The Emita II enters Lock 3, the gates close and the water flows out lowering the boat 25 feet so the Emita II can enter Lock 2 where, once again it is lowered another 25 feet. Traveling through the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge be on the lookout for bald eagles and ospreys. It is interesting passing under major highways like the NYS Thruway where cars are zipping along never noticing the canal traffic. The day is at a pace where people can enjoy the scenery, relax, and learn about the area from the informative narration. An ample lunch is provided.
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