Common Man Tour

Not really the end!

2008-10-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

This is the end of the Common Man Tour '07 - 300 Miles of History. you can always review it and we now do programs on it. Check our speakers bureau on my webpage at www.RogerFulton.com.
But also check out our newest Blogs for Northern New York and Florida.
http://rogerstrailsandtales.blogspot.com and http://rogersfloridaoutdoors.blogspot.com Both contain great outdoor information.
Thanks for stopping by all of our Blogs,
Roger

I guess I fell asleep?

2007-10-05T23:11:00.000-07:00

The last I knew I was floating down the St. Lawrence River in New York. Then I'm in this gondola somewhere!
Actually this photo, submitted by Ann West, is a great way to get your attention. So many of you have had such good a time reading this Blog that we are going to continue it. It'll change topics and be geared more toward nature, hiking, biking and all the other things we do. We'll try to keep it interesting and new so that every time you check in you'll find something new and interesting.
Thanks for all of your time, attention and please keep tuning in.
Roger

Final stats

2007-09-28T22:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, we completed the Common Man Tour - 300 miles of history at the Rogers Island Visitors Center in Fort Edward on September 21st, 2007. An all-new Powerpoint program about what we found on our trip was very well received by another packed house. Thanks to all who supported us on this wonderful adventure.

We thought you might enjoy some stats about the tour overall:
We conducted at least 8 formal programs on the French and Indian War - The Basics, to more than 250 attendees.
We conducted dozens of one-on-one discussions with groups or individuals all along our travels.
We passed through 10 canalway locks, and traveled on two major rivers, two lakes and several bays and tributaries in our travels.
And it was made possible only through the work and generosity of more than 50 support people. Altogether they logged more than 5000 miles on their vehicles during the tour.
What's next? Keep posted as we decide in the next couple of weeks.

The Finale

2007-09-17T22:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, those of you who have been following this Blog know that we have explored the Hudson River, the Champlain Canal, Lake Champlain, Lake George, the St. Lawrence River, South Bay and the LaChute River over the past three months. So what did we find; and even better, What did we learn over our trek of nearly 300 miles of history?
Find out at our final scheduled presentation this Friday night, September 21st. A brand new Powerpoint presentation will document our travels, interspersed by personal accounts of the events and people we encountered along the way.
Please join us at the Rogers Island Visitors Center in Fort Edward, NY at 7 pm on Friday night, September 21st, 2007.
Thanks for tuning in and we hope to see you at Rogers Island.
Photo above by Ann West at the Siege of Fort William Henry on September 15th,2007.

Thank you, Waddington!

2007-09-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

So I did my presentation at Waddington and I saw someone bring out refreshments. I announced that there was food, a perfect ending to my presentation.
Then i was presented with this cake. Alicia Murphy and her cohorts had conspired to give me an early birthday tribute. True Northern Hospitality.
Can't understand though what the 60 means. I think I'm only 39!
Thanks to Alicia and her Waddington team!

Waddington presentation

2007-09-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

It was September 6th when 24 people showed up for our French and Indian War lecture. We're not exactly sure, but we think that is the majority of the population of Waddington, NY. lol
And here is a photo to prove it.
But please go to the next entry to see what Northern Hospitality really means.

Fort La Presentation

2007-09-06T23:44:00.000-07:00

This lighthouse marks the point at which the Oswegatchie River enters the St. Lawrence River at what is now Ogdensburg. That peninsula is where the original French trading post, settlement and fort known as Fort La Presentation once stood. That location is steeped in French and Indian War history and steps are underway to rebuild the fort at that location.

Near collision?

2007-09-06T23:38:00.000-07:00

Dateline - September 5, 2007 - St. Lawrence River, somewhere between Jacques Cartier State Park and Ogdensburg.
We snapped this photo of two large ships passing in the channel. They actually passed with plenty of room to spare, but it doesn't look like it in this photo. And, we have no idea why it came out in Sepia mode. But it IS a real pic from that day.
Thought you might enjoy it.

Back to the St. Lawrence River

2007-09-02T22:45:00.000-07:00

This week we are headed back to the St. Lawrence River to finish up our journeys there from Jacques Cartier State Park to the old Fort La Presentation property at Ogdensburg.
Please join our host and re-enactor Tim Cryderman and me as we do a joint presentation on the French and Indian War - The Basics at the Ogdensburg Library on September 5 at 7 pm. Actually, you might see several re-enactors that night if all goes well. (They'll be the ones dressed like they probably aren't from O'burg.)

Tim will also try to join me once again the next night on the 6th at 7 pm in Waddington as we do the same presentation at St. Mary's Parish Hall. Alicia Murphy will be our hostess that evening. She is the Common Man books representative for the 1000 Islands area.

And, yes, our T.I. hiking, biking, etc books will be available for sale and signing at both locations.

South Bay - Lake Champlain

2007-09-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

Just slightly Northwest of Whitehall is the South Bay of Lake Champlain. Perhaps more of an impediment to land travel than an important waterway, it was still a waterway used in both summer and winter for transportation during the French and Indian war. Sooooo, naturally, we had to explore it and we did so today September 2, 2007. There are notations in the history books about Roger's Rangers traveling in this area. Although only a few miles long, it is a beautiful shallow bay. We followed it into the long, narrow segment of Lake Champlain and on down to Whitehall where we locked through Lock 12 of the Champlain Canal back to one of out vehicles. It was a beautiful day to explore!

Guns of Fort Ticonderoga

2007-09-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

As we paddled down the narrow LaChute River, the flags of Fort Ticonderoga came into view above the trees. As we got closer, we could actually hear the sounds of a bugle, and then the firing of muskets and cannon. Now, we intellectually knew that Fort Ti was not firing on us in 2007, but it did give us the feeling of what someone might feel who was exiting the LaChute river and coming under the guns of Fort Ticonderoga in th late 1750's. (And that's why we are on this trip.) We ventured out in Lake Champlain, knowing full well that the guns of Ti could have easily reached our boat back then. After a few pictures, we retreated back up the LaChute River to the safety of Ticonderoga, having suffered no battle damage from the Guns at Ti!

The LaChute River

2007-09-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

The LaChute River drains the waters of Lake George into Lake Champlain at Fort Ticonderoga. However its two miles of waterfalls and rapids required vessels, men and supplies to make a 1.4 mile overland portage to get below the last set of waterfalls. Then it was a clear river for an additional 2 miles down to Lake Champlain. So, naturally, we had to canoe it all the way to Lake Champlain as a part of the Common Man Tour since it was a French and Indian War waterway between the two lakes. We did so on August 31st.

1000 Island Bridge photo

2007-08-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

Ann Hunter of Alexandria Bay took the time to come down and snap this photo of the Common Man tour as it passed under the 1000 Islands bridge as few days ago. Thanks, Ann.

Shoreline briefing

2007-08-24T18:05:00.000-07:00

Although wind and waves thwarted a dramatic waterborne entrance, that didn't stop the Common Man from holding a shoreline briefing for about 20 citizens at the Wellesley Island State Park Nature Center on Friday. Tales of life in the 1000 Islands area during the French and Indian war were told as the waves of Eel Bay lapped behind us.
Tomorrow (Saturday the 25th), it's on to a booksigning at the Cornwall Brothers Store in downtown Alexandria Bay to benefit the Historical Society. Join us there from 1-4 pm.

Alex Bay Historical Society

2007-08-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

Sarah More from Waddington, NY dressed in 1750's attire to provide moral support to the Common Man at the Alexandria Bay presentation on Thursday evening the 23rd of August. Sarah actually had a relative who fought in the French and Indian War as a militiaman.
The presentation on the French and Indian War - The Basics was very well received by about 40 people from the Alexandria Bay area.
Thanks for the moral support Sarah!
(Photo by Ann West)

Boat traffic

2007-08-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

This photo taken by Ann West from the front of the Common Man canoe shows just how big some of the ships are on the St. Lawrence. The canoeists of the 1750's didn't see this kind of boat traffic on the St. Lawrence, nor anywhere else.

The Kayak Trip

2007-08-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

The Common Man Tour stopped near Alexandria Bay, NY on August 21st to lead a flotilla of about 18 kayaks up Crooked Creek. The event was sponsored by the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT). A good time was had by all as we spotted wildlife and enjoyed a nice paddle on a beautiful evening.

Another Fan!

2007-08-23T18:02:00.000-07:00

In the Clayton area this critter came out to see the Common Man tour pass by his home. Apparently our fame has spread to the Mink community as well.

On the St. Lawrence!

2007-08-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

This photo is of my trusted Indian guide, Raised By Wolves (Patsy Sweet), in the front of the Common Man Tour canoe on the St. Lawrence River. It was taken somewhere between Clayton, NY and Goose Bay, NY on August 20th, but we just got somewhere with Internet access.
More to follow on our trip down the St. Lawrence River......

St. Lawrence River, here we come!

2007-08-16T23:22:00.000-07:00

It's a BIG river steeped in history. It was the primary French trade route for a couple hundred years. The fur trade flourished on it. 36 ft. long canoes braved its rapids to take tradegoods upriver to the Great Lakes, and bring furs downriver destined for the markets in Europe.
Today, oceangoing freighters and tankers ply its waters on their way to the heartland of America. Iron ore, coal and other commodities come back down it, headed for worldwide destinations.
We'll "arrive" in Cape Vincent at 2 pm on the 18th. That's where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River.
Catch our "French and Indian War in the 1000 Islands" presentation at 7 pm on Thursday the 23rd at the Cornwall Brothers Store in Alex Bay. Or, catch us for another "arrival" presentation at Wellesley Island State Park's Nature Center at 3 pm on the 24th.
And pick up some of our Thousand Island area books and trail guides at our booksigning from 1-4 pm on Saturday the 25th.
Between gigs, catch us sailing, rowing, paddling or motoring down the St. Lawrence River from Cape Vincent to Morristown during our stay.
And please, wish us good weather and fair westerly winds.
Thanks for tuning in,
Roger

300 Miles of History - Current updates

2007-08-07T22:56:00.000-07:00

Weather, winds and waves have hampered our exploration of Lake George by water for several days. So we've taken to the land to explore our 1750's era history.

1. The hazy picture above is a view from Pilot Knob Ridge. It overlooks the South Basin of Lake George. In the 1750's French scouts would have been able to monitor British activity from this vantage point. So we climbed up it about a mile, and 600 feet of elevation, to see what the French might have seen. It overlooks Assembly Point where the British would organize men, boats and cannons to travel north to attack French positions. From this vantage point it would have been easy to determine if there were 500 men, 5000, or the 15,000 that eventually headed up the Lake to attack Fort Ticonderoga. It was hot, hazy and raining, but we still got a great sense of history from this vantage point.

2. With the help of Eileen Hannay from the Rogers Island Visitors Center, we're on the track of the whaleboats that mysteriously appeared on Lake Champlain and took 8 French prisoners. That was a Roger's Rangers expedition. The boats came up from Albany, were transported to Lake George and were rowed or sailed up Lake George to Hulett's Landing. Then they were carried 6 miles over the mountain and put into Lake Champlain for the raids on French positions. (If any of you are interested in helping me carry my 125 pound Gheenoe over the same 6 mile trek over the mountain to simulate what they did with 5 whaleboats, call me. I will immediately transfer your call to the nearest insane asylum where you can admit yourself.) LOL

3. And lastly, i told you Raised by Wolves (Patsy Sweet) was tough and adventurous enough to travel a few miles on this trip. Well she is back in the mountains now, but we just got a note from her. It reads as follows: "Last couple of days have been interesting. It concerns a large blackberry bush and a 450 lb bear. The trick is to get to the blackberry bush in the early evening, before the bear gets there in order to get the berries that have ripened that day. So far he has torn apart a large portion of the bush and torn limbs off of an apple tree nearby. The owner of the blackberry bush won't go near it."
But, of course, RBW is eating blackberries every night! And you thought YOUR trip to the grocery store was interesting.

That's my update on our trip. Tell all your friends and have them buy lots of our hiking and biking and canoeing/kayaking books through www.RogerFulton.com

Booksigning - Aug 1

2007-08-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

In this photo Bob Beyerbach, the publisher of the Common Man Book Series, poses with his children, and with co-authors Mike Carpenter and Roger Fulton (AKA The Common Man) at Glens Falls Printing's annual customer appreciation day. We signed a few books, ate some dogs and burgers and enjoyed the afternoon.
Back on tour on Friday up on Lake George! Wish us luck.

Update!

2007-07-31T22:42:00.000-07:00

"Raised by Wolves", my favorite Indian, (Patsy Sweet) has gone back home to the mountains after an interesting week on Lake George. Patsy is the toughest woman I know and she had a couple of really "nasty" days on Lake George caused by wind, water and waves. And, she toughed it out without complaint. But.... she also had a very nice day from Hague to Rogers Rock. We even had time to catch a few fish along the way.
Thank you Patsy!
For the next week or so we are going to continue to explore Lake George. We need to explore the history of the Eastern shore of Lake George. We've heard stories of whaleboats being transported 5 miles across land from Hulett's Landing to Lake Champlain, and we want to know the truth!
We'll keep you posted!
Best to all who are taking the time to tune in. Thanks.
Roger

Hague, NY on Lake George by Judy Stock

2007-07-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hague, NY Program

2007-07-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

Hi to all,
We are alive and well and exploring the various facets of Lake George, all 32 miles of it. You can best catch up with us this Friday night, July 27th in Hague, NY at the Community Center for our Slide presentation on The French and Indian War - The Basics. It's free and open to the public, having been sponsored by the Hague Historical Society. Bring a few of your friends. For more details go to our EVENTS page at www.RogerFulton.com
See you there!

Attacking Lake George; or vice versa

2007-07-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

Patsy Sweet left her mountain home to join the Common Man Tour to paddle up Lake George. We affectionately refer to her as "Raised by Wolves." An experienced canoeist, she cut a fine figure dressed in her traditional Indian garb. (She really IS of Canadian Indian descent.)
We launched on time from Lake Avenue Park in Lake George, headlong into an 11 mile per hour north headwind, just as they might have in the 1750's. We had anticipated some boat wake chop, which they didn't have in the 1750's, but we were not prepared mentally for the incredibly choppy waters from both the wind and boat wakes. Lake George is an incredibly busy lake on a Saturday afternoon in mid-July. The boat wakes were almost continuous and tested our paddling skills. But, at day's end we arrived safely at our destination, tired, but safe.
What's next? We're going to spend the next few days exploring Lake George from a variety of angles. If we happen to travel through your area, please give us a wave and a smile!

Upcoming events

2007-07-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

To all:

The July 18th booksigning at Glens Falls Printing has been cancelled due to a death in our publisher's family. Our condolences.

Join us at the Lake George Historical Society on July 20th at 7 pm for our slide presentation of The French and Indian War - The Basics. Media welcome at 6:30 pm.

Change in departure location for the launch of our trek up Lake George on Saturday, July 21st. Now departing from Lake Avenue Park at the end of Lake Avenue, Corner of Routes 9 and 9N at the northern end of Lake George Village. Media welcome at 2 pm. Actual departure at 3 pm. Please bring 100 of your closest friends to see us off; but only if they have bought one of our Lake George hiking or canoeing/kayaking books. lol

Thanks for your interest and attendance. Questions, please call me at 386-956-6089.

Best,

Roger

Crown Point "Arrival"

2007-07-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

With the Crown Point Bridge in the background, this photo was taken at the Crown Point State Historic Site, where the forts used to be before they all got blown up and burned down. Actually, the defenses at Crown Point were never "taken" by the British during the French and Indian War. They were blown up and abandoned by the French in the face of an overwhelming British attack force.
In this photo, the Common Man poses with Adam Tokes, the Lead Interpreter at this historic site. This site is the northern terminus of the eastern segment of the Common Man Tour. We'll revisit segments of this trip later this summer, but for now, our trip from Albany to this Crown Point site, which we started on June 23rd, is now complete on July 15th.
And a "Thank you" to Adam for a great tour of this historic site on the day we arrived.

Crisis at hand!

2007-07-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

So Roger and the Common Man Tour are sailing north on Lake Champlain on Saturday the 14th of July. A stiff south breeze is driving the tour forward. Then the winds pick up, and the tour goes faster. Whitecaps fill the lake, but the trailing sea is no problem, even for a 15 ft. sailing canoe. I wouldn't venture out on such seas, but as long as I was already there.....
Then in the late afternoon, the wind suddenly shifted and was coming in strong from due west. With no keel, the stiff winds began pushing the Common Man canoe toward the Vermont shoreline. Lake Champlain is the dividing line between New York and Vermont. Maximum efforts to trim the makeshift sail and stop the push to Vermont were not working. Steering with the paddle AND sail were not working. Taking quickly to the oars, Roger turned the boat toward the New York shore, but by doing so was taking the seas broadside. Not good!
Okay, there's a reason the canoe carries a small motor, and it's time to crank it up to get out of this spot, before we slam into the Vermont coastline just before 5 Mile Point. Hustling to the back of the canoe, Roger puts down the always dependable motor and cranks it; and cranks it; and cranks it. It will not start!
Back to the oars! Against a strong west wind and broadside waves, Roger barely clears 5 Mile Point, but is still heading for the Vermont Coastline beyond. The west winds shifts slightly and Roger barely regains control with paddle and sail. But now, he is way behind schedule to meet June Curtis, his support person, at Monitor Point in Crown Point, New York. And, he's on the wrong side of the lake.
Enter the pontoon boat of Clark and Kelley Leonard out of Shoreham, Vermont. Out with the family for a short cruise, they sense the Common Man may be in trouble and swing by to get the full story of this guy in a sailing canoe in a tri-cornered hat, on water much too big. They advise of an impending storm coming in, and that makes it time to call it quits for the day! With their help making a "soft" landing at their dock in Vermont, the motor was deemed unrepairable at that location and the support team, June Curtis, was summoned to Shoreham, Vermont to pick up Roger and the previously endangered craft. Thanks June!
While "canoe-wrecked" at the Leonard residence, Roger was forced to imbibe in snacks and beer, and a healthy dose of Vermont hospitality, all compliments of his hosts. Thanks to the Leonards, all!
They have really good micro-brewed beer in Vermont I found out, but I think I'll just take the bridge over to there the next time.
We're alive and well and having fun, despite the occasional unexpected turn of events.
Best wishes,
Roger

Perspective - On Lake Champlain

2007-07-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

A short while after June Curtis took the last picture, she took this one. It would be best titled, "Big, big lake - Little, little boat", both on the Common Man Tour this past weekend. That's Roger and his "sailing canoe" as a dot just before that far point of land, believe it or not, in the middle of this picture. Now we give you this perspective for a reason. Stay tuned!

Sailing Lake Champlain

2007-07-15T21:09:00.000-07:00

It was time to "sail away" up Lake Champlain this weekend as exhibited in the photo by June Curtis, our support person. Later she would be badly needed.

Post Star Article and Video

2007-07-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

Todays' Post Star Newspaper (Glens Falls, NY area) has a nice article on the Common Man Tour. At their website at www.PostStar.com they have also published an accompanying video interview and footage. For your convenience we have linked the article to my webpage. Since this Blog can't handle hypertext, perhaps the best way to go is to go to my homepage at www.RogerFulton.com and, once there, click on News. The article link is at the bottom of that page. If you are really adventurous go directly to http://www.rogerfulton.com/ecotours/newsletter.htm
Thanks for tuning in. And special thanks to Reporter Maury Thompson and Videographer Lonnie Spath for their fine coverage.
Also, please join us in Ticonderoga this evening for our slide presentation on The French and Indian War - The Basics. 7 pm at the Hancock House at the circle in Ti.
Best wishes,
Roger Fulton, AKA The Common Man

Math and Safety

2007-07-11T21:42:00.000-07:00

No, l I am not "canoe-wrecked" on Lake Champlain! But that's probably only because I have not been dumb enough to go out there! It's all based on mathematical and grammatical theories.
First the math. It's one of those word problems that plagued you in grade school. If a 15 foot canoe goes out on a lake of thousands of square miles, with only one Common Man aboard, and a thunderstorm comes up with 6o mile per hour winds and dime size hail, what is the Common Man's life worth at that point? (Hint: No insurance company would insure him!)
The grammar part is that when a weatherman starts using phrases like "severe" thunderstorms, damaging winds and take cover indoors immediately, it's probably not a good idea to be out on Lake Champlain, 8 miles from the nearest safe haven.
I know, they didn't have such warnings on TV in the 1750's. There was no Weather Channel. And Doppler was the court jester somewhere in Europe.
But American history has recorded lots and lots of shipwrecks on Lake Champlain. And I'm not going to add to those statistics if I can help it!
Thanks for checking in, Roger

Thank yous!

2007-07-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

This is just a thank you note for those who have recently supported the Common Man Tour and helped us get from Albany to Whitehall. It was Tony Gillespie of Glens Falls who helped us get from Schuylerville to Fort Edward. We had to Exit at the Fort Edward Town Dock, lifting the Gheenoe over railings and carrying it a bit of a way. And thanks to the unknown Jason who had been minding his own business, fishing, when his mother volunteered his manual labor services to help us.
Then my buddy Bruce Metcalf arrived from the Rochester area to help. He recruited his buddy Ray Burlett of So. Glens Falls to join the cause. They got me through the storms, a little wet, but none the worse for the wear under difficult circumstances. Thanks guys!
And, as I will soon go through Lock 12, and head up into Lake Champlain - Tuesday methinks - I want to thank all of the locktenders along the Hudson River and the Champlain Canal for their assistance. Originally I thought they would be annoyed by a 15 ft. canoe bothering them to go through their locks. Just the opposite! They were friendly, supportive and called me through to each successive lock to be sure I made it. Thanks to all.
Special thanks to Kevin at Lock 5 for all his planning help, last year and this year. Mike at Lock 7 helped me find a boat launch to make my life, and the life of my team, a little easier. Bill? at Lock 9 for figuring a way to keep my canoe overnight. And thank you to Director Carmella Mellita of the NYS Canal System for your support and pledging the support of your entire staff. It was a great and interesting ride!
And thanks to all of you for following the Common Man Tour. For more info, go to www.RogerFulton.com for future events and activities along our 300 mile book tour.
Best wishes to all,
Roger

Skene Manor Booksigning

2007-07-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

The volunteer staff at Skene Manor could not have been more helpful as we arrived for our scheduled booksigning on Sunday afternoon. We met many new friends and had a very nice afternoon. These citizen volunteers are trying to save this historic landmark overlooking Whitehall. They have come a long way in recent years, but still need lots of help.
Stop up for a great lunch on the weekends, as well as free tours of this great old mansion.
Thanks to all of the staff who were so gracious with their hospitality.

You can't get lost!

2007-07-07T23:43:00.000-07:00

Today, Saturday 07/07/07, was a great day. We traveled the Champlain Canal essentially from Ft. Ann to Whitehall, and had a great time doing it. You can't get lost because it is essentially 15 miles of a canal, about 100 yards wide that actually goes straight for miles.
Along the way we passed farmers' fields, but mostly just wooded areas along both sides of the canal. We could hear birds constantly. It's an ornithologist or bird watchers dream trip. As we got further north, those fields turned into stone outcroppings, and even small cliffs at times. But the bird sounds were still there.
Our arrival in Whitehall required us to "outrun" a group of large power boats gaining on us. (We were rowing when we spotted them bearing down on us.) We quickly switched to our motor and kicked it into high gear. In town we turned and faced them and their wakes. Out of 5 boats, all slowed down except one large vessel. Other boaters chastised them by pointing to the "no wake" signs after they threw their wake at us.
Large boat wakes continue to be the greatest threat to us on our trip.
We're signing books on Sunday from 2-4 pm at Skene Manor Castle overlooking Whitehall. Join us!

Tough Day!

2007-07-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

This duck met us as we started our day at Lock 7 of the Champlain Canal. She was to be a harbinger of our day to come. It was certainly "duck" weather on this day on the water. We had already been delayed for two hours by serious thunderstorms. Thanks to good advice from our support staff and the final decision to delay by the Common Man, we did not launch early on. Two waves of unpredicted and nasty thunderstorms stormed through and then we thought it was over, so we launched.
Fifteen minutes later, the rains came, with more thunder in the background. We made some headway, but a couple of hours later another series of storms were coming in with heavy thunder and rains.
Despite all that, we made our 8 miles to Lock 9, just short of Fort Ann. Other local areas were hit by 60 mile an hour winds, hail and lots of lightning. We missed the worst of it and got off the water just before more of it hit.
So I guess you could say that that duck was a lucky charm for us today!
Pushing on to Whitehall, the Birthplace of the American Navy tomorrow, hopefully in much better weather.

It doesn't get any more American!

2007-07-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

The Common Man, a young lady dressed in period costume and the American Flag! It just doesn't get any better than this.
It was standing room only at the Rogers Island Visitors Center in Fort Edward, NY last night as more than 50 people attended our first full presentation. Included among those was this young lady who was there with her father to learn about the French and Indian War - The Basics. We had great fun, and we all learned a little bit of history.
We'll be back at Rogers Island on September 21st to tell everyone what we have found on our 300 mile trek over the summer. Hope to see you all back there at that time.
In the meantime, the Tour must go on. We'll be dodging afternoon thunderstorms as we head out for Fort Ann later today.
Life is good!

So where is The Common Man?

2007-07-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

He has arrived at Fort Edward, NY. That is where the Champlain Canal completely leaves the Hudson River and heads north to Lake Champlain. We'll be stopping here for a few days and a couple of programs. Please join us Thursday evening, July 5th at 7 pm at the Rogers Island Visitors Center for our first Powerpoint slide presentation of The French and Indian War - The Basics. It's about an overview of the French and Indian War from the Common Man's perspective.
The photo above was taken by June Curtis of Ticonderoga. It is of the Common Man rowing up the Hudson River out of Albany.
It's a big river out there and we're a very small canoe!
We're glad to be entering the relative safety of the Champlain Canal for a few days starting on Saturday. Weather looks good so far.

My canoe doesn't leak! ....ANYMORE!

2007-07-01T21:50:00.001-07:00

So we are traveling along the Hudson River and suddenly there appears to be water in my canoe. Condensation from the cold water bottles? Not a gallon's worth!
No other explanation other than that the canoe was taking on water, 7 miles into the trip, with 7 miles to go!
This ceased to be funny very quickly.
Now I carry a bucket in the boat, so we're not likely to sink. And this canoe is billed to be unsinkable, (But with a hole in it?) That probably voids the warranty. LOL
Waiting about 15 minutes for Lock 5 to open, we isolate the problem. The canoe is leaking up front!
We gallantly REFUSE to abandon ship! Especially since the water is only seeping in gradually.
Once on land for the night, ACE Hardware has a fiberglass repair kit. After an hour of work , following the directions, we hope the repair worked, despite the rain right after we did the work.
The next day we re-launched into the Hudson River.
The best news is that we did not sink. The repair was apparently successful since we saw no undue water in our canoe that day.
Hey, and you thought this 300 mile trip was gonna be easy.
Thanks for your support and tuning in to our Blog.

Ever wondered?

2007-06-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

Did you ever wonder if there are ads on the waterways like there are billboards on highways?
Well, here is your answer, at least for the Saratoga National Historical Park. This sign is about at the halfway point between Stillwater and Schuylerville on the Hudson River. It's a 14.3 mile journey overall.
It was professional photographer Marylou Weiner's last day before returning to Canada, so we took a leisurely boat ride along this stretch. Thank you Marylou for documenting the beginning of a wonderful adventure.
Thanks to Marylou we have some great images of the beginning of the trip and of the Common Man. If you need images for your media outlets, let us know. For publicity shots about the Common Man Tour, Marylou only asks that she be given a photo credit. The images can be used commercially for a small fee.
Sunday, we're going to try to complete our journey to Fort Edward!
Thanks for tuning in!

Lock 5 of the Champlain Canal - Dignitaries meet the Common Man

2007-06-26T22:53:00.000-07:00

It was early evening when the Common Man Tour arrived at Lock 5 of the Champlain Canal. On hand to meet him was Director Carmella Mantello of the New York State Canal Commission, as well as Mayor John T. Sherman of the Village of Schuylerville. Director Mantello offered complete support for our tour, while Mayor Sherman offered advice on eating establishments for our dinner. Overall, this was a win-win-win meeting for everyone.
Onward and upward, the Common Man Tour is headed North toward Fort Edward after a few down days of weather. But we will be there for our July 5th presentation at the Rogers Island Visitors Center, in spite of any weather delays.

Upcoming events on the tour

2007-06-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

We're actually ahead of schedule, but some events are fixed in stone. Please join us at one of these upcoming events:

June 30 - Booksigning, 2-4 pm Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa - signing of our Saratoga area hiking book and more. See our EVENTS calendar at www.RogerFulton.com for more info.

July 5 - We will have reached Fort Edward and will do a Powerpoint presentation on the French and Indian War - The Basics. Location is Rogers Island Visitors Center. See our EVENTS calendar at www.RogerFulton.com for more details.

July 8 - Booksigning, 2-4 pm at Skene Manor Castle in Whitehall. We'll be there to talk about our trip and to sign any of our books. Books will be available for sale at that location. And free tours of the castle will be conducted.

So come on out and join us! We're having a great time on this trip and want you to enjoy it as well. See you when you get there,
Roger

Day 2 - The Locks

2007-06-24T23:04:00.000-07:00

"If anything CAN go wrong, it will," is a phrase I've always prepared for. And the start of today was an example of that. Set to head to Lansingburgh to launch from the Troy Boat Launch, I headed out in my 1750's attire and found my truck had a flat tire. AAA to the rescue. Got to the boat launch and backed over a curb at the edge of the ramp and dumped the Gheenoe on its side. Locals got it back on the trailer. no apparent damage.
A little late, I finally headed north. headed for a boat launch site about 8 miles up the Hudson River that was on the Champlain Canal Chart. Problem 3 for the day according to my support team; such a boat launch does not exist. So, these thing come in three's so all was over for the day.
Had an enjotyable day on the Hudson, going through 4 locks headed north.
A lock is a giant concrete tank that you enter from one end and then it closes behind you. Then there is a 20 foot wall of concrete all around you. Then the water starts rising, turbulently. But you hang onto the riope and the water gently raises you about 15 feet. And you quietly drive out the other side onto the higher water level. It's all quite painless, but a unique and fun experience. We highly recommend it if you have a boat, but don't try it without one. lol

The Launch - June 23rd, 2007

2007-06-24T22:19:00.000-07:00

It was "media day" at 2 o'clock pm as TV Channel 10, the Times-Union and Schenectady Gazette newspapers arrived for stories on the start of our 300 mile canoe trip. And the Rensselaer County Sheriff's Marine Patrol was on hand as well. It looked as though they saw this character who, Wasn't from around here", but the reality was that they were there, by request, to help the Common Man in case he got into trouble. And glad we were to have them.
The launch went off at 3 pm as scheduled! (The Captain is still a Captain, even if only of a 15 ft canoe.) lol
Despite a stiff wind and an outgoing tide, we got underway and made good progress by paddle, rowing and eventually a motor. Then that 50 foot pleasure boat threw us a huge wake. The sheriff's knew what my hand motions meant as I swerved to cut that wake and pounded through it with water coming over my bow. "That's why I wanted you guys out here!, I told them. All's well that ends well.
Eight miles later I'm in the Federal Lock at Troy; my first time "locking through." And a fun time was had by all. Thanks to the Rensselaer Sheriff's Office and Marine Patrol, thanks to all the friends who showed up to wish us well on the start of this great adventure. And thanks to those of you who are following our progress this summer.
Sorry we're a day or so late in posting this Blog entry, but our 18th century expedition was immediately plagued by 21st century computer problems at the end of our first day. But, we're on our way with 10 miles completed on Day 1 of the Common Man Tour!

We're launching!

2007-06-20T23:47:00.000-07:00

The Common Man Tour'07- 300 Miles of French and Indian War History is finally getting underway. We wil launch from the boat launch at the Corning Preserve in Albany on Saturday, June 23rd, 2007. Photos and media interviews at 2 pm and we will officially launch at 3pm. Then we will disappear up-river toward the Troy lock.
Please come and join us!

300 Miles of History

2007-01-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

During the summer of 2007 author and historian Roger Fulton will travel more than 300 miles by canoe from Albany, New York to the 1000 Islands and Lake Ontario to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the French and Indian War. Traveling in 1750’s clothing, his travels will take him up the Hudson River to Lake George and Lake Champlain along the historic waterways of New York where French and British forces fought for control of the American Colonies. He will then travel up the St. Lawrence River to Lake Ontario as so many adventurers and soldiers did in the 17th and 18th centuries to open up the expanding territories of North America.
All along his route Mr. Fulton will stop at each interested town and village along the way to conduct lectures, historic presentations and media photo opportunities. His presentations may be as simple as an “arrival” by canoe for the local media; or may be as elaborate as a formal fund raising presentation for a local or county historical society. All “events” will be along the historical theme of the French and Indian War and its impact on the development of The Colonies, and the development of the United States and Canada.
This trip is slated to be done in segments starting on or about June 23rd and continuing throughout the summer until finally culminating back at Fort Edward on September 21st, Mr. Fulton’s 60th birthday. All plans are tentative at this time but will be finalized as the dates draw nearer.