Well, we finally left the U.S. and after Canada will be "home" in Michigan territory. Yesterday we arose early, topped off the fuel and crossed Lake Ontario. The first part of the trip was as we had expected - 1-2 ft. waves and sunshine. Once we got into the middle of the lake the waves picked up and it was a little choppier for the rest of the trip. While a bit uncomfortable, it was never unsafe and we only had a few crashes...the only fatality was the scotch tape dispenser. :)
We arrived early enough that we were able to make it through Presqu'ile Bay (Ontario), through the Murray Canal and to Trenton, Ontario. Our destination was the BRAND SPANKIN' NEW marina in Trenton. Literally, the marina just opened and is absolutely beautiful!!! It is certainly a big draw for boaters from Canada and those traveling through, and is a big boost for the economy of this small town. While we had planned to stay only one night, we decided to stay for two because of the many things we needed to do - go to the bank, post office, and sleep in! Thus, we did sleep in this morning (ahhh!), then walked downtown to breakfast, then to a farmer's market. I was able to snag a hair appointment and a little shopping while I cracked the whip and made (ha ha!) Jim come back to the boat and continue with installing the new blinds we had purchased.
More than half the blinds have been installed and we even managed to go downtown for a peaceful, tasty dinner and jazz concert on the canal. Unfortunately, it began to pour down rain while we were eating so the band cut their concert short. It was still a great evening and we walked back to the boat and Jim proceeded to kick my patootie first at cribbage and then at dominoes.
We are excited to begin our journey down the Trent-Severn tomorrow and will connect with friends Mark, Vicki & Daisy (Jim's new favorite dog) in Peterborough where we will have the adventure of a lifetime, so stay tuned for photo coverage of that event. It will be like something you have never seen. Neither have we, actually! We are very excited for that part of the trip, as we've heard this is probably the biggest highlight of the trip.
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| Lock 23, the last of the Erie canal, just before entering the Oswego Canal (New York) |
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| Going through Lock 8 as we entered Oswego, NY |
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| A happy captain, knowing we have the last lock - Lock 8 of the Oswego Canal - behind us for a while. The locking process is tedious and time-consuming. |
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| Picasso? No, this is just green slime and orange rust on the lock wall. |
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| Our surroundings for dinner in Oswego |
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| Many old towns in this part of New York - Oswego is one of them, very "industrial" feeling |
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| Captain Jim toasting the end of the river/canal journey through the U.S. |
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| Restaurant on the river in Oswego |
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| Departing Oswego for the trip across Lake Ontario |
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| Safely across the big lake and entering Presqu'ile Bay. Glad to be here, where the water is calmer! |
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| Brighton Road Bridge, where they opened the bridge ($5 charge) and we called into customs. Easy process to check into Canada...just a phone call where they take our information and give us an entry number which must be displayed on the boat. Very trusting and friendly entry to Canada. |
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| Lake Ontario, with Oswego in the background |
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| The new, beautiful marina in Trenton, Ontario |
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| View from our table at the restaurant in Trenton - recently renamed "Quinte West", the Trent-Severn waterway in the background and the bridge we will pass under tomorrow as we officially enter the Trent-Severn Waterway. |
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| Quiet time at dinner after long travels and a busy day |
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| One of the parks along the canal, on our walk back to the boat. They really take pride in making their city an appealing place. The people are all SO friendly! |
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Patriot, resting in her slip at Trent Port Marina, anxious to carry us safely to the next destination
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