June 13 – Medina, NY

Canal Port Medina

“If we were meant to stay in one place we would have roots instead of feet.” – Rachel Wolchin

We had a lazy morning in Brockport since we woke to wet windy weather. We caught up on cleaning chores, inside and out. By lunch the weather had cleared some, so we moved west. We chose to stay in Albion. We actually docked and had a look around, but we didn't find much of a reason to stay...so we moved on to Medina. It was a much better choice and we had fun visiting with a few other boaters and enjoyed a good meal at Fitzgibbon's on Main Street.

Medina developed after construction of the Erie Canal. The canal bends as it passes through the village, creating a basin that served as a stopover point. This became the center of businesses that served trade and passenger traffic on canal boats. 

Medina is known for its Medina Sandstone, a stone used widely in buildings across the region. Some local examples include the "million dollar staircase" at the New York State Capitol in Albany,  the Richardson Olmsted Complex in Buffalo and in buildings at Cornell University.

Today we went over Culvert Road in an aqueduct. This is the only place where someone can drive under the Erie Canal. This picture is looking south from the Erie Canal.

Looking north

Aerial view of Culvert Road and the aqueduct (John Kucko)

Coming into Medina the Erie Canal crosses over Orchard Creek. There is a waterfall on the other side.

Our view of the basin for the evening 

Fitzgibbon's in downtown Medina

Orchard Creek and the waterfall

Looking at the Erie Canal (on right) and the waterfall on Orchard Creek

Looking towards Medina, the Erie Canal on the left. This picture shows how the canal was built above the land to the right.