It wasn’t long after unpacking the groceries that we got ready to move on. We ran over to thank Frances and Helene for their hospitality, then we set off. We headed over to the lock to wait for it to open. This time there were three boats ahead of us and Bucket List was behind us. The lock could only fit three of us so Bucket List had to wait for the next opening. After going through with the other boats, we decided we preferred to travel with Bucket List. We had our system down together and were comfortable sharing the lock space. When there are several boats and/or inexperienced boaters the locks can be quite nerve-wracking. So after exiting the lock we waited by the lock wall for Bucket List and told them we’d like to join them again for the day’s cruise. We set off together, neither of us having definitively decided our ultimate destination for the day.
As we traveled the Rideau started to change drastically from a narrow canal-type of environment to wide open waterways dotted with scenic little islands, some with homes or cottages on them that could only be reached by boat.
We cruised by some “diversions” which were like side trips off of the main route. One was to a town called Perth which was supposed to be an exquisite example of 18th century architecture. It was about a ten mile diversion and we decided not to take it. Afterwards, we realized that we had given our selves ten days on the Rideau and we were zipping right through it, way ahead of schedule. We had been urged by others not to go through it too fast but to linger and explore its various facets. That’s when we decided to slow down and enjoy the journey. We notified Bucket List that we would be doing so. They were unable to join us because their windlass was broken which made it difficult for them to anchor out. So we proceeded on our own to explore possible anchorages. We were missing the beauty and isolation of those out-of-the-way places. So we proceeded a bit more slowly along our way. There were not a lot of boats on the water but their numbers will be increasing each day as Canada’s construction holiday is beginning where thousands of Canadians who work in the construction industry will be on vacation for a couple of weeks.
We found a beautiful spot by Colonel By Island where there were some mooring balls and a small dock that led to some nature trails. On the shore was a deteriorated contemporary style house that was owned by a celebrity who had hosted many famous people there decades ago.
We went ashore to hike the trail but cut it short because there was so much poison ivy lining the narrow paths and we didn’t want to risk it.
Col. By, the island’s namesake, was the English officer assigned to manage the building of the Rideau Canal System. He was instrumental in figuring out its design and dealing with the myriad of problems encountered from bedrock to cost restrictions to malaria, etc. The decision to build it was a strategic military decision because the English were afraid that the Americans, after the War of 1812, might attack Canada and close the St. Lawrence River. This canal system was meant to create a secondary route between Kingston, Ontario and Montreal. As it turns out, it was never used for its intended purpose and is now primarily used by pleasure craft.
It was a hot day and when we returned to Zendo we went for a wonderfully refreshing swim. The water is not too cold at all - quite a surprise to us Floridians who have developed an aversion to cold water!
That evening while listening to the outrageous reports ofTrump’s disastrous meeting with Putin, we managed to enjoy a meal of homemade mushroom ravioli from Montreal’s Italian market and a big salad on the aft deck. What a beautiful spot we’ve found! We’re very happy to be here!
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