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Globe and Mail
13-06-2025
- Globe and Mail
Make space in your life for ‘blue space'
Dan Rubinstein's latest book is Water Borne: A 1,200-Mile Paddleboarding Pilgrimage, from which this essay has been partly adapted. 'Hey! What's the rush? Take a break! Have a beer.' I'm paddling hard, head down, at the tail end of another sweltering, stormy day of voyaging west along the Erie Canal. The waterside campground I'm aiming for, on the outskirts of Weedsport in upstate New York, is less than a kilometre away. Knackered, all I want is a shower and food, not to hang out with some dude hollering at me from shore. Looking over my right shoulder, I see a small group on the back of a boat docked at a marina. A man with a big grin is waving me over. Despite what seems like a genuine invitation to join their party, it's not always wise to approach strangers who may be well into happy hour. But one of the main reasons I embarked on this journey – a 2,000-km circumnavigation from my home in Ottawa back to Ottawa via Montreal, New York City and Toronto – was to meet people. So I pivot my paddleboard and beeline to the boat. Matt Donahue helps me climb aboard and introduces his wife, son and friends. 'Where the hell are you going?' he asks, handing me an icy can of beer. Leaning back on a bench, I provide a précis. I'm a writer and love stand-up paddleboarding (a.k.a. SUP), and I'm curious about the curative properties of 'blue space,' about what happens when we spend time in, on, or around water. The aquatic equivalent of green space has received increasing attention in recent years from researchers who are interested in its impact on our psychological and physiological health, as well as the health of the planet. Concerned about these things myself, both the world's well-being and my own, I hopped on a 14-foot-long inflatable SUP with a couple drybags of camping gear and some notepads and started paddling down the Ottawa River toward Montreal. That departure took place early in the summer of 2023, which turned out to be one of the hottest ever on the continent (at least for now). Now it's late July, and nearly two months of immersion journalism, and about 40 self-propelled kilometres every day, are draining my energy and resolve. But Mr. Donahue and his crew are inquisitive and enthusiastic. They are happy for me. That somebody on an offbeat expedition is passing through their part of the state. There is teasing and laughing, high-fiving and rib-digging. Their joy makes me joyous. Mr. Donahue gives me another beer for later and we hug. Not awkward, one-armed back-patting. A real hug. 'Where else,' I ponder while paddling away, 'do two middle-aged men who've just met hug like that?' My obsession with blue space was sparked when I got my first paddleboard a decade ago. I had lived in half a dozen cities across Canada, all on either a river, lake or ocean, but never owned a watercraft of any kind. With a SUP, which can be carried under one arm, or in an oversized backpack if it's inflatable, I suddenly had intimate access to aquatic environments. When paddling, I could gaze at shoreline forests or the shimmering horizon, or down into the water at fish and plants, the primordial soup our ancestors clambered out of. When it was hot, it was easy to jump in for a swim. Whether in urban or rural areas, being perched atop a SUP always made me feel better. And while we interact with blue space in individual ways, I'm far from the only person for whom water is an elixir. The science is clear that being in nature is generally good for our bodies and brains. We tend to be more active and less anxious. Although it's difficult to differentiate between green and blue spaces, according to Mat White, an environmental psychologist at the University of Vienna and arguably the world's leading authority on this subject, water seems to uncork a multiplier effect. Dr. White explores what happens when we do anything (paddle, swim, surf, walk, sit) in, on or near just about any type of water, from vast seas to downtown fountains. After leading several research projects and crunching the data, he believes that blue space has a mostly positive and, compared to other outdoor environments, a more pronounced impact on our mental and physical health. 'The crucial point about that research was that it was the poorest communities and individuals who got the benefits,' Dr. White told me. 'If you're rich, it doesn't matter how often you spend time in blue space. You're healthy and happy anyway. But if you're poor, it matters hugely.' Water is a double-edged sword, Dr. White cautions. Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death around the world. Around two billion people don't have access to clean drinking water. Rising seas, intensifying storms, widespread flooding and water-borne diseases are among the deadliest consequences of global warming, and they tend to displace and kill those with the least capacity to escape or adapt. These realities notwithstanding, people are happiest in marine and coastal margins, a pair of British environmental economists determined, gathering more than a million pings on their 'Mappiness' app. Blue neighbourhoods are 'associated with lower psychological distress,' reports a paper out of New Zealand. And taking the sea air – breathing in 'bioactive compounds that may originate from marine algae,' in the parlance of Belgian biologist Jana Asselman – appears to give our immune systems a boost. These settings also offer opportunities for social interaction, suggests a Scottish literature review, kindling 'a sense of community [and] mutual support between people.' Moreover, hanging out in blue space promotes 'pro-environmental behavior,' especially among children. In other words, we pay more attention to others and take better care of the planet. To decipher the mechanisms at play, I contacted another environmental psychologist, Jenny Roe at the University of Virginia. Blue space triggers our parasympathetic nervous system, Dr. Roe said to me before I left home, which basically tells the brain what our bodies are doing and then acts like a brake, dampening the stress response. Water can instill a sense of being away and boundless possibilities, she added, yet also a feeling of compatibility with our location, of comfort and belonging. Evolutionarily, this makes sense. Our bodies are mostly water and, like all living things, we need it to survive. Even looking at a creek or pool is enough to lower blood pressure and heart rates, a pair of University of California, Davis, psychology researchers concluded, attributing this link, in part, to our forebears successfully detecting drinking water in arid environments. I was thirsty throughout my trip. Lukewarm electrolytes don't cut in when you're paddling for hours in hot, humid conditions. But the kindness of strangers kept me hydrated. People in boats and on shore offered me cold water and sports drinks; they shared snacks, stories, local intel about guerrilla campsites and, on several occasions, let me tent on their lawns. Poor and rich and every socioeconomic status in between, Black and brown and white and every blended colour on the spectrum, they welcomed me and looked out for me. The interviews I had set up in advance were validating my holistic health thesis: in Kahnawake, Que., a Mohawk reserve near Montreal, I saw young leaders re-establishing their community's relationship to the river decades after the St. Lawrence Seaway was bulldozed through their front yard; I met kayakers on the Lower Hudson whose non-profits fight for free access to the river, so everybody can take advantage of its healing power. But it was serendipitous encounters that buoyed me the most. And even academics like Howard University's Lemir Teron affirmed that despite long histories of injustice, waterways such as the Erie Canal hold promise as public realms where a cross-section of people can gather. Why does blue space seem to encourage connections between strangers? There's no peer-reviewed paper on this topic, but I think it's because of the impact of aquatic places on our well-being, coupled with a latent danger that compels us to watch out for one another, and the fact that we tend to slow down around water, creating opportunities for face-to-face conversation. Much of my paddle took place in upstate New York, which leans Republican. One muggy morning on the Erie Canal, I pull over and chat with a man sitting on a staircase that descends into the water, feet submerged, below his Trump-flag-adorned RV. We discuss whether the dark clouds gathering to the northeast will blow this way. He thinks I'll be fine. Soon, I'm out of sight upriver and it's pouring, but there's no thunder and the rain feels like the best kind of shower. Had lightning struck, my new friend would probably have granted me refuge.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fairport Canal Days: Celebrating the Erie Canal's bicentennial
FAIRPORT, N.Y. (WROC) – With summer just around the corner and families looking to get out of the house for weekend fun, many chose to stop by Fairport's annual Canal Days! Despite construction happening on Main Street in the Village of Fairport, right along the festival's normal setup path, folks still went to Canal Days Saturday afternoon and enjoyed all it had to offer. Canal Days vendor and Owner of The Hair Jewelers, Brandon Solz, shared his favorite part of the festival. 'The people make the festival, the great people,' Solz said. 'As long as the people keep coming, we'll keep showing up as vendors.' More than 150 vendors set up shop in downtown Fairport for the weekend, all working to make the festival happen. Vendor and Owner of Neens McQueens Charcuterie, Grazing Tables & More, Christina Baker shared her appreciation for the camaraderie taking part in the festival creates. Brighton to hold bike giveaway at Bike Rodeo 'The family of food trucks or vendors is incredible. We work together, and if somebody's short something or somebody runs out of something, everybody is helping each other. It's a real family,' Baker said. There's a special element to this year's Canal Days. The community is also celebrating the Erie Canal's Bicentennial. The 363-mile-long water system was completed in October 1825 and remains a focal point for similar festivals across the region. Solz, who is originally from South Africa, explained why he appreciates the local history. 'I've done a bit of research, and the Erie Canal fascinates me in particular,' Solz said. 'Such an incredible achievement and feat, especially back when they did it. To have been able to live in this area and learn so much about it is incredible.' Canal Days is slated to continue through Sunday. A complete list of vendors and events happening can be found on the festival's official website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Travel + Leisure
02-06-2025
- General
- Travel + Leisure
I Bought a Home in the 4th Hottest U.S. Neighborhood—Here's What It's Like to Live There
You may not be familiar with Fairport, a scenic town in upstate New York dubbed the 'crown jewel of the Erie Canal.' It's not in Westchester or the Hudson Valley, and it's roughly 350 miles north of Manhattan. But those who know and love it, like me, weren't surprised when it was ranked the fourth hottest neighborhood in the United States, according to Redfin. I love it so much, I bought my first (and possibly forever) home in the heart of Fairport's village. I've called many neighborhoods home over the years—Lenox Hill on NYC's Upper East Side, Back Bay and Fenway in Boston, and Doral in Florida. And with each move, I learned what mattered most to me: Walkability and a sense of community were non-negotiable, leading me to rediscover a suburb I grew up only 20 minutes away from. Dock along the Erie Canal in a lot I miss about living in a major metro, of course. The access to entertainment, culture, and cuisine from around the world is unparalleled. But my happiest moments in these cities were also the simplest: playing with my dog at the park, catching up with friends on coffee walks, exploring flea markets. Why couldn't I replicate those same experiences in my new zip code? I envisioned pushing a stroller on the way to the local library, picnicking under the gazebo, and paddling a kayak along the canal. Now, those dreams are a reality—everything Fairport has to offer is just steps from my front door. Summer kicks off with Fairport Canal Days, one of the most popular arts festivals in New York state. The weekend celebration features local artisans, trendy food trucks, live performances, and a whimsical rubber duck charity race held on the Erie Canal. For a village of roughly 5,000, I'm amazed by the stacked lineup of annual events, which also includes the Fairport Music Festival and Oktoberfest. Beautiful landscape of the Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie restaurants, and lively pubs line Main Street, making Fairport a destination for young families and singles. In search of a sweet treat? Three ice cream shops are a stone's throw from each other (Moonlight Creamery never misses). Thirsty? Hit up any number of wine bars, breweries, and distilleries, like Iron Smoke, a fan favorite for its award-winning bourbon. Planning a date night? Book a reservation at Bonnie & Clyde, an upscale restaurant and cocktail bar that opened earlier this year in a 1928 bank. Yes, you'll be eating and drinking your way through town, but staying active is also a part of the Fairport lifestyle. You can bike along the picturesque towpath, hit the pavement at the skatepark, or trek through miles of forests. Like every other millennial, I've considered picking up pickleball, and sure enough, Fairport is home to new state-of-the-art indoor courts. But for now, you'll find me walking everywhere—past the tour boats, trains, and historic village hall that makes me feel like I'm in an episode of Gilmore Girls . My ideal day in the village is spent shopping small. In addition to the weekly farmers market, Lombardi's Gourmet Foods and Red Bird Market are great for stocking up on specialty goods. Another Chapter Bookstore is to blame for my never-ending reading list. And I love perusing the quirky antiques and other one-of-a-kind items at boutiques like Main Street Mercantile and Diane Prince Furniture & Gifts. Need an assortment of colorful yarn? There's a shop for that. Looking for handmade soaps? There's a shop for that, too. Every season in Fairport has its own charm. The canalway becomes bustling in the summer months, and the lift bridge featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not makes for a great vantage point. In the fall, the community's eccentric scarecrow creations line the sidewalks. And during the holidays, festive lights are strung all over, including the trees and the gazebo, illuminating the freshly fallen snow. Above all, the people are the reason I chose to build a life here. It's as if there's an unspoken competition among residents to see who can say hello fastest. Even Jimmy Fallon, who frequents Fairport around St. Patrick's Day, has said 'I love the people here. It's super fun.' I couldn't agree more.
National Post
29-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
The Erie Canal is turning 200. New York is throwing a summer-long party
In 1995, Tammee Poinan Grimes's parents purchased a 60-foot-long tour boat to use for sightseeing cruises along the Erie Canal. The expense of shipping the boat from San Francisco to Upstate New York was prohibitive, so they came up with a different solution. Article content Article content Over the course of seven weeks, the family helmed the vessel south through the Pacific Ocean, northwest across the Panama Canal and into the Caribbean Sea, then north via the Atlantic Ocean and into the Hudson River at New York City, before connecting with the Erie Canal in Albany. Article content 'You can get anywhere in the world via the Erie Canal,' says Poinan Grimes, now the captain of the same patriotically painted boat, the Colonial Belle. Article content From its dock in Fairport, New York, the boat will participate in celebrations and events for the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal this year. Article content Long before Poinan Grimes's family's journey, other dreamers and doers brought one of North America's most significant man-made waterways to life in 1825. Article content While the canal's builders understood the potential economic impact of the 363-mile channel connecting Buffalo in the west to capital city Albany in the east, they may not have anticipated its lasting reverberations on American culture. Article content 'I'm constantly learning and meeting people who have all kinds of great stories,' Poinan Grimes said. 'I don't think I'll ever stop learning about the canal because there's just so much [to know].' Article content Article content For the Erie Canal's bicentennial, more than 35 festivals, outdoor programs, lectures and performances will offer adventures and insights. Article content The Albany Symphony Orchestra will perform canalside concerts in Medina, Troy, Utica and other cities. In August, Flotsam River Circus is booked for dozens of live performances aboard its wooden raft turned stage. Article content In July, hundreds of cyclists are expected to gather for the eight-day Cycle the Erie Canal ride along the Empire State Trail, following a route from Buffalo east along the Erie Canal and south along the Champlain Canal and Hudson River to Albany. For some segments, bike-mounted historians will narrate key points of interest. Article content A recreational cyclist known as BillytheKid Klein, who has participated in the 400-mile bike tour annually since 2021, says residents treat cyclists like visiting rock stars, lining up to cheer on riders or provide bottles of water, watermelon slices, ice cream and T-shirts. Article content For Klein, the camaraderie is the allure. Article content 'The people are astounding, and so are their bikes,' he said. 'They bring antique bikes, big-wheel bikes from Britain, adaptive bikes they pedal with their hands. The whole experience is a lot like Woodstock. It's just a lot of love.'
Washington Post
26-05-2025
- Washington Post
The Erie Canal is turning 200. New York is throwing a summer-long party.
In 1995, Tammee Poinan Grimes's parents purchased a 60-foot-long tour boat to use for sightseeing cruises along the Erie Canal. The expense of shipping the boat from San Francisco to Upstate New York was prohibitive, so they came up with a different solution. Over the course of seven weeks, the family helmed the vessel south through the Pacific Ocean, northwest across the Panama Canal and into the Caribbean Sea, then north via the Atlantic Ocean and into the Hudson River at New York City, before connecting with the Erie Canal in Albany.
