The distance from Troy (near modern Çanakkale, Turkey) to Ithaca is a bit over 600 miles. At a rowing speed of 4 to 5 knots, that’s not a terribly long journey, without the involvement of the gods.
If we went from Troy, New York to Ithaca, New York by water (Erie Canal, then portage to Seneca Lake) it would be about 250 miles — shorter, but the same order of magnitude.
One person decided to use the modern Turkish city and make up alternative lyrics to City of New Orleans.
I just finished re-reading the Odyssey. I used the Samuel Butler translation, which is prose and emphasized the story more easily because it abandons any attempt at poetry. I’m also cheap: it’s available for free at Project Gutenberg.
Yesterday, I saw the movie, which didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended. Of course, there are many plot points which diverge from Homer, but overall I think that improves the flow — especially the ending.
Comics I Don't Understand 
You don’t need to portage between the Erie Canal and Cayuga Lake (not Seneca; Cornell’s alma mater is “Far Above Cayuga’s Waters”). You can make the entire trip from Troy to Ithaca in the water. The Cayuga-Seneca Canal connects Seneca and Cayuga Lakes to the Erie Canal.
LikeLike