Cranberry Lake, Ontario

We awoke to a cooler morning on Wed., July 18 in our narrow anchorage on Clear Lake.  We skipped a swim and paddle and set off at for us was a very late time of 10:30.  We went through Chaffey’s Lock on our way to Jones Falls which we knew would be a mid-way destination for us.  The lockmaster there was very helpful in providing guidance on how to manage our time at Jones Falls and take advantage of all there was to see there.

 Upon arriving there, the lockmaster said it would be a two hour wait for the boats ahead of us to lock through.  They then would need to refill the basin for the next load to go through. Fortunately, Jones Falls has lots to explore and we knew we wanted to spend some time there. So we set off on a trail that led all around the locks and falls.

 There was lots to see including wooden chutes that are used to supply water to a power plant.

The dam created for the lock was the largest dam of its time in 1830.

We visited the lockmasters home that had been in continuous use until the 1970’s.  It has since been restored to its original design and decor.  A well-informed tour guide was on hand to provide the history and some color commentary.  We also explored the Hotel Kenney, an old-fashioned riverview hotel that was built in 1888 and owned by the Kenney family for many years.

We met lots of interesting people who were either waiting for the locks or sightseeing.  These included a couple who were on a canoe paddling the length of the Rideau and camping at the various lock stations.  We also met a man from Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia on a  tiny converted dory who was traveling solo with only his sweet little blind dog.  

Once we cleared the three locks at Jones Falls we continued on a combination of winding passages and wide open lakes.  

We went through a swing bridge and found our way to Cranberry Lake where we would anchor for the night.  We found a wonderful spot next to Beaupre  Island.  It was a stunning setting, much more open than our previous night’s anchorage.  There were no other cruisers anchored there and only one or two fisherman trolling by.  

Georgio was his usual adorable self as we enjoyed dinner on the aft deck.  

Later on we had a lovely sunset.  The evening was so quiet and peaceful. When it got dark we saw more stars in the sky than we’ve seen this whole trip as there is absolutely no light pollution here.