The Erie Canal opened April 28/12 three days early this year. The first boats through were two tugs and barges with 3 old war airplanes on them. They say the Troy town docks are not operational this year because of the storm last year but the Canal is providing barges to tie up to free of charge.
Two planes in a barge in a lock on a canal in NY - YouTube Douglas F3-D Skynight Heading Out Erie Canal Lock 2, Kicking Off 2012 Canal Season - YouTube
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