Bonjour encore, Ottawa then off to Kingston. June 27- July 7

First, I must apologize for the delay in posting. Getting internet service has been more of a challenge than I anticipated. Also, I found out that our web site was not working. Sitting at the Confederation Marina office in Kingston, I realized that a lot of the problem I was having was not just due to poor internet, but also with server. Tim came to my aid and we got that solved. So, here is my very delayed post.

Leaving the dock in Rockcliffe to make the first locking up the flight was a bit hairy. The Ottawa River still has a strong eastward flow and it was pushing us hard against the dock. The fenders did a great job keeping the hull off the wood edge of the dock until they couldn’t handle the pressure any more and they popped up as we scooted forward. Oh well, nothing some boat bucks and gelcoat work can’t fix.

We had an easy ride up the locks with one other boat. We weren’t sure what we’d find when it came time to tying up on the wall. With Canada Day nearing, even the lock master didn’t think we’d find a spot with power. What we did find was Late Harvest, a looper boat we met in Hawkesbury. James and MaryJane saw from NEBO, a GPS based app that many loopers use to keep tabs on where others are and to track their own progress, that we were on our way up the locks. A boat behind them had just left and they figured we’d be able to fit into the space if they nudged themselves forward. We fit perfectly and much to our pleasure, we were able to hook up to 30 amp power.

Our new crew, Ray and Karen Russell, joined us Friday eve. Unfortunately they had a 2 1/2 hour delay at the Ottawa airport. Due to a nasty lightning storm in the area, luggage handlers weren’t allowed to go out to retrieve luggage from the planes. Even the taxi drivers had to wait out the storm until the passengers were finally reunited with their bags and ready to depart. Karen and Ray also live in Clear Lake Shores and are experienced boaters having owned sailboats and currently a 34′ Grand Banks. Ottawa was in the process of getting ready their huge Canada Day, July 1, celebration.

We left Ottawa Sunday morning and began our return trip via the Rideau.

We had to slow down to avoid waking a paddling contest as we headed south from Ottawa. We stayed in Burritts Falls for the night and again went to Hurst Marina for a pumpout.

Our pie in the sky hope was that we’d find a spot in Merrickville to enjoy the Canada Day, July 1, celebrations. Karen kept our positive thinking going and low and behold we were able to get a spot on the same dock we were at when we went north with Lisa. As we entered the basin where we had our meeting with the rocks, we found another unfortunate soul who had an even worse grounding. The crew of Jealous Mistress also misjudged the buoys coming in and was securely ensconced on the rocks.

We tied up just in time to enjoy the local Canada Day Parade and Celebration.

After lunch at The Goose and Gridiron, we had to replenish my supply of Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette at Mrs. McGarrigle’s Mustard shop and visit the glass blowing shop.

From Merrickville, we cruised down to Poonamalie. We read that Poonamalie was a lovely lock and it was. There wasn’t much there, but it lovely it was.

Westport was our next stop. The days were really heating up and having power was important to us. Besides, Westport comes highly recommended. Cold beer at the brewery and lunch at The Cove and a quick walk through town was all we needed, then back to the boat and AC.

We stopped at Chaffey’s and then Lower Brewers for the night. Again we were able to get two 30 amp plugs so we could have AC in the evenings. Highs were in the high 80s to low 90s and it didn’t seem to cool off much over night. We did find cute little art galleries in the area.

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Yesterday we arrived in Kingston. This is our final stop with Ray and Karen. They’ll be flying home Monday morning. After a few very warm muggy nights, Kingston is treating us to a very welcome cold front. We are also being treated to the Kingston Buskers Festival.