Ep 3. The Champlain Canal & Lake Champlain: Part 1

Cruising America's Waterways season 1 episode 3 takes the viewers on a breathtaking journey exploring the Champlain Canal and Lake Champlain, which is spread across two episodes. This episode covers the first part of the journey, which is all about the Champlain Canal.

The host starts the episode by introducing the Champlain Canal, which dates back to the 1800s and was built to connect Lake Champlain to the Hudson River. The canal was primarily used for transportation of goods and played a crucial role in the industrial growth of the surrounding areas. The host also talks about the present-day use of the canal - it has become a popular spot for recreational boaters.

Next, the viewers are taken on a boat ride through the Champlain Canal, which is an impressive feat of engineering. The host points out various structures such as locks and gates, which are used to regulate the water levels in the canal. He also talks about how these structures work, and how the locks are manually operated by the lockkeepers.

The journey through the Champlain Canal is not just educational but also visually stunning. The canal is surrounded by lush greenery and offers picturesque views of towns and villages that dot the banks of the canal. The host takes a moment to appreciate the beauty of the canal and the surrounding landscape.

As the boat reaches its destination, the host disembarks and heads towards the town of Whitehall, which is known as the birthplace of the US Navy. The viewers are taken on a tour of the town, which is replete with historical buildings and museums. The host also talks about the significance of the town and its place in American history.

The viewers are then taken back to the boat, which heads towards Lake Champlain – the second part of the journey. On the way, the host talks about the history of the lake, which has played a significant role in American history. He also talks about the famous Battle of Plattsburgh, which was fought on the lake during the War of 1812.

As the boat reaches Lake Champlain, the episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the viewers eager for the next part of the journey.

Overall, the episode provides an educational and entertaining journey through the Champlain Canal and sets the stage for the next part of the journey through Lake Champlain. The stunning visuals, educational content, and the host's engaging commentary make this episode of Cruising America's Waterways an enjoyable watch for anyone interested in American history, engineering, and natural beauty.