THE WORLD CANALS CONFERENCE RETURNS TO ROCHESTER!

Gary and I drove into Rochester so I could do a photo shoot of all the vessels.

The weather could not have been more perfect.  Look at that skyline!

I was dropped off at Corn Hill Landing and Gary was able to find a parking spot nearby...right on the street.  How lucky was that?

As soon as I got near the water I made a call to Mark DeCracker (he is the founder of Mural Mania and was doing the video work for this event)... was already on the Colonial Bell.  While we were walking toward the boats, there stood Rick Rivers....the man whose organization handled the entire conference.  I told him I was there to do a photo shoot and he said "do you want to go on the boat?"  Of course you know what my answer was.  We had not been there for 2 minutes when this great opportunity arose...my lucky day.

We went aboard....

and there was live music!  It was even piped in to the upper deck.  Good music!

(photo above courtesy of Colonial Belle website)

As we left the dock, other boats started to follow.

Carmella Mantello and some of her staff were on the vessel below.  She is the head of the New York State Canal Corporation and has done a spectacular job since the day she started.  I appreciate all the support she has given my "Art Walks On Water" project.

There were people from all over the world on these boats, being treated to a magnificent waterfront.

The bridge in the background was completed recently and provides a focal point...framing the city.

Here, we are actually on the Genesee River.

Many visitors were gathering back at the port as we took off.

The captain of the boat made an announcement..."when we get to some of these low bridges you will have to duck your head or sit down in a chair."  He was not kidding.

Not only were we privileged to join this "party," a beautiful lunch was provided.

All along the river, there has been well planned development.

This is the Chapel at the University of Rochester.  Many weddings have been held there.

Gary and I had the pleasure of dining with the Director of the Susan B. Anthony House.

Susan was even on board!  I asked her where she lived...and she answered" in the Mt. Hope Cemetery!"

There was a big "biking along the canal" event in conjunction with the opening of the conference and many of them were waiting for us on one of the bridges.  We took photos of them as they took photos of us.

There were many tugs and barges in the area.

Eventually we got to the spot where the Genesee River and the Canal meet.

Above is the Canal and below is the River.

This is where we made a big circle...more boats joined us, and we headed back to Corn Hill.

Many of these vessels are working boats and take tours out along the river and canal.

Others were privately owned.

I asked the Captain about this big bell.  He said they use it when there is a lot of fog to let the other boaters know where they are.

There's Susan B. Anthony again.  She and Gary had quite a conversation.

Below is Mark DeCracker, "Mr. Mural Mania."  We have worked together, in our grand attempt to get art at every port along the New York State Canal System...524 miles...230 towns.

As we were heading back, I could not help but think what a world class place this is.

There are so many positive things happening in Rochester.

The skyline doesn't even look real.

How's that (above) for a rather funky building?

Back at the docking area, people were lined up to take a tour of the Lois McClure.  She draws quite a crowd.

Below is our friend Scott Winner.  He is the Director of the Fairport Village Partnership, but lives in Brockport.  A real idea man who has brought so much to Fairport (and I wish he were in that position here).

Susan and her house Director were viewing the crowd as we were departing.

We headed over to check out the crew of the Lois McClure.  She spent a few days in Brockport a couple of years ago and we were able to chat with them.  Below is the First Mate.  He remembered us as we gave them a big basket of vegetables from our garden and they delivered a bag of garlic to the Mayor of Rome, New York for us.

As we had another event in Brockport, we headed back toward our car.

Within these beautiful buildings are restaurants, shops and condos.  One of those restaurants we love is called Virtu.  You can sit outside next to the river...under an umbrella... and enjoy some of the best food and service in the city.

By the time we left, almost all the boats were docked.

Below are the condos that overlook the river.  If I was not a farm girl I could live there in a heartbeat!

What a perfect afternoon!  Thank you Rick Rivers, for inviting us to go on the Colonial Belle.  It made our day.  Those participating in the World Canals Conference had to be impressed.  Kudos!