A much better day was had by all. Yesterday was a boater’s dream.

We set sail in sunny but slightly windy conditions. We are now in ’cottage country’. Canadians have a different meaning of ’cottage’ to Australians. I think of a shack, a modest dwelling used as a holiday home… not so, the Canadians. There are modest holiday homes, however, there are amazingly huge mansions with all the accoutrements of playthings for the rich and famous. One ’cottage’ even had a water plane tethered to its pier. And to think these homes are used as holiday bolts for a couple of months of the year!

The scenery is drop-dead gorgeous. The islands are scattered with shoals and boulders hiding just beneath the surface. The channels are well marked and circuitous. Many times Mark had to navigate with caution close to islands. I wisely chose to relinquish the helm.

We tied up to the upper wall of the Lovesick Lock with two other boats. We are an international flotilla: Aussies, Canadians and Americans, with a Scotsman from the lower wall. We enjoyed docktails with a gorgeous view. And after dinner, we resumed our socialising around the blazing fire pit, courtesy of Parks Canada.

Such is Life!

No other way to say it … today was a hard slog! We sailed 10.2 miles in 9 hours! Just when you meticulously plan for things to go one way, you forget ’life’ and the actions of others have consequences.

The day started well. Canadians were sleeping off the effects of partying late into the night on Canada Day. Aussies were up bright and early to race for a pumpout before continuing on the Trent-Severn.

• Foiled at the first mark. Another boater was ahead of us. No problem, as the lock didn’t open for another 45 minutes.

Then we looked towards Lock 20 and noticed a build up in the line of boats to lock through. We were aiming to be in the first lock through but by the time we reached the lock line we were the 8th boat. No problem, we would make the second locking. Ha!

To cut the saga short:

• There was low water in the canal, so we had to wait, not the estimated 45minutes, but 2 hours before the first boats locked through. We ended up anchoring just outside the channel as there was no room on the lock wall.
• Thought we would make the second locking – Ha! A commercial vessel turned up, which has priority over pleasure vessels, and Bushranger, being the 8th boat, was bumped out.
• We waited four hours before exiting the first lock, and we had seven in all.
• We had to wait for boats to lock down, before we could lock up.
• We had to wait for kayakers.
• We had to negotiate windy locks.
• We had to wait for Parks Canada staff to complete multiple jobs as they are short-staffed after Covid.

We were sure our friends had sailed into the sunset… What a surprise we had when we found them waiting at a lovely lock wall in the pretty town of Lakefield! We had much laughter as we regaled each other with our tales of woe. Just when we thought we had the Trent-Severn to ourselves, it was a reality check that Canadians use their own waterways. We have been spoilt. Now we must learn to share even if we do scream and shout a little.

But share the chocolate cake we found on our deck? No way, Jose! We do so appreciate good friends!

Such is Life!

Today is a balmy July 1 – Canada Day. We are sitting in the bridge of Bushranger, in the best seat in Peterborough Marina.

The live concert is strumming away in the park bordering the marina. The colour red is everywhere. Happy Canadians are enjoying themselves.

Earlier, we hosted two USA couples and a Canadian couple for docktails. We had such fun and much laughter with the topics of discussion. Nothing was off limits: pumpouts, taxes, guns, American navigational guides, Australia’s friendly and not so friendly animals, differences and similarities between our countries. Yes, there was much mirth.

During the afternoon, and before hosting, Mark and I walked to the spectacular Peterborough Lift Lock. We wanted to see it before we negotiated it.

Such is Life!

Trenton to Hastings

We were on a roll, when alas, coming through Frankford Lock 6 we were told someone had run into the gates of Lock 9 and the waterway was ‘closed’. Always look for the positives… We were at a very pretty lock and were able to tie up to the lock wall which had power. Not only that, the boat who moved to make room for us on the wall were Canadians who had lived not only in Australia, but in the next Sydney suburb to us! Ah – the conversations!

And the next lock, and the next…

In fact, we sailed to Lock 12, the spectacular Ranney Falls Flight Locks. Once through, we tied up at the top of the lock for lunch. We walked to the suspension bridge which is 32 metres above the river. I wish I could say I was dewussified, but could only manage a little way on the bridge. Mark took the photos for me.

We stayed the night on the town wall in Campbellford, and met more lovely boaters. Bought the one pound of dark chocolate at the World’s Finest Chocolate factory, bought the muffin from the much talked about Dooher’s Bakery, and walked the town.

Now that we have this locking routine off pat, we left early again to beat the crowd to the lock. Only two boats lock up together (unless you are really friendly). Arrived at the lock at 8.15 am for a 9.00am opening with one other boat ahead of us. No flies on our backs! Make hay while the sun shines… The locking gods were chuckling and in cahoots with the weather gods. We arrived at Lucky Lock 13 to be told the valve was not working and the lock inoperable.

As we locked through I gave the lock mistress some home baked biscotti. Luckily, I had already baked them… we went through five locks in eight kilometres. The only difference with these locks were we had to alternate between port and starboard tie-ups. Again, literally no flies on our backs! No time for a second morning cup of coffee. And did I mention the weather gods were at it again? It rained.

Although the sky was grey, it did not dull the beauty of the waterway. Water lilies are blooming, cottages are decorating getting ready for Canada Day on 1 July.

Such is Life!

Yesterday was a wonderful day to sail to Trenton. Originally we were only going to sail 40 miles to Picton, but with glorious weather we decided to push on – 9 hours in total, to Trent Port Marina another 30 miles. So glad we did, as Trent Port Marina is one of the best marinas we have stayed in. It is new, with wide berths (slips), has sensational bathrooms, free laundry, help yourself herb garden and a beautiful boaters lounge. Very nice, indeedy!

We passed pretty little towns and ferries, large industrial sites along the foreshores, as well as tugboats and tows.

But let it never be said we waste an opportunity! Whilst underway Mark did some preparation for varnishing and I polished the metalwork. I also put my body through some pilates moves.

Oh, the sailing life!

Such is Life!

We enjoyed amazing anchorages, some by ourselves at locks, and others in company with delightful boaters.

It is the oldest continuously operated canal in North America. Most of the locks are operated by hand, using the same mechanisms that were in use in 1832. The locks are lessons in history, with most having lockmaster homes or blockhouses (used by soldiers to guard the waterway from the Americans) which have been turned into museums. Each lock is surrounded by beautifully manicured parks, welcoming boaters with washroom facilities and some with power on the docks.

Close encounters today were man-made. We manoeuvred into one lock which needed a swing bridge to be swung before we could lock down. In another lock we needed the road bridge to be raised.

But perhaps the most disturbing encounter I experienced was the continual gunshots which sounded as we passed by the Joyceville correction facility. Not a pleasant sound with what has been happening in the States in recent times.

This side trip was a very welcome excursion. We were only on the Rideau Canal for five days, but they were glorious days. We have noticed there are now more boaters out enjoying the weather and summer season. We are very pleased we did not meet in the narrow, blind bends, where boats are requested to sound their horns. As an experience – priceless!

Such is Life!

We decided to stay at Westport for two nights to complete some touch-up brightwork (varnishing) and a week’s worth of laundry. Besides, the town is over a Venetian-style bridge, and Bushranger is resting in a idyllic setting. The weather has turned hot and humid, needing our air conditioning to be given a run. The winds have ceased. The clouds are gone. Gelato beckons.

Yesterday, we sailed through some hair-raising areas: skinny 90 degree turns; around blind corners; low water depths; winding skinny canals. And throw a few raindrops in. What fun!

The scenery was heavenly. At times it was difficult to realise where water stopped and started.

I would like to impart a short story. We have found all Canadians to be very friendly and helpful and courteous. While I was completing the laundry, Mark found a hairdresser to have his hair cut. After knowing Mark for only 30 minutes, this lady gave Mark the keys to her car to enable him to purchase beer from a shop one kilometre away. She insisted he take her car, as the day was hot. Unbelievable! How nice is that?

Such is Life!

We had an early start to the day to catch the 7.00am bridge opening for the start of our excursion into the Rideau Canal. Our plans have changed yet again, due to the closure of the Trent-Severn Canal system because of flooding. It is not expected to open for a week. Not to lose a precious opportunity on our travels, we decided to tootle up the Rideau for a few days before we need to retrace our steps. A win-win situation!

Moving through the locks, some are flights of four locks, ran smoothly with the aid of the Parks Canada personnel. Each lock is manned by staff who help you, which is very much appreciated as locking through is a tiring procedure. When we reached Brewers Lock we were first amused, then amazed at how the Karwatha Voyager, a pleasure craft which sleeps 45 guests and has a staff of 14, fits into the locks and fits under the 22ft height bridges. I had a great chat with the manager who said it was built specifically to the measurements of the locks and uses hydraulics throughout. The bow of the ship even folds up and the chairs fold inwards! All guests remain on board – what a ride!

Bushranger waited patiently for our turn to enter the lock and ride heavenwards. The locks are all in superb condition with the locking mechanisms the same as used in the 1800s – hence the need for the Parks Canada staff to operate them.

On exiting each lock, we were greeted with beautiful scenery at every turn. And the turns can be quite acute as we negotiated skinny, twisting and ever-changing waterways: varying from river to bay to lake to gorge; passing under lift bridges, through swing bridges. Mark loved the various challenges.

And to finish the day, we are now residing at the top of a flight of four locks at Jones Falls, at a picturesque picnic area. Earlier, we had sundowners with two other boats at the bottom lock. It was a long way down, and even longer on the way up!

And as for encounters: I saw three water snakes (not happy) and one turtle!

Such is Life!

Over the last few days, life has been interesting!

Gananoque, (pronounced Gan-an-ock-we) is a cute town in the Thousand Islands, arrived at through some stunningly narrow channels between islands. Very picturesque. After exploring the town, we decided to walk one of the well-marked trails. This third encounter I really could have done without! Not long into the walk, low and behold one of the things which really freak me out happened. A snake slithered three feet away from my sandal-clad feet. I wish I could say I remained calm. I wish I could say I pulled Mark away from the snake. I wish I could say I didn’t let out a blood-curdling scream. Alas, I was a blithering mess. But, we did continue on with the walk… past signs of poisonous plants warning walkers not to touch; through swarms of gnats; fending off big, ugly, black, biting flies; past tic-infested grass. And they say Australia is dangerous!

The next encounter was Kingston – the city of limestone. With its waterway, spacious parks, heritage listed homes, amazing eateries and more, this city is drop-dead gorgeous. We did a trolley tour yesterday to get our bearings and a little history. We drove through the Royal Military College. I am in awe of Annapolis and West Point, but the buildings and position of the RMC are sublime. The RMC is overlooked by the sprawling Fort Henry, perched on the hilltop with commanding views. Dotted around the Kingston waterfront are the Martello Towers – redoubts. One is situated in Confederation Marina where we reside.

We had a lovely encounter with some Canadian friends whom we had met on the Erie Canal. They invited us to their 1826 home for drinks before we walked to their yacht club for dinner. Kingston is a very walkable city. The evening was one of laughter and good friendship – a truly lovely encounter!

Today’s encounter was a real eye-opener. We did a tour of the Kingston Penitentiary. It was decommissioned in 2013. It was a sobering insight into the harsh life of correction facilities. We listened to stories from former correction officers – appalling and inspirational. A place to avoid at all costs.

Our last encounter for the day was one exceptionally amazing tapas dinner at an eatery with abundant ambiance. Life is good!

Such is Life!

We have just spent four delightful days playing in the Thousand Islands area, returning to Swan Bay each night. We met up with daughter Claire, son-in-law Brad, and grandkids Nash, Ben and Finnley, and their dog Byron, for much needed family time and to make memories – us in Bushranger, them in their RV.

We played at Boldt Castle: a grandiose Gilded Age Rhineland castle in Alexandria Bay. It was to be a display of George Boldt’s love for his wife. Before it was completed in 1904 his wife died and all construction stopped, never to be visited by Boldt again. For 73 years, the castle remained vacant and left to the mercy of the wind, rain, ice, snow and vandals. It has now been acquired by the TI Bridge Authority and millions spent on it. The rehabilitation is impressive.

We played on the water. Swan Bay is very shallow with underwater forests of seaweed. The waters are crystal clear, just made for exploring with the dinghy.

We played at fishing. Mark showed, once again, that where he is, no fish abound! Despite that, Brad caught a number of fish off the jetty. Through sheer determination, Nash caught a fish on the last morning, producing one very happy chappy!

Yes, we played together on the park equipment, in the pools, on the shuttlecock court. We took Byron on walks. We sailed back to Clayton, but couldn’t play very much there, as most shops / whiskey tasting / gelato shops were closed – it was Tuesday!

Such is Life!