Saturday, April 29, 2023

Stop 18- Geddes Brook: The Culvert

GPS- 43.067859, -76.230389

 So as we continue on our journey along the towpath, 

an unsung hero that keeps moving bodies of water 

from washing away the berm walls

often crosses beneath our feet: 

The Culvert!


Geddes Brook starts its journey in the hill of Camillus. 
From there it winds northward toward Onondaga Lake.
It had to cross the canal, 
or more accurately the canal had to cross it!


As it crossed behind Geddes Estate in Camillus


It was dammed for the Geddes' estate's use. Today a mini-old sits in the old dammed channel with the brook still flowing through it


If Geddes had known about mini-golf, 
I'm sure he'd have put one here as an additional business 😉


How do you keep the waters separate? 

You channel the brook UNDER the canal in a culvert. While an aqueduct carries the canal over a body of water in a wooden trough with stone supports, a culvert channels the water under the canal bed itself. 

! good explanations on culverts:

https://www.eriecanal.org/UnionCollege/The_Culvert.html?fbclid=IwAR3akNyZfoTjjeNIn7d_l7LfvV0Opz5h3YSx_9wf1EJ3vi-CU5buu8Z1Sm4

They are perfect for smaller bodies of water and require less maintenance


Along the towpath just west of Solvay, Geddes Brook goes under the canal in a culvert that was built for the Enlarged Erie.
The use of limestone is a clue to its age.


However, the years have taken its toll on the the Geddes Brook Culvert. 
It is closed to automobile traffic due to it's aging state.


But on two feet or two wheels, you can cross over on the culvert on the Towpath...


and appreciate that you do not get your feet wet thanks to the culvert...

and head on to our next stop...






 





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