July 27, Day 44 - Smiths Falls to Newboro

We left Smiths Falls around 8:45 (because that was when the lock and bridge opened). We ended up traveling with Ken and George (Buster – after their cat – Nordic Tug 37) and Bob and Caroyln Hunt (Hummingbird – American Tug 34). These two couples met up with each other at Parry Sound, on the Georgian Bay in 1998 when they were both doing the Great Circle – now known as the Great Loop.

We had a good day on the water. A little rain, but not bad and the winds settled down after 3:00. We traveled through 4 locks today. The third lock of the day (the Narrows Lock) brought us to the highest point on the canal system as we passed into Upper Rideau Lake. The last lock of the day (Newboro) started our downward journey. The rest of the way we will be locking down. We anchored just off of Newboro to wait for an opening on the lock wall. We took the dinghy over to the lock and visited with Buster and Hummingbird before walking into town for ice cream. Carolyn wanted ice cream, but only if it was “Moose Tracks”. The 2nd ice cream store we went into had Moose Tracks, so Linda and I had a cone and went back to report our findings.

We made reservations at Kingston Marina for Wednesday and Thursday, so we hope to do a little shopping and provisioning there before we head onto the Trent Severn.

We moved the boat from the anchorage to the “blue line” about 6:00 pm. It took us about a half hour to bring the anchor up. The entire chain that was out was covered with grass. The anchor itself was full of grass and also a lot of mud. Back on the dock we had happy hour with Buster and Hummingbird, plus they gave us recommendations for both Georgian Bay and the Bahamas. While we were sitting on the dock another couple came by who were past Loopers (Ken and Cheryl Gibson on Cher III). They have lived in the Georgian Bay area for years so they gave us all kinds of recommendations for the area. It was a very pleasant and informative evening, but we are thinking we need to spend more time in the Georgian Bay. We will have to look at our schedule and see what we can do.

We had a quick dinner and then off to bed.


The bridge leaving Smiths Falls


The next lock -- Poonamalie Lock

In Canada, they drive boats on the grass (see above)

While traveling along we saw this couple mowing their grass on their steep back yard. Great idea .... just hope the rope doesn't give way.

Lots and lots of steps to get from the house to the boat .... you wouldn't want to forget anything on your way down.

We had threatening clouds, but it never rained much at all.

If you look close you can see a bald eagle in the nest

Our locking partners (Buster and Hummingbird)

The sign at the Narrows Lock

... and the lock itself. As you can tell, there was a bridge associated with this lock

Close up of the mechanism that opens the lock gate

Entering Rideau Lake

This way to the canal. There are lots of signs on this canal ... especially in the lake areas as there are many directions you could go.

Little islands ...... there were hundreds of islands

...and more islands. It was a beautiful area

Sign at Newboro Lock reminding you that channel markers change sides at this point.

The old blockhouse at Newboro. These were built to defend the canal (against the pesky Americans)

This will give you an idea of how much grass is in the lake. This is the dingy paddle as Gerry is rowing.

Monk's Vineyard at anchor off of the Newboro Lock

Happy hour on the dock with the couples from Buster and Hummingbird. Notice Gerry has all his Georgian Bay and Bahama Charts on the table. We were getting recommendations on where to go.