Southwest to Smiths Falls and Westport

Day 13, Wednesday, June 27

Hope this helps to explain our journey

We found out that the coffee shop in Merrickville opened at 6:00am and so we were there shortly after with our computers and connected to their WiFi. Lily had her first cafe au lait while I loaded up some pictures for the blog and John helped out some of his computer customers. It was a good way to start the day and get caught up on all this internet and email business.
The winds were still blowing as we left just after 9 and they didn't really hit us until we got out on the channel. We were on wide shallow water in a very narrow channel and the the wind was even whipping up some whitecaps as John felt it catch the boat. I believe it was at the Kilmarnock lock that the wind turned the bow toward the wall. Fortunately we weren't in very far and John put it in reverse, backed out and turned a 360. The next approach he was prepared and had learned a trick or two and we glided right in. That was enough adventure for us for the day

Tenacious plants cling to the lock wall.
They get watered every time a boat locks up!

We arrived at Smiths Falls at about 12:30 and we love it when the wind pushes us against the dock. We are staying at a place called Victoria Park, run by the Chamber of Commerce, which has dockage and power for boaters and hook-ups for RVs. We walked to the grocery to get a few things, Skyped Lily's parents and suddenly we were in crisis mode - Lily's camera had the "black screen of death" as John says in the computer world. We tried everything, even going on line for suggestions, but nothing worked, so Lily and John got out the bikes and rode to Walmart. Yes, even in Canada they have Walmarts to fill all of your emergency needs, such as cameras and distilled water for batteries.

Lily and John with bikes at Victoria Park

 The park has a vintage T-1 Avenger plane on display. It was a WWII trainer. During his pilot days John actually got to ride in one and it was especially meaningful because it was part of a memorial to Canadian pilots.

Serenity and Endurance tucked in for the evening

The wind died down and we had a beautiful sunny end of the day.

Nature watch, for those who are interested: red squirrel, black squirrels, one loon, and a bald eagle sitting on it's tall aerie.

Captain’s log, Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Depart Merrickville 9:15am
Arrived Smith Falls 12:35 pm
3hrs 20min total time, 2.9 hrs engine time
WX Clear, strong NW winds 20-25 kts)

 Day 14, Thursday, June 28

Today was just about perfect! We woke to blue skies, calm waters and just 3 locks ahead of us until our next stop. Before we left, John and I walked up to the old docks that used to be the final steps into Smiths Falls. The were replaced about 35 years ago by one deeper hydraulic lock which didn't have to close the roadway above.

Old locks in Smith's falls now decorated with flower pots

Smooth water in the narrow canal as we follow "Paddy Wagon"

A pair of loons swim nearby as we pass a red channel marker

We started to see loons quite frequently as we got close to the Lower Rideau Lake. Lily had to catch the shot qiuckly because they dive and disappear.



You can just see the man in the middle
who is turning the key 

 The last lock of the day was the Narrows which featured a unique turning bridge. The lock keeper walked to the bridge, inserted a large Y shaped "key" into the mechanism in the floor and held one arm of the Y as he walked around, opening the bridge. We learned this from a couple sitting in the shade in lawn chairs. They have a cottage nearby and enjoy coming to the lock on a warm day where there is always a breeze. They read and watch the boats lock through. Again, everyone is friendly and willing to visit and share information.

We arrived in the lovely town of Westport where we will stay until Sunday.

Captain’s log, Thursday, June 28, 2012

Depart Smiths Falls 8:35 am
Arrived Westport 1:05pm
4 hrs 45 min total time, 4.4 hrs engine time
WX "Georgous", light & variable winds, clear skies