On Mon, 23 Jan 2006 04:35:55 GMT, "ted" wrote:

This one says its the "official" new york state map of the canal.

http://www.canals.state.ny.us/maps/index.html

That's the one you want, and by all means purchase their cruising
guide if you are even remotely interested:

http://www.canals.state.ny.us/exvac/cguide/index.html

To answer your first question, the Erie canal no longer exists, just
the remains of it in some places. It was built for much smaller
boats, pulled by mules along a tow path, and with hand operated locks.