Week 14, July 1, 2013
Sunday, July 7, 2013
This is just a short recap of the past week. The flooding and damage along the Erie was so bad and repeated so many times over the past three weeks, that the best information I have is opening again sometime between the eighteenth and the twenty fourth of July. We got this information on our return from Boston.
The Boston trip (three days over the fourth of July) was a great way to pass the time while stuck in Schenectady. We got to see daughter Mary and friend Sean, and to tour some of Boston's famous and historical spots.
The Boston trip (three days over the fourth of July) was a great way to pass the time while stuck in Schenectady. We got to see daughter Mary and friend Sean, and to tour some of Boston's famous and historical spots.
Veronica and Mike at Cheers
We were notified by e-mail Friday morning that the canal locks behind us, between Schenectady and the Hudson, were now open. So, decision time. We still have a problem with a leak on the raw water side of the generator. That was to be addressed in Brewerton, NY. After some phone calls, got the folks at Cummins Northeast in Albany lined up for the first of next week to come and make the repairs. That being the case, as soon as repairs are completed, we are heading back to the Hudson and up the Champlain canal to Lake Champlain and eventually the St. Lawrence Seaway and back down to Lake Ontario. This will add about 350 miles to the trip, but will at least get us traveling again. We did so want to spend time in Brewerton close to family and friends, but the time crunch is now upon us to clear Lake Michigan before mid September.
As an aside, the NYS Canal Authority has been the worst government agency I have ever dealt with. They do not return calls, they absolutely refuse to give out information and they will not make even a rough estimate of time involved in repairs, let alone make any kind of commitment. The Lock Masters, on the other hand, have been just the opposite of what we were told to expect. They have been helpful, friendly and informative about the canals and procedures. The Authority Management should be proud of these folks and should seek to emulate their example.
Well, enough venting. I will post more info on our departure as available.
Oh, I should mention the folks here at the Schenectady Yacht Club. This is really a great place to have to be stuck. The scenery is magnificent, and the yacht club people have been so accommodating and helpful. There were five of us loopers stuck here to begin with. Three of us still here. One turned back the first day while he could. Happy Cat (Ron & Judy Gabriel) left yesterday for Champlain. We will most likely be traveling with Daddy's Dream (Jim Wagner & crew), on Wednesday coming. That leaves Mark and his wife from Canada (don't remember the name of the boat), who left their boat here until the canal reopens.
Week 15, July 8, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
Decision made. We left Schenectady this morning for Waterford. The trip was uneventful but stressful, as the canal was filled with debris of all kinds. I called the local Cumins diesel rep, and he ordered the parts for the generator, and promised to come to Waterford either Tuesday PM or Wednesday morning to make the repairs right at the dock. So, here we sit, a month later and in the same spot on the dock. Wednesday, as soon as repairs are completed, we leave for the Champlain Canal Route.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Spent the day lowering our profile to 16'-6", the requirement for the Champlain being a max of 17'-0". Had to remove the radar, the dinghy davit, the anchor light and the TV antenna, and lower the VHF antennas. The anchor light gave me the most trouble, but all done by supper time.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Good as their word, the generator repair guy showed up at 8:30 AM with parts in hand and was finished and gone by 10:30 AM. Genny works like a champ with no leaks, so, back on the water again!!!!!!
We left the dock at Waterford at 11:00 AM, and made Fort Edward New York at 6:45 PM, after 37 miles and six locks. Mother Nature, however, was not to let us go without a wet farewell kiss. Veronica and I were soaking wet from locking through in the pouring rain. Then, to top it all off, we got into lock number C-5, and before they could start the process, it started with the thunder and lightning. Understandably, they will not operate the locks when there is thundering and lightning in the area, so we, and three other boats, sat in the lock for 45 minutes in the pouring rain, with SERIOUS thunder and lightning all around us. By the time we cleared the last lock for the day, we were both soaked to the bone and covered with mud.
We had very little room at the dock, so we tied to the swim stairs and moved a little runabout up the wall about 20 feet. this gave us enough room to tie PB up to the town wall and spend a free night, with power and water and everything. This is a really great place to spend a day or two. Very protected up a two mile canal. Lots of nice local folks stopped by to say hi and chat.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
We pulled off the dock at Fort Edward at 8:20 AM, and were able to get back to the canal and right into lock seven for a quick lock through. we traveled the 25 miles and went through the four locks in great time, arriving at the town wall in Whitehall at a little after noon. This is another town wall with free dockage, water and power. Many more like this and I'll really start to feel special. The dock at the town is just short of the last canal in the New York system. Looking down on us from a small mountain, was Skene Manor, a manor house built in 1874 in a blend of English Victorian and French Gothic architecture. The manor was built by NYS Supreme Court Justice Joseph H. Potter, and is now a local tourist attraction.
We hooked up with Jim Wagner and his crew on Daddy's Dream. We last saw Jim at Schenectady Yacht Club about three weeks ago. He had left his boat there and gone back home till the canal opened. Daddy's Dream was still at Schenectady when we left, but they had passed us Wednesday while we were working on the generator.
As an aside, the NYS Canal Authority has been the worst government agency I have ever dealt with. They do not return calls, they absolutely refuse to give out information and they will not make even a rough estimate of time involved in repairs, let alone make any kind of commitment. The Lock Masters, on the other hand, have been just the opposite of what we were told to expect. They have been helpful, friendly and informative about the canals and procedures. The Authority Management should be proud of these folks and should seek to emulate their example.
Well, enough venting. I will post more info on our departure as available.
Oh, I should mention the folks here at the Schenectady Yacht Club. This is really a great place to have to be stuck. The scenery is magnificent, and the yacht club people have been so accommodating and helpful. There were five of us loopers stuck here to begin with. Three of us still here. One turned back the first day while he could. Happy Cat (Ron & Judy Gabriel) left yesterday for Champlain. We will most likely be traveling with Daddy's Dream (Jim Wagner & crew), on Wednesday coming. That leaves Mark and his wife from Canada (don't remember the name of the boat), who left their boat here until the canal reopens.
Week 15, July 8, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
Decision made. We left Schenectady this morning for Waterford. The trip was uneventful but stressful, as the canal was filled with debris of all kinds. I called the local Cumins diesel rep, and he ordered the parts for the generator, and promised to come to Waterford either Tuesday PM or Wednesday morning to make the repairs right at the dock. So, here we sit, a month later and in the same spot on the dock. Wednesday, as soon as repairs are completed, we leave for the Champlain Canal Route.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Spent the day lowering our profile to 16'-6", the requirement for the Champlain being a max of 17'-0". Had to remove the radar, the dinghy davit, the anchor light and the TV antenna, and lower the VHF antennas. The anchor light gave me the most trouble, but all done by supper time.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Good as their word, the generator repair guy showed up at 8:30 AM with parts in hand and was finished and gone by 10:30 AM. Genny works like a champ with no leaks, so, back on the water again!!!!!!
We left the dock at Waterford at 11:00 AM, and made Fort Edward New York at 6:45 PM, after 37 miles and six locks. Mother Nature, however, was not to let us go without a wet farewell kiss. Veronica and I were soaking wet from locking through in the pouring rain. Then, to top it all off, we got into lock number C-5, and before they could start the process, it started with the thunder and lightning. Understandably, they will not operate the locks when there is thundering and lightning in the area, so we, and three other boats, sat in the lock for 45 minutes in the pouring rain, with SERIOUS thunder and lightning all around us. By the time we cleared the last lock for the day, we were both soaked to the bone and covered with mud.
We had very little room at the dock, so we tied to the swim stairs and moved a little runabout up the wall about 20 feet. this gave us enough room to tie PB up to the town wall and spend a free night, with power and water and everything. This is a really great place to spend a day or two. Very protected up a two mile canal. Lots of nice local folks stopped by to say hi and chat.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
We pulled off the dock at Fort Edward at 8:20 AM, and were able to get back to the canal and right into lock seven for a quick lock through. we traveled the 25 miles and went through the four locks in great time, arriving at the town wall in Whitehall at a little after noon. This is another town wall with free dockage, water and power. Many more like this and I'll really start to feel special. The dock at the town is just short of the last canal in the New York system. Looking down on us from a small mountain, was Skene Manor, a manor house built in 1874 in a blend of English Victorian and French Gothic architecture. The manor was built by NYS Supreme Court Justice Joseph H. Potter, and is now a local tourist attraction.
We hooked up with Jim Wagner and his crew on Daddy's Dream. We last saw Jim at Schenectady Yacht Club about three weeks ago. He had left his boat there and gone back home till the canal opened. Daddy's Dream was still at Schenectady when we left, but they had passed us Wednesday while we were working on the generator.
Skene Manor, Above Whitehall NY
Friday, July 12, 2013
And here we go again. Today, we are traveling the beautiful river between Whitehall and Lake Champlain, and a short portion of the lake proper.
We started with an 8:00 AM passage through lock 12 in Whitehall, and immediately hooked up with Bernadette, a 61 foot Trumpy built in 1958. She is beautifully restored and cared for. We followed her all day, some 56 miles up to Point Bay Marina, on Thompson's Point in Charlotte, Vermont (pronounced shar lott a by the locals). The day was beautiful but uneventful, until we came up on a cable ferry right in our path. Neither Bernadette or I had any luck getting the ferry on the radio, and we did not know how close we could come and still avoid the underwater cable she rode on, so we both stopped in our tracks. Bernadette's captain told me that his boss thought it would be nice if we led the way, but I deferred to his position as leader in our little convoy. After some good natured banter, we both decided the ferry was far enough away not to cause any problems, and Bernadette resumed as leader, with PB bringing up the rear.
And here we go again. Today, we are traveling the beautiful river between Whitehall and Lake Champlain, and a short portion of the lake proper.
We started with an 8:00 AM passage through lock 12 in Whitehall, and immediately hooked up with Bernadette, a 61 foot Trumpy built in 1958. She is beautifully restored and cared for. We followed her all day, some 56 miles up to Point Bay Marina, on Thompson's Point in Charlotte, Vermont (pronounced shar lott a by the locals). The day was beautiful but uneventful, until we came up on a cable ferry right in our path. Neither Bernadette or I had any luck getting the ferry on the radio, and we did not know how close we could come and still avoid the underwater cable she rode on, so we both stopped in our tracks. Bernadette's captain told me that his boss thought it would be nice if we led the way, but I deferred to his position as leader in our little convoy. After some good natured banter, we both decided the ferry was far enough away not to cause any problems, and Bernadette resumed as leader, with PB bringing up the rear.
Bernadette Leaving Whitehall
Algae and Seaweed Harvesting on the River
Fort Ticonderoga
We spotted Fort Ticonderoga shortly before entering Lake Champlain proper.
The Champlain Bridge at Crown Point, NY
Champlain Memorial Lighthouse, Crown Point, NY
The Champlain Memorial Lighthouse was originally built in 1858, but the current Memorial and Lighthouse was built on the old lighthouse base in 1912. The structure is renowned for a bronze bust cast by French sculptor August Rodin and set into the stone work. It also boasts a bronze statue of Champlain cast by American sculptor Carl Auguste Heber. It sits at the base of the Champlain Bridge, and is the gateway to Lake Champlain.
Distant Mountains at Westport, New York
Point Bay Marina, Charlotte, VT
After we got into Point Bay, I decided to put all the hardware back on the top of the boat. The most complicated part was reinstalling the Radar, but that went off without a hitch. The real ordeal was the anchor and navigation light mast. When they originally installed it, they did not leave any slack in the wires, and to top it off, they did not make good crimps in the connections, and left two of the wires almost cut in half. So, we had to rewire the mast and lights and install a new bulb in one. Made a three hour ordeal out of a half hour job, but finally got it done, and, miracle of miracles, everything worked!!!
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Today, we finished Lake Champlain by traveling 53 miles to Gaines Marina in Rouse's Point New York, one and a half miles from the Canadian border. The trip started out uneventfully, with the lake like glass, a light wind, and one or two boats in sight. But, by the time we were close to Plattsburgh, it sure looked different. There were so many boats on the water that I had to take evasive action every 10 minutes to avoid a collision. And, with the number of big powere boats, the lake was stirred up like you would not believe. We rocked and rolled our way up to Rouse's Point. It was so rough that Veronica could not go down into the galley to make lunch for fear of falling or getting sea sick. Well, we eventually made it in, and we are going to sit a day here to do some chores. The dock they originally put us on was exposed to the lake, and walking the dock was like those moving floors in the fun house. After a conversation with the marina folks, we moved to a more protected location. But, that's a relative term. We are still jumping around like a bucking bronco, just not as much.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Breakfast in town, then chores. Veronica off to the laundry, Mike changing oil pads, adding oil to the engines, and checking the generator (works great with no leaks). Then, several hours deciding on next weeks itinerary, and bringing this log up to date. We are leaving tomorrow with plans to make it as far up the Richelieu Canal as we can, and then on to Sorel in Canada, and stopping in Montreal on Wednesday. This will be a 132 statute mile section with lots of locks and bridges, in three days. Grand plan is to be in Alexandria Bay NY on Sunday the 21st, and then on to Kingston Ontario no later than Tuesday night, the 23rd of July.
Well, that's all for now. Keep those cards and letters comin' boys and girls.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Today, we finished Lake Champlain by traveling 53 miles to Gaines Marina in Rouse's Point New York, one and a half miles from the Canadian border. The trip started out uneventfully, with the lake like glass, a light wind, and one or two boats in sight. But, by the time we were close to Plattsburgh, it sure looked different. There were so many boats on the water that I had to take evasive action every 10 minutes to avoid a collision. And, with the number of big powere boats, the lake was stirred up like you would not believe. We rocked and rolled our way up to Rouse's Point. It was so rough that Veronica could not go down into the galley to make lunch for fear of falling or getting sea sick. Well, we eventually made it in, and we are going to sit a day here to do some chores. The dock they originally put us on was exposed to the lake, and walking the dock was like those moving floors in the fun house. After a conversation with the marina folks, we moved to a more protected location. But, that's a relative term. We are still jumping around like a bucking bronco, just not as much.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Breakfast in town, then chores. Veronica off to the laundry, Mike changing oil pads, adding oil to the engines, and checking the generator (works great with no leaks). Then, several hours deciding on next weeks itinerary, and bringing this log up to date. We are leaving tomorrow with plans to make it as far up the Richelieu Canal as we can, and then on to Sorel in Canada, and stopping in Montreal on Wednesday. This will be a 132 statute mile section with lots of locks and bridges, in three days. Grand plan is to be in Alexandria Bay NY on Sunday the 21st, and then on to Kingston Ontario no later than Tuesday night, the 23rd of July.
Well, that's all for now. Keep those cards and letters comin' boys and girls.
Week 16, July 15, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
Departed Gaines Marina at Rouse's Point NY at 7:30 AM, headed two miles downstream to the Canadian Customs. We were second in line, and cleared the customs house at 8:20 AM and headed down the Richelieu River towards Chambly and the St. Lawrence. The Chambly Canal, which parallels the Richelieu River, was built in 1843, and allows navigation through otherwise impassable rapids. During the course of the day, we passed through 9 locks and 7 swing bridges. The Chambly canal itself is in places extremely narrow, allowing only boats going in one direction. Traffic is controlled by the lock keepers.
Departed Gaines Marina at Rouse's Point NY at 7:30 AM, headed two miles downstream to the Canadian Customs. We were second in line, and cleared the customs house at 8:20 AM and headed down the Richelieu River towards Chambly and the St. Lawrence. The Chambly Canal, which parallels the Richelieu River, was built in 1843, and allows navigation through otherwise impassable rapids. During the course of the day, we passed through 9 locks and 7 swing bridges. The Chambly canal itself is in places extremely narrow, allowing only boats going in one direction. Traffic is controlled by the lock keepers.
The Chambly Canal
Bridge at Mont-Saint-Hilaire Along the Richelieu River
Catholic Church at Beloeil, Quebec, Canada
We arrived at the last lock on the Richelieu at Saint-Ours, at 5:45 in the evening, only to find that the last lock through was at 5:30. The lock people on the Chambly had all told us that the lock operated until nine in the evening, but that was apparently last seasons schedule, so we spent the night tied to the wall at the lock with two other loopers and some smaller boats. It was good to see Carried Away (Bill & Joyce Craig) again. We had last seen them at Myrtle Beach in April. They were at the dock with us and with Julie and Stu Conway on Meander. They are the folks who beat us to Customs and who we followed up the Chambly Canal.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Our hopes of getting an early start towards Montreal were dashed when we realized the Saint-Ours lock did not start operations until 9:00 AM. Then, to compound the issue, they locked the southbound folks thru first. We finally cleared the locks at about 9:45 AM and got on our way.
Pazza Bella, Carried Away and Meander at Saint-Ours Lock Wall
Veronica at the Rapids at Saint-Ours
By 11:30 AM, we were Clearing the Richelieu at Sorel, and out into the St. Lawrence. We passed many a big ship on the way to Montreal, but all were anchored, and we did not see a one underway. We arrived at Montreal around four in the afternoon, and tied up at the Port D'Escale downtown marina, which is right in the middle of old town Montreal. We cleaned up and headed out for dinner at the Keg restaurant, a really good steakhouse only a few blocks away, our first really good restaurant in many many weeks. On the return, we came through the plaza by the marina, and there were literally hundreds of people out, with groups of street entertainers playing in the plaza.
Canto Nuevo - Chilean/Andean Indian Music
On our way back to the marina, we passed another old friend from Myrtle Beach, Journey, with Rick and Margi Decatur onboard.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
It is so great to be back on the water after so many delays.
We Hooked up with loopers Journey, Irish Attitude (Mike and Gay Kelly) and Harmony (Bob and Janet Schwerzel), for our trip upriver from Montreal, and for our first exposure to the Seaway big ship locks. The practice is to have the larger pleasure vessels up against the wall, where the lock tenders will throw down one rope forward and one rope aft, and then to have the smaller vessels raft off the larger ones. This makes for less work for the lock tenders, and no work for the outside boats on the raft, but it is really a lot of work for the guys on the wall trying to control three or four boats up a 40 foot lift. A few times I asked crew from the outside boats to come aboard and help Veronica on the bow. And, with the locks so big and with so much turbulence in the lock, getting all the boats untied and away is not easy, either. One of the boats gave us a good rap as they exited the St. Catherine's lock. Fortunately, there was no damage, only a little scuff mark on the hull.
We split from the other three boats after the St. Catherine's lock. They took the Rideau and Ottawa River route, and we stayed with the St Lawrence. Going our way is quicker, and cuts out 42 locks and 60 miles, which will help us get back on schedule.
Two more big ship locks and a thunderstorm, and we stopped for the night on the town dock at Salaberry-De-Valleyfield. We had a huge water fountain right in front of the boat that was lit up with alternating colors. Really beautiful. Took some pictures, but somehow, they didn't record on the camera. Oh, well.
We Hooked up with loopers Journey, Irish Attitude (Mike and Gay Kelly) and Harmony (Bob and Janet Schwerzel), for our trip upriver from Montreal, and for our first exposure to the Seaway big ship locks. The practice is to have the larger pleasure vessels up against the wall, where the lock tenders will throw down one rope forward and one rope aft, and then to have the smaller vessels raft off the larger ones. This makes for less work for the lock tenders, and no work for the outside boats on the raft, but it is really a lot of work for the guys on the wall trying to control three or four boats up a 40 foot lift. A few times I asked crew from the outside boats to come aboard and help Veronica on the bow. And, with the locks so big and with so much turbulence in the lock, getting all the boats untied and away is not easy, either. One of the boats gave us a good rap as they exited the St. Catherine's lock. Fortunately, there was no damage, only a little scuff mark on the hull.
We split from the other three boats after the St. Catherine's lock. They took the Rideau and Ottawa River route, and we stayed with the St Lawrence. Going our way is quicker, and cuts out 42 locks and 60 miles, which will help us get back on schedule.
Two more big ship locks and a thunderstorm, and we stopped for the night on the town dock at Salaberry-De-Valleyfield. We had a huge water fountain right in front of the boat that was lit up with alternating colors. Really beautiful. Took some pictures, but somehow, they didn't record on the camera. Oh, well.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Starting out as a beautiful day. We are expecting storms by late afternoon, but meanwhile, were off. Left the dock at 9:00 AM, heading for Marina 200 at Cornwall, Ontario. Pretty much a nice day on the water. We let a freighter pass us about a third of the way there, and then followed him down the seaway for ten miles or so. As we were getting closer to Cornwall, the weather started to deteriorate. We got into the dock about 1:00 PM, and actually got to the grocery store and almost back to the boat before the rain started. We hunkered down for the evening and just enjoyed the weather.
Starting out as a beautiful day. We are expecting storms by late afternoon, but meanwhile, were off. Left the dock at 9:00 AM, heading for Marina 200 at Cornwall, Ontario. Pretty much a nice day on the water. We let a freighter pass us about a third of the way there, and then followed him down the seaway for ten miles or so. As we were getting closer to Cornwall, the weather started to deteriorate. We got into the dock about 1:00 PM, and actually got to the grocery store and almost back to the boat before the rain started. We hunkered down for the evening and just enjoyed the weather.
Friday, July 19, 2013
I'm glad we enjoyed the weather yesterday. It was peaceful when we got up this morning, but the forecasts all called for heavy winds, with possibility of thunder storms and gale force winds. Discretion being the better part of valor, we decided to stay in port. Small craft warnings were posted at 10:00 AM to last until 11:00 PM tonight. It is blowing like crazy now, and we just found out there is an ongoing tornado watch in effect. The boat's bucking like a bronco. Hopefully, we will be able to continue on tomorrow. Plan is to go to Ogdensburg, NY, tomorrow, and then on to Alexandria Bay on Sunday.
Saturday, July 20, 2013.
We departed Cornwall at 8:40 AM, heading for Ogdensburg, NY. We had light winds and beautiful weather for our cruise up the St. Lawrence, and arrived in Ogdensburg about 3:00 PM. We had made a reservation at the Ogdensburg Municipal Marina for the evening, and were told that the dock space would not be available until 4:00 PM. When we got in the area, we called the marina, and the gal at the desk said to come on in, but she could not find the dock guy, and when I asked port or starboard tie, she replied that she had no idea because she didn't know anything about boats. That should have been a sign right there, but we went in anyway. When we got there, the dock hand showed up to show us where to dock. Well, the spot he put us in was right where the local fire department was setting up a greased pole game for the local kids. When we got tied off, I became concerned about the location. All of the kids lined up to play the game were standing on the sea wall we were tied to. It was about 18" wide, and if one had fallen off the wall, he would have been crushed by the wall. So, I went up to the young man who was in charge, local volunteer fire department guy, and explained the situation to him and asked him to at least move the kids off the sea wall an d onto the sidewalk. Well, this guy was really rude and told us that they had been doing this Seaway Fest thing for years and that we should not be there anyway, and why didn't we move. Great start.
So, bottom line recommendation, if you are going to the Ogdensburg Municipal Marina, don't! The 30 amp power hookups were on 15 amp breakers. There were people hanging on the boat every time I looked away. we were the only boat they could handle of any size. So, if you are local, and have a boat less than 25 feet, great place.
The best part was being met shortly after arrival by my brother and his wife, who have a camp on the St. Lawrence 10 miles down the road from the marina.
Saturday, July 20, 2013.
We departed Cornwall at 8:40 AM, heading for Ogdensburg, NY. We had light winds and beautiful weather for our cruise up the St. Lawrence, and arrived in Ogdensburg about 3:00 PM. We had made a reservation at the Ogdensburg Municipal Marina for the evening, and were told that the dock space would not be available until 4:00 PM. When we got in the area, we called the marina, and the gal at the desk said to come on in, but she could not find the dock guy, and when I asked port or starboard tie, she replied that she had no idea because she didn't know anything about boats. That should have been a sign right there, but we went in anyway. When we got there, the dock hand showed up to show us where to dock. Well, the spot he put us in was right where the local fire department was setting up a greased pole game for the local kids. When we got tied off, I became concerned about the location. All of the kids lined up to play the game were standing on the sea wall we were tied to. It was about 18" wide, and if one had fallen off the wall, he would have been crushed by the wall. So, I went up to the young man who was in charge, local volunteer fire department guy, and explained the situation to him and asked him to at least move the kids off the sea wall an d onto the sidewalk. Well, this guy was really rude and told us that they had been doing this Seaway Fest thing for years and that we should not be there anyway, and why didn't we move. Great start.
So, bottom line recommendation, if you are going to the Ogdensburg Municipal Marina, don't! The 30 amp power hookups were on 15 amp breakers. There were people hanging on the boat every time I looked away. we were the only boat they could handle of any size. So, if you are local, and have a boat less than 25 feet, great place.
The best part was being met shortly after arrival by my brother and his wife, who have a camp on the St. Lawrence 10 miles down the road from the marina.
Brother Tony and Sis-In-Law Janet
at Ogdensburg, NY
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Planned for a short day today. 35 miles up river to Alexandria Bay. Departed at 9:45 AM and arrived at A-Bay around 1:00 PM.
Planned for a short day today. 35 miles up river to Alexandria Bay. Departed at 9:45 AM and arrived at A-Bay around 1:00 PM.
Canadian Coast Guard Cutter
at Prescott, Ontario
Veronica and Mike on Pazza Bella
Passing Janet and Tony's Camp at Ogdensburg, NY
Longley Mill Tower - Maitland, Ontario
That same year,1825, George Longley settled in Maitland and gave it its most distinctive make, the Longley Tower and Mills found near the river. Along with the additions made by Longley, two more mills were built as well as a foundry, blacksmith shop, a distillery, general store, and a church. St. James’ Anglican
Church first opened its doors in 1826 and is still in operates to this day, almost 200 years after it first opened its doors.
Since this time Maitland has slowly quieted down. All that remains of the Longley mill is the tower, which serves as a lasting landmark for the town and has been restored after falling into poor condition.
Canadian Air Force Golden Hawk Fighter Jet
This is an actual airplane mounted on a concrete tower to commemorate the memory of allied solders in all previous wars. It was erected in 1968 on Brockville's peninsula park called Blockhouse Island, which projects into the St. Lawrence River. The story of the jet use in Canada's former aerobatic precision flying team is detailed on a historic plaque nearby.
Singer Castle on Dark Island
Singer Castle Close Up
Dark Island, a prominent feature of the St. Lawrence Seaway, is located in the lower (eastern) Thousand Islands region, near Chippewa Bay. It is a part of the Town of Hammond, in St. Lawrence County, New York. A historic landmark here, "The Towers" was long known as Dark Island Castle until recently renamed "Singer Castle". The island itself sits only a few yards south of the Canadian-United States border that runs along the river. Because of its proximity to Canada, it was used for rum-running during prohibition in the United States. Most of the architectural work at Dark Island is attributed to the prominent American architect Ernest Flagg. His client was Frederick Gilbert Bourne, president of the Singer Manufacturing Company (now the Singer Corporation), producer of the Singer Sewing Machine. His daughter, Marjorie Bourne Thayer, made additions in 1928. Dark Island Castle was the last of several "castles" built at the Thousand Islands during a brief interval (1888–1905). Bourne undertook the project while larger Boldt Castle was nearing completion nearby. The architect modeled the stone structure, planned in 1903, on Scottish models described in novels of Sir Walter Scott.
Boldt Castle Powerhouse - Heart Island
Boldt Castle - Heart Island
George Boldt, general manager of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City and manager of the Bellevue-Stratford
Hotel in Philadelphia, and his family enjoyed an earlier frame cottage on Hart Island (the original island's name) for several summers, which they greatly expanded. In 1900 the Boldts launched an ambitious construction campaign to build a huge masonry structure, one of the largest private homes in America. They engaged the architectural firm G. W. & W. D. Hewitt and hundreds of workers for a six-story "castle", a major international landmark. In addition, four other masonry structures on the island are architecturally notable. Equally distinctive is a huge yacht house on a neighboring island where the Boldts had another summer home and a vast estate, incorporating farms, canals, a golf course, tennis courts, stables, and a polo field.
The construction of Boldt Castle ceased abruptly in early 1904 after the death of Boldt's wife, Louise Kehrer Boldt. For 73 years, the castle and other
stone structures were left exposed to the harsh winter weather and occasional vandals. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired Heart
Island and the nearby yacht house in 1977, for one dollar, under the agreement that all revenues obtained from the castle operation would be applied towards
restoration, so that the island would be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. In the two decades after acquiring the property, the Thousand
Islands Bridge Authority spent some fifteen million dollars for restoration and improvements here, and work continues annually. The initial goal of the
restoration of Heart Island was not to finish what had not been completed, but to restore the island to the state it was in when construction was halted.
Improvements have gone beyond that stage, however; a stained glass dome, marble floor, and grand staircase woodwork, for instance, now seen in the main hall, were not original but are modern innovations.
When we got to A-Bay, we docked at Riveredge Resort, and got a visit from good friend Elliott Fleury and his fiancée Olive, who drove up from Syracuse to have a late lunch with us. Exhibiting my uncanny knack for doing the right thing, I forgot to get a picture to put here, but we had a wonderful visit, and really appreciated the company. Thanks E & Olive.
The construction of Boldt Castle ceased abruptly in early 1904 after the death of Boldt's wife, Louise Kehrer Boldt. For 73 years, the castle and other
stone structures were left exposed to the harsh winter weather and occasional vandals. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired Heart
Island and the nearby yacht house in 1977, for one dollar, under the agreement that all revenues obtained from the castle operation would be applied towards
restoration, so that the island would be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. In the two decades after acquiring the property, the Thousand
Islands Bridge Authority spent some fifteen million dollars for restoration and improvements here, and work continues annually. The initial goal of the
restoration of Heart Island was not to finish what had not been completed, but to restore the island to the state it was in when construction was halted.
Improvements have gone beyond that stage, however; a stained glass dome, marble floor, and grand staircase woodwork, for instance, now seen in the main hall, were not original but are modern innovations.
When we got to A-Bay, we docked at Riveredge Resort, and got a visit from good friend Elliott Fleury and his fiancée Olive, who drove up from Syracuse to have a late lunch with us. Exhibiting my uncanny knack for doing the right thing, I forgot to get a picture to put here, but we had a wonderful visit, and really appreciated the company. Thanks E & Olive.
Week 17, July 22, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
We layed over a day in A-Bay to have some minor repairs done, and were paid another visit from brother Tony, this time with my Mom, my aunt Katie and my aunt Liz. We had a delicious brunch at the resort, and spent a few hours catching up. Aunt Katie, solicitous as always to our lack of good Italian food, brought a goodie bag of salamis, cheeses and fresh Italian bread and dipping sauce. MMmmmmm!!!
We layed over a day in A-Bay to have some minor repairs done, and were paid another visit from brother Tony, this time with my Mom, my aunt Katie and my aunt Liz. We had a delicious brunch at the resort, and spent a few hours catching up. Aunt Katie, solicitous as always to our lack of good Italian food, brought a goodie bag of salamis, cheeses and fresh Italian bread and dipping sauce. MMmmmmm!!!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
With our minor repairs completed and all of our visitors gone, we left Alexandria Bay around 10:30 AM, and headed to Gananoque, Ontario to clear customs back into Canada. Once customs was cleared, we found that there was no room for us to stay in Gananoque, so we headed to Kingston, Ontario, and arrived at Confederation Basin about 3:00 PM.
With our minor repairs completed and all of our visitors gone, we left Alexandria Bay around 10:30 AM, and headed to Gananoque, Ontario to clear customs back into Canada. Once customs was cleared, we found that there was no room for us to stay in Gananoque, so we headed to Kingston, Ontario, and arrived at Confederation Basin about 3:00 PM.
Veronica at Confederation Basin - Kingston, Ontario
Old #1095 - Kingston, Ontario
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
We decided to spend a day in Kingston, touring town and catching up on a few chores. We were sitting in a pub having an afternoon quaff, when we looked out the window and spotted old friends Vicki and Randy from Barefoot'n, Cindy and Larry from Bucket List, and soon to be new friends Grace and Jeff from SeaGlide. After some discussion, we all decided to travel together for a while, planning on leaving Kingston at 8:30 AM Thursday morning.
We decided to spend a day in Kingston, touring town and catching up on a few chores. We were sitting in a pub having an afternoon quaff, when we looked out the window and spotted old friends Vicki and Randy from Barefoot'n, Cindy and Larry from Bucket List, and soon to be new friends Grace and Jeff from SeaGlide. After some discussion, we all decided to travel together for a while, planning on leaving Kingston at 8:30 AM Thursday morning.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Thursday dawned beautiful and sunny, and we left Kingston at 8:30 AM, bound for Picton, Ontario. We were a little ahead of the others, and arrived in Picton at 2:00 PM, after a slow ride through the Bay of Quinte.
Thursday dawned beautiful and sunny, and we left Kingston at 8:30 AM, bound for Picton, Ontario. We were a little ahead of the others, and arrived in Picton at 2:00 PM, after a slow ride through the Bay of Quinte.
Departing Confederation Basin - Kingston, Ontario
Arriving in Picton, we found that our reservation at the Tip of the Bay Marina was somewhat problematical. Apparently, the gal we spoke to about the reservation had a bad habit of not checking to see if there was really room, and then of not writing down the reservation she just confirmed. To make it worse, there were a ton of boaters coming in for the local winery tour, and the place was jammed up. Bucket List decided to stop at a different place altogether, and Barefoot'n and SeaGlide wound up at a mooring ball and at anchor. After we got tucked in on a wall that I would swear was rubbing our bottom, they tried to put another boat behind us, and he promptly ran aground, and then got very upset and had a loud discussion with the marina manager. Turned out that was the last space left, and they had to move him to another marina.
Friday, July 26, 2013
We had an early breakfast at a local restaurant and got on the water at 8:45 AM, headed for Trenton, Ontario, and the beginning of the Trent -Severn Waterway. Barefoot'n was ahead of us by a bit, and SeaGlide and Bucket List caught up before we reached Trenton. By the time we all got tucked into the marina, all were ready for an afternoon docktail party. Veronica and I celebrated just turning 1700 miles from Charleston. As a topper, there was a free music concert in the park next to the marina, about 200 feet from the boat.
We had an early breakfast at a local restaurant and got on the water at 8:45 AM, headed for Trenton, Ontario, and the beginning of the Trent -Severn Waterway. Barefoot'n was ahead of us by a bit, and SeaGlide and Bucket List caught up before we reached Trenton. By the time we all got tucked into the marina, all were ready for an afternoon docktail party. Veronica and I celebrated just turning 1700 miles from Charleston. As a topper, there was a free music concert in the park next to the marina, about 200 feet from the boat.
Docktails at Trenton, Ontario
L to R
Randy and Vicki (Barefoot'n)
Mike & Veronica
Larry and Cindy (Bucket List)
Grace & Jeff (SeaGlide)
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Got a call from old friend Jim Polakiewicz in Syracuse. He and his son Jack were up for a road trip and decided to drive 4 hours up to see us in Trenton. They came and had lunch with us, arriving after we had made a morning trip to the local Farmers Market. After they left, dropping us at the local Laundromat, Veronica and I finished the laundry and walked back to the boat and got ready to resume the trip on Sunday.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Now we begin one of the highlights of the trip, The Trent-Severn Waterway.
The Trent–Severn Waterway is a canal route traversing Southern Ontario cottage country, and a linear National Historic Site of Canada administered by
Parks Canada. It was formerly used for industrial and transportation purposes, and is maintained for recreational boating and tourism. The Waterway connects two of the Great Lakes--Ontario and Huron—with an eastern terminus at Trenton and a western terminus at Port Severn. Its major natural waterways include the Trent River, Otonabee River, the Kawartha lakes, Lake Simcoe, Lake Couchiching and the Severn River. It is open for navigation from May until October, while its shore lands and bridges are open year-round. The total length of the waterway is 240 miles, beginning at Trenton, Ontario, with roughly 20 miles of
man-made channels. There are 45 locks, including 36 conventional locks, two sets of flight locks, hydraulic lift locks at Peterborough and Kirkfield, and a marine railway at Big Chute which transports boats between the upper and lower sections of the Severn. The system also includes 39 swing bridges and 160
dams and control structures that manage the water levels for flood control and navigation on lakes and rivers that drain approximately 7,182 square miles of central Ontario's cottage country region, across four counties and three single-tier cities, an area that is home to more than a million Canadians.
It reaches its highest point of 840 feet 11 inches at Balsam Lake, the highest point to which a vessel can be navigated from sea level in the Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence River drainage basin.
Now we begin one of the highlights of the trip, The Trent-Severn Waterway.
The Trent–Severn Waterway is a canal route traversing Southern Ontario cottage country, and a linear National Historic Site of Canada administered by
Parks Canada. It was formerly used for industrial and transportation purposes, and is maintained for recreational boating and tourism. The Waterway connects two of the Great Lakes--Ontario and Huron—with an eastern terminus at Trenton and a western terminus at Port Severn. Its major natural waterways include the Trent River, Otonabee River, the Kawartha lakes, Lake Simcoe, Lake Couchiching and the Severn River. It is open for navigation from May until October, while its shore lands and bridges are open year-round. The total length of the waterway is 240 miles, beginning at Trenton, Ontario, with roughly 20 miles of
man-made channels. There are 45 locks, including 36 conventional locks, two sets of flight locks, hydraulic lift locks at Peterborough and Kirkfield, and a marine railway at Big Chute which transports boats between the upper and lower sections of the Severn. The system also includes 39 swing bridges and 160
dams and control structures that manage the water levels for flood control and navigation on lakes and rivers that drain approximately 7,182 square miles of central Ontario's cottage country region, across four counties and three single-tier cities, an area that is home to more than a million Canadians.
It reaches its highest point of 840 feet 11 inches at Balsam Lake, the highest point to which a vessel can be navigated from sea level in the Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence River drainage basin.
Entering Trent-Severn Waterway
Our first day on the Trent-Severn took us from Trenton to Lock # 10, a distance of 28 statute miles that took us through 9 locks. We spent the night tied up to the wall at lock 10, ready to head out whenever we could lock through in the morning.
Week 18, July 29, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
We caught the first lock through at 9:00 AM, and were on our way to Hastings, Ontario, at Lock #18. One of the tricky sets of locks is the #16 & 17 step locks. The exit doors of 16 are the entry doors of 17. It was even trickier, because they were bringing down a boat while bringing us up. Our four boats completely filled the lock, so what we did was go up the first step, then they opened the door and had the two boats on the port side of the lock go forward to lock 17. then the down bound boat came into our lock, crossing to our port side. When he got into place, our last two boats went ahead, and they closed the door and finished locking us up. Tricky!!
We arrived at Hastings at 4:00 PM and settled in for docktails and a bar-b-que by the side of the lock.
We caught the first lock through at 9:00 AM, and were on our way to Hastings, Ontario, at Lock #18. One of the tricky sets of locks is the #16 & 17 step locks. The exit doors of 16 are the entry doors of 17. It was even trickier, because they were bringing down a boat while bringing us up. Our four boats completely filled the lock, so what we did was go up the first step, then they opened the door and had the two boats on the port side of the lock go forward to lock 17. then the down bound boat came into our lock, crossing to our port side. When he got into place, our last two boats went ahead, and they closed the door and finished locking us up. Tricky!!
We arrived at Hastings at 4:00 PM and settled in for docktails and a bar-b-que by the side of the lock.
Inside Lock #16 & #17 - Step Locks
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Our four little ducks left Hastings at 8:00 AM, and headed to Peterborough, Ontario, site of the worlds largest hydraulic lift locks. After a 40 mile run, we arrived at Peterborough at 2:30 PM. Randy located a Mexican Restaurant on town, so dinner was south of the border.
Before we headed off for dinner, we ran into fellow loopers Ray and Arline, from Darrf V, and had time to catch up on the docks.
Our four little ducks left Hastings at 8:00 AM, and headed to Peterborough, Ontario, site of the worlds largest hydraulic lift locks. After a 40 mile run, we arrived at Peterborough at 2:30 PM. Randy located a Mexican Restaurant on town, so dinner was south of the border.
Before we headed off for dinner, we ran into fellow loopers Ray and Arline, from Darrf V, and had time to catch up on the docks.
Group at Peterborough Docks
L to R Veronica & Mike
Ray & Arline (Darrf V)
Vicki, Hiedi & Randy (Barefoot'n)
Cindy & Larry (Bucket List)
Grace & Jeff (SeaGlide)
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Wednesday was the Farmers Market in Peterborough, and that night there was a free Country & Western concert in the park next to the marina, with Kiera Isabella, the young gal who took the Canadian Country Music Award for best new artist last year. Having said all that, another lay day was called for. We got out the bikes and rode to the farmers market, and then later, up to the Lift Locks to see what we were getting into the next day. On the way back, we all stopped at Fat Belly Mama's for some Cajun food. Early dinner/late lunch. The concert later was really great. They had over 3500 people packed into this little park.
Wednesday was the Farmers Market in Peterborough, and that night there was a free Country & Western concert in the park next to the marina, with Kiera Isabella, the young gal who took the Canadian Country Music Award for best new artist last year. Having said all that, another lay day was called for. We got out the bikes and rode to the farmers market, and then later, up to the Lift Locks to see what we were getting into the next day. On the way back, we all stopped at Fat Belly Mama's for some Cajun food. Early dinner/late lunch. The concert later was really great. They had over 3500 people packed into this little park.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Today we got our Disneyland e-ticket ride.
The Peterborough Lift Lock is a boat lift located on the Trent Canal in the city of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, and is Lock 21 on the Trent-Severn
Waterway. The dual lifts are the highest hydraulic boat lifts in the world, with a lift of 65 feet. This was a considerable accomplishment at the time when
conventional locks usually only had a 7 foot rise. It is not the highest boat lift of any type in the world today: the lift at Strépy-Thieu in Belgium has a greater capacity (1,350 tons) and height difference (237 feet). In the 1980s, a visitors' center was built beside the lock. It offers interactive simulations of going over the lift lock in a boat, and also historical exhibits detailing the construction of the lift lock. Many local residents of Peterborough skate on the canal below the lift lock in the winter.
The Peterborough Lift Lock was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1979, and was named an Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1987.
The Trent-Severn has a similar hydraulic lift lock, the Kirkfield Lift Lock, at its summit near Kirkfield, with basins of the same dimensions, but which has a smaller vertical lift.
The lock has two identical ship caissons (like bathtubs) in which vessels ascend and descend. Both caissons are enclosed at each end by pivoting gates, and there are pivoting gates at the upper and lower reaches of the canal at the junctions with the caissons. The gates on the caissons fit into slots on the gates on the reaches, so that they open in unison.
Each caisson sits on a ram, the shafts for which are sunk into the ground, are filled with water, and are connected with a pipe that has a
crossover control valve. The caissons are guided up and down on either side by rails affixed to concrete towers. The caissons with water (1040 m3 or 228,093 imperial gallons) weigh 1,700 tons (1,542 tonnes) and are 140 feet (42.7 m) long, 33 feet (10 m) wide and 7 feet (2.1 m) deep.
No external power is needed: the lift lock functions by gravity alone using the counterweight principle. One caisson always ascends and the other always descends during each locking cycle. When one caisson reaches the top position, it stops 30 cm (12 inches) below the water level of the upper reach, and the control valve is closed; Siemens ultrasonic sensors are used to help determine the 30 cm differential. The upper reach and top caisson gates open, and water flows into the top caisson until the level equalizes. The weight of the extra 30 cm of water is 144 tons (130.6 tonnes), making the total weight of the upper caisson 1,844 tons (1,672.6 tonnes). Any vessels that just ascended in the top caisson exit into the upper reach, and any new vessels making a transit of the lock then enter the bottom or top caisson from the lower or upper reach respectively. Once the vessels are secured, all gates are closed and the crossover valve in the connecting pipe between the ram shafts is opened. Since the upper caisson weighs more than the lower caisson (1,844 vs 1,700 tons), it pushes down on its ram, forcing out water from its shaft via the connecting pipe into the shaft of the bottom caisson. The force
pushes up on the bottom caisson's ram, raising the caisson up to the top position. When the gate of the newly descended top caisson and lower reach gates
open at the bottom, the extra 30 cm of water flows out and equalizes with the water level in the lower reach of the canal, and any descended vessels exit,
allowing the cycle to start over again.
Today we got our Disneyland e-ticket ride.
The Peterborough Lift Lock is a boat lift located on the Trent Canal in the city of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, and is Lock 21 on the Trent-Severn
Waterway. The dual lifts are the highest hydraulic boat lifts in the world, with a lift of 65 feet. This was a considerable accomplishment at the time when
conventional locks usually only had a 7 foot rise. It is not the highest boat lift of any type in the world today: the lift at Strépy-Thieu in Belgium has a greater capacity (1,350 tons) and height difference (237 feet). In the 1980s, a visitors' center was built beside the lock. It offers interactive simulations of going over the lift lock in a boat, and also historical exhibits detailing the construction of the lift lock. Many local residents of Peterborough skate on the canal below the lift lock in the winter.
The Peterborough Lift Lock was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1979, and was named an Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1987.
The Trent-Severn has a similar hydraulic lift lock, the Kirkfield Lift Lock, at its summit near Kirkfield, with basins of the same dimensions, but which has a smaller vertical lift.
The lock has two identical ship caissons (like bathtubs) in which vessels ascend and descend. Both caissons are enclosed at each end by pivoting gates, and there are pivoting gates at the upper and lower reaches of the canal at the junctions with the caissons. The gates on the caissons fit into slots on the gates on the reaches, so that they open in unison.
Each caisson sits on a ram, the shafts for which are sunk into the ground, are filled with water, and are connected with a pipe that has a
crossover control valve. The caissons are guided up and down on either side by rails affixed to concrete towers. The caissons with water (1040 m3 or 228,093 imperial gallons) weigh 1,700 tons (1,542 tonnes) and are 140 feet (42.7 m) long, 33 feet (10 m) wide and 7 feet (2.1 m) deep.
No external power is needed: the lift lock functions by gravity alone using the counterweight principle. One caisson always ascends and the other always descends during each locking cycle. When one caisson reaches the top position, it stops 30 cm (12 inches) below the water level of the upper reach, and the control valve is closed; Siemens ultrasonic sensors are used to help determine the 30 cm differential. The upper reach and top caisson gates open, and water flows into the top caisson until the level equalizes. The weight of the extra 30 cm of water is 144 tons (130.6 tonnes), making the total weight of the upper caisson 1,844 tons (1,672.6 tonnes). Any vessels that just ascended in the top caisson exit into the upper reach, and any new vessels making a transit of the lock then enter the bottom or top caisson from the lower or upper reach respectively. Once the vessels are secured, all gates are closed and the crossover valve in the connecting pipe between the ram shafts is opened. Since the upper caisson weighs more than the lower caisson (1,844 vs 1,700 tons), it pushes down on its ram, forcing out water from its shaft via the connecting pipe into the shaft of the bottom caisson. The force
pushes up on the bottom caisson's ram, raising the caisson up to the top position. When the gate of the newly descended top caisson and lower reach gates
open at the bottom, the extra 30 cm of water flows out and equalizes with the water level in the lower reach of the canal, and any descended vessels exit,
allowing the cycle to start over again.
Entering Peterborough Hydraulic Lift Lock
Pazza Bella, Barefoot'n, SeaGlide & Bucket List
Inside Hydraulic Lift Chamber
Starting the Ride Up
Quarter Way There
Halfway Up
65 Feet in the Air
The rest of the trip to Lock #27 at day's end was anti-climatic to say the least. We arrived at Younge's point in time for Ice Cream and shopping at the local General Store.
Friday, August 2, 2013
We left lock #27 at 7:18 AM. headed for Lock 32 at Bobcageon, Ontario. Another gorgeous day, and we arrived at Centre Point Landing Marina, about a mile past Bobcageon, at 3:00 PM. We wanted to spend the night at the wall in Bobcageon, but when we got there, there was no room at the inn. Bucket List was with us, and went on to Centre Point, but by the time Barefoot'n and SeaGlide arrived, an hour or so behind us, the wall had cleared a little, and they were able to get a spot.
We left lock #27 at 7:18 AM. headed for Lock 32 at Bobcageon, Ontario. Another gorgeous day, and we arrived at Centre Point Landing Marina, about a mile past Bobcageon, at 3:00 PM. We wanted to spend the night at the wall in Bobcageon, but when we got there, there was no room at the inn. Bucket List was with us, and went on to Centre Point, but by the time Barefoot'n and SeaGlide arrived, an hour or so behind us, the wall had cleared a little, and they were able to get a spot.
Morning Fog on the Waterway at Younge's Point
Evening in Bobcageon found us all at a little rib place for dinner. Now came the hard part. We found out there was another concert and something called "Midnight Madness" in Bobcageon the next night, and, you guessed it, another farmers market in the morning. Well, our fellowship was to split. Barefoot'n decided to go on the next day, while the rest of us stayed.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Off came the bikes, and we were off to the farmer's market for an early lunch. Had a great pork curry dish, and got some cheese and crackers to take back to our marina host, Tessa, who had driven us into town the night before and then picked us up after dinner. After that it was a short shopping trip in town and then a stop at the ice cream factory that makes Kawartha Ice Cream. Wow!! Watch out Ben & Jerry.
Back to the boat, and dinner on the marina veranda with Cindy and Larry from Bucket List, with Chef's Mike and Cindy doing the grill work. A glass or two of wine after dinner, with another spectacular sunset across the water, and off to bed. We have what we call "Loopers Midnight". That is when the sun goes down. Early to bed, etc etc.
Off came the bikes, and we were off to the farmer's market for an early lunch. Had a great pork curry dish, and got some cheese and crackers to take back to our marina host, Tessa, who had driven us into town the night before and then picked us up after dinner. After that it was a short shopping trip in town and then a stop at the ice cream factory that makes Kawartha Ice Cream. Wow!! Watch out Ben & Jerry.
Back to the boat, and dinner on the marina veranda with Cindy and Larry from Bucket List, with Chef's Mike and Cindy doing the grill work. A glass or two of wine after dinner, with another spectacular sunset across the water, and off to bed. We have what we call "Loopers Midnight". That is when the sun goes down. Early to bed, etc etc.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
OK. Out of Bobcageon at 7:00 AM, and off to the Kirkfield Lift Locks. Part of the way is through the Trent Canal, which is not wide enough for two boats to pass, so you have to make a security broadcast before you enter the canal to alert other boaters that you are coming and they can't enter the canal from the other end. Add to that the very shallow water (less than five feet in the center of the canal), and by the time we made the 30 miles to the lift locks, we were totally strained out and ready to stop. So, here we sit, through the lift locks, 70 miles from Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, resting up to continue on tomorrow.
OK. Out of Bobcageon at 7:00 AM, and off to the Kirkfield Lift Locks. Part of the way is through the Trent Canal, which is not wide enough for two boats to pass, so you have to make a security broadcast before you enter the canal to alert other boaters that you are coming and they can't enter the canal from the other end. Add to that the very shallow water (less than five feet in the center of the canal), and by the time we made the 30 miles to the lift locks, we were totally strained out and ready to stop. So, here we sit, through the lift locks, 70 miles from Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, resting up to continue on tomorrow.