Buildings, Bridges and Barges

Chicago is such a neat city, and the contrast we experienced when we left her was so extreme that we are designating this blog entry to:  ”Buildings, Bridges and Barges.”  Only pictures can tell and I hope that these do the job.

Building and Bridge post lock

"Corn on the Cob" building

"Tall Flat Faced" Building

"Bowed" Building

"Yester'year & Today" Building

"Teeth" Building

"The Shining" Building

"Bridge" AND "Building"

"Toot, Toot" here comes a train bridge

"2 Bridges for the Price of One"

Getting Bigger "3x3" barge

"Bumping Barges"

"Straw" Building (did you see a "lil pig"?)

"Kissing Barges"

"King of the Road"

"Grounded and Forgotten"

"Rusty" Building

"Hide and Seek"-- "We Found You!"--"YOU'RE IT, JOHNNY!!"

September 3-7, 2010 Beardstown, Illinois (Logsdon Tug Service) 40.0173,-090.4391

"My Kind of Town, Chicago"

"Chicago, Chicago, I'll Show you Around"

We are getting ready for a new adventure!!  As we leave Chicago (as Frank Sinatra sang, “My Kind of Town, Chicago…”) and head towards the river system, it is time to roll our sleeves up, put down the antennas, and put out our bumpers (I mean fenders).  I guess I am still adjusting to this “boat lingo.”  For example, I say “maps” when it should be called “charts”; “ropes” should be “lines”; “right” should be “starboard”, “left” should be “port”, except here on the river — if you are going with the current, then the starboard or right is called “Right Descending Bank”, and the port or left is called “Left Descending Bank, and if you are going against the current it is the opposite.  ”The front of the boat” should be called “bow”, the “back of the boat” is “stern or aft”; “the top of the back of the boat” is called “transom”; “down stairs” is “down below or below deck”; “kitchen” is “galley”; “master bedroom” is “captains quarters”; “bathroom” is “head”; “living room” is “salon”; and, I guess, “it’s cold” is “shiver me timbers”; and “it’s windy” is “blow me down”or is it “two sheets to the wind”?  Are we confused??

Chicago Harbor Lock

South Chicago River

Dearborn Bridge -- (Low Bridges, eh?)

September 3.  We left DuSable harbor 8pm with Lady in Red; Joliet’s Centennial Park, IL is our destination.  (Lionel Ritchie was born here.)  Cruising Chicago through its lock to the Illinois River was awesome, awesome, awesome!!  It was morning and the way the sun reflected on some of the buildings it glowed and twinkled in between the shadows.  So many bridges, so much to look at you couldn’t help but look to the left, to the right, in front of you, in back of you, observing all the angles.  –  Then WHAMO, it turned into an industrial setting with many barges.  Lots of the barges were going 2×2 and some were going 3×3.  And alas, our aqua, clear water has turned to a coffee color (yucky, we ain’t swimming in this). 

We'll Wait Our Turn.

In the narrow part of the river you wondered if there was room for “Magoo” to get by.  Yikes.  So we sucked in our breath and squeezed through the moving barges and the docked barges.  We cleared all the fixed bridges with one bridge only 9″ to spare, but when we got to Joliet Bridge, it REALLLLLYY had our attention.  Even the bridge tender said it was close and our best chance to make it under was to stay between the “I” beams.  The captain (i.e. Artie) crawled on top of the roof, and he said if the rivets were 4″ longer, we would have been “screwed instead of riveted”!!  And that’s a fact.  That was close, phewww.  We passed under yet another bridge, Jefferson, and tied up on the wall of the park.  Two more locks down and more than we can count to go.  Cocktail hour started early today at 4pm.

Locals Enjoying The River

This "thing" in the River ain't used any more, so what do we do with it.....make it a planter near shore!!

September 4.  We left Joliet at 8am, our boating companions has grown to 5:   “Breakin Away”, “Tony M”, “Lady In Red”, “All That Chas”, with “Magoo” leading the pack and as it turned out, clearing the way with the lockmasters.  The first lock already had a tug waiting to go through with several barges, and they have priority over pleasure boats.  As it turned out, there was a line of barges and tugs to go through which would have taken at least four hours.  But Captain Magoo called yet again and talked to the lockmaster and got the lockmaster to actually call and talk with the first tug’s captain and asked if he would wait for “Magoo” and the gang to go through.  The tug’s captain said okay.  This is UNHEARD of in these parts, ’cause the tugs and barges have priority with a big “P”, this is their “bread and butter”.  Well, all of our five boats got through the lock, and when we were cruising away, Captain “Magoo” called the tug boat’s captain to thank him and his response was that he was happy to let us go.  Then the captain of the tug went on to say he wished that he was coming with us, and to have a “cold one” for him, which we all did, several times that night!!  Don’t some things make you feel gooood.  We went on and cleared two more locks that day without waiting; another small miracle. 

"Don King" locking through -----------(Bad Hair Day!)

Don

FREE FALL!!!! Where's the Gates??? Second Lock

–  Several times that night Capt’n Magoo got some pats on the back from our fellow looping boaters and toasted then declared the leader for tomorrow, too.  Looks like Captain Magoo is a CEO again.  I thought Hubert was retired?????  –  We stayed on Ottawa’s courtesy dock that night.

"Magoo" Leading the Pac

September 5.  Left Ottawa dock at 8am, destination Henry’s Harbor Marina.  Every now and then we see fish jumping out of the water and believe they are the Asian Carp that are invading the waters in this area.   We’ve read and heard that these fish can jump into your boat, yup, sounds like a fisherman’s dream.  We’ve even heard that one jumped into a boat and hit a boater in the nose and broke it.  Who’s fishing for who??    Could it be the fish are getting even after all these years? 

Bow & Arrow Hunting for Asian Carp

LOOK! We found another Rock (Buffalo Rock State Park)

We tied up at Henry’s Harbor Marina at 3pm.  What it really was, was an old locking wall.  The walls were made of what looked like shale rock and very crumbly.  To tie up, we had to use trees, and to get our boat plugged into an electrical outlet, Artie had to climb a pole (I should have taken a picture ).  Showers were provided for boaters inside a restaurant.  Five stars!!  All the comforts of home. 

Henry Harbor --- A "Five Star" Marina

September 6.  Left Henry’s Harbor Marina at 8am.  Originally, we were planning to go through the Peoria lock tomorrow before 7am, but Captain Magoo called the lockmaster and found out that work on this lock is scheduled to begin tomorrow and that if we didn’t go through today, we’d have to:  1) Go through after 5pm and continue on for five more hours to be able to dock again (there are few places to tie our boats up on this river).  This is not a good option because we would have to travel on the river at night.  2) We’d have to wait six days (next Sunday) to lock through during the day.   So, we headed for the lock and got through by noon.  After we got through the lock it was 40 more miles before we could stop at Tall Timbers Marina in Havana, IL  (5pm).  It was a total of 76 miles today with one lock, and the travel time was nine hours.  This “looping” ain’t for wimps.  We’re still traveling with “Lady in Red” and “Tony M”, and three other looper boats have joined us; “Mas Buenos”, “Breaking Away”, and “Marilsnick”. 

"Twinkle Toes Trees"

Tug Town

River View from The Flybridge

September 7.  Left the Tall Timbers Marina, Havana, IL at 8am.  Our destination is Beardstown, IL, Logsdon Tug Service, where they can put us up for the night.  This area is the most Western part of the Great Loop trip.   We arrived at noon in Beardstown and are tied off in the river off to the side on a genuine barge with a view of a crane to our starboard.  Like I said, Henry’s was a five star marina, cause tonight there is no water, no shower facilities, and no electricity.  What we do have is cranes, barges, tow cables, turn buckles, huge chain, steam shovel, big ol’ tire, gas and oil cans.  We’re tied up safe and sound but there is no way to get off the barge.  –  As we slept (tried to sleep), we could hear the huge barges passing by in the night; we cold also hear the flotsam scrapping the boat as it floated by.  A very eerie sound in the dark of night.  Sleep tight and pleasant dreams………………………… 

Tied Up at Logsdon Tug on the Illinois River

Magoo's View for the night from tie-up at Logston's Tug Service

August 27-September 2, 2010 Chicago, Illinois 41.8861,-087.6114

Note:  I’ve heard that salmon farming can be harmful, but didn’t know why.  Lake Michigan has much salmon fishing, and so, I have learned (in simple terms) of its negative effects.  –  The salmon fish farms generate sea lice in larger numbers than there ever has been before.  These sea lice damage and kill the juvenile salmon because they have not developed scales to protect their bodies.  These fish farms are located in inlets near rivers where the juvenile salmon migrates and they attack the juvenile salmon killing/seriously injuring  them.  We have heard that the farms have been approached and asked to move their farms away from the juvenile salmon’s  migrating routes, but so far they have not.  In summary, the sea lice from fish farms is having a serious effect on wild salmon which affects the overall ecosystem.  Can the choices that the public make in purchasing or not purchasing make a difference to the salmon industry?

August 27, 28.  At 7:15am we left Grand Haven with “Lady in Red”.  ”Two Turtles” joined us as we were passing Saugatuck, MI.  We three continued on to South Haven where “Borrowed Horse” joined us.  Our stay was a nice get together for our looping boat convoy.    South Haven is sometimes referred to as “The Catskills” of the  Midwest because major shipping lines stopped here in the early 1900s.  – We can see the topography and ambience changing now.  We have entered an area that Chicagoans travel to for leisure.  The marinas are huge with lots and lots of people and noise to go along with it.  We have left the clear, cool air and tranquility of the “rocks” and islands behind.  Are we ready?  I think I would like to see one more rock, one more island, one more……………

August 29.  With “Lady in Red” we left the South Haven docks at 6:45am, leaving “Two Turtles” behind; but we’ll meet up again on the river system. —   Weather prediction is 1 ft. waves, but the waves are breaking over the bow of “Magoo” as I write this.  Them are big one footers!!  But alas, that is the way it is on this Lake Michigan.  We won’t be sad to leave this body of water.  We are heading to New Buffalo.  –  Traveling today we can see that nuclear power is alive and well in Michigan; we passed not one, but two power plants (Palisades and Donald C. Cook).  –    New Buffalo has some notable residents.  One is James L. Ziemer, CEO of Harley-Davidson.  Another is Richard Daley, Mayor of Chicago.  Then, there’s Dennis Farina.  He is an actor that usually is cast as a mobster or police officer.     —  We arrived at the New Buffalo docks at 2pm and for the first time; there is no doubt that it is summer.  It is 90 degrees and it hit us like a sauna after the 70 degree’s we’ve become accustomed to in Canada and northern Lake Michigan.

August 30.  Today we are Chicago bound. — Today is a great cruising day with flat water and sunny sky, beautiful.  It is 9:01am and we have our first glimpse of the Chicago’s skyline. 

View of Chicago Skyline as we cruise in

It’s more exciting than our approach to NYC because we can see it from so far away.  When we were approaching NYC we could not see its skyline because of the fog and the Narrows Bridge.  But on our approach to Chicago, there ain’t nothing in our way; no fog and no bridge; here we come, me and you and Magoooooo, yahoooooo!!

Painted Trees. -- Seemingly, Chicago Goes to Great Lengths to Decorate their City.

We’ve been to Chicago a few times, and it’s always been enjoyable.  The first thing we noticed is the skyline and how striking it is, and I guess we’re in good company because it is said to be the BEST in the USA and the 2nd BESTEST  in the world!!  We are at the DuSable marina in downtown Chicago and have a front and center view of the skyline and the Navy Pier is close by.  As soon as we get off the dock of our boat, the biking trail is right here!!  Awesome!!!  It goes for miles around Lake Michigan.  Did I mention that this is a great location!!  –

This Water Tower survived the fire of 1871. Would you believe that this beautiful building's purpose is to house a water tower and pipes?

Some Chicago tidbits:

How did Chicago get its name?  It is the French interpretation of “wild leek/onion”.  Rumor has it there was lots of wild onion grass growing here.

Why is Chicago nicknamed “the Windy City”?  –  Most people think it’s because of the wind that comes off of Lake Michigan.  But that is the wrong answer.  The real reason is the bluster of Chicago’s politicians that have earned the city the nickname “Windy City”.  (I don’t know much about politicians, but did I read somewhere that Obama is from Chicago?)

Chicago is the third largest city in the USA, and the largest on the Great Lakes.  (But, there is no grocery or hardware stores close by.  It’s a good thing we stocked up on milk, cookies, duct tape and WD-40 at the last stop )

Things that were invented in Chicago:  roller skates (1884), steel frame skyscraper, elevated railway, cracker jacks, zipper, vacuum cleaner (1869), window envelope, Hostess Twinkies, pinball game, McDonalds’ Fast Food Restaurant, Dunkin Donuts, Butterfinger and Baby Ruth candy bars, caramel-chocolate turtles, Schwinn Bicycles, Color Television by Zenith.

Chicago River is the ONLY river in the world that flows backwards.

Hugh Hefner started “Playboy” magazine in 1953 and the first issue featured Marilyn Monroe.  By the way, it sold for 50 cents an issue.

Wrigley Field is affected by wind conditions more than any other major league park.  Breezes off Lake Michigan favor pitchers, but winds blowing toward Lake Michigan take homers with them.

Famous Chicagoans:  Walt Disney, Harrison Ford, John Cusack, Dorothy Hamill, Benny Goodman.

Did you know the world’s longest street is Western Avenue (24.5 miles)?

Willis Tower (formerly "Sears" Tower) with a reflection of the Castle Building. At 110 stories is the tallest building in Western Hemisphere

The Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere (110 stories high, and the elevators are among the fastest in the world (1600 feet per minute).

The first Ferris wheel made its debut in Chicago at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

The first drive-in bank opened in 1946 (Eureka Bank). 

Chicago Trump Tower, 2nd tallest building in USA at 92 stories

Chicagoans really celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a big way.  Every year they dye the Chicago River green (and I thought I was extreme when I made green mashed potatoes).

Some movies made in Chicago (usually on LaSalle Street):  Transformers III, Spider Man 2, Batman Begins, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Oceans Eleven (2001), Risky Business.

August 31.  On our first day in Chicago we met a friend of Artie’s that he served with in Viet Nam.  We spent the day with Mike and Cheryl exploring the city and taking advantage of the on and off trolley. 

View from the John Hancock's Signature Room

We window shopped in the magnificent mile, viewed the water tower and pumping station, had drinks at the John Hancock building’s Signature Lounge on the 96th floor (by the way, the Chicagoans call it “Big John”), and other sites.  We ended up at the Navy Pier for a snack before we said good-bye.  We hope that Mike and Cheryl will visit us in North Carolina.

The Cadillac Palace Theater, where we saw the play "Shrek"

This Chicago Sign was used in the Movie "Chicago" starring Katherine Zita Jones

September 1.  Rained in the morning, but cleared up in the afternoon and we biked to the Cadillac Palace Theater where we saw the musical play, “Shrek.”  We were “green” we enjoyed it so much.  Seriously, we’ve been to many New York Broadway plays and this was a hit.  We spent the evening on the boat and enjoyed the fireworks that we could see from the Navy Pier.  It was a “bang up” display — “boom, boom”!!

September 2.  It is raining again this morning, so I am catching up with the blog.  Later when the rain clears we will bike and make our way to “Uno’s”, a famous pizza place that has been here for many years.  Originally, pizza was primarily a snack.  But in 1943 Ike Sewell opened the first pizzeria Uno, and forever changed pizza history by creating Chicago’s Original Deep Dish Pizza.

There’s another food that Chicagoan’s are particular about and is well known.  Chicago-style hot dog goes like this and has since 1929.  First of all,   the “preferred hot dog” is the brand “Vienna”.  And it is steamed to approx. 170-180 degrees.   Second, there are particular condiments.  Most important to know before you begin putting your condiments on is to place them ON THE DOG (not the bun), and NO KETCHUP!!  Now you can begin with the following condiments:  Kosher Pickle Spear, Dash of Celery Salt, Yellow Mustard, Sport Peppers (small green hot peppers packed in vinegar), Neon Relish (you can order it on line), Diced Onions, Fresh Tomatoes.  By the way, the bun is poppy seed and steamed as well.    These are big hot dogs.  And the hot dogs have casings on them so when you bite into them it makes a “snap” sound.  – It seems like a lot of “stuff” to get to make a hot dog; maybe it would be easier to travel to Chicago and order one rather than get all the ingredients at home?? 

Buckingham Fountain (Daytime) One of the largest fountains in the world.

Buckingham Fountain at night

Tomorrow we’ll kiss the “Windy City” good-bye and start the inland river systems with our anxiety raised with the numerous locks and barges.  A new adventure different than anything we’ve experienced so far.  –  Stay tuned. 

Watching Chicago's Fireworks from the back of "Magoo"

August 22-26, 2010 Grand Haven, Michigan 43.0669,-086.2334

Scenic stop on biking trail in Frankfort

August 22.  Left Frankfort at 7:30am heading to Ludington, Michigan, a harbor town; population 8,357. This area boomed in the late 1800s with sawmills and the discovery of salt deposits.

"The Big Badger"

When we arrived in Ludington, there we saw the “gargantuan” last coal burning steamship in the USA; the S.S. Badger.  There it was in front of us, all its 4,244 tons, 410 ft. length with a 60 ft. beam.   And oh what a loud blast it makes when arriving in port, put your ear plugs in.   It began running in 1952.  I understand its hull can break ice, too, which probably comes in pretty handy around here.  ”The Big Badger” still provides service on the Great Lakes shuttling between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan and it’s quite a sight.

Ludington Lighthouse

Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park

August 23.  Left the dock of Ludington at 8:45am heading towards Pentwater.  This is the FIRST time that the weather is cooperating since we’ve been on Lake Michigan with low winds and waves a mere foot.  It’s a wonderful cruise this morning with sunny skies.  Arrived in Pentwater at 10am.

Local beach in Pentwater

"Where's Isabel"

More tall sand dunes (see how little the houses at the base look compared to the dunes)

This is a charming small town that reminds us Cape Cod with the small cottages and beaches scattered with sand dunes.   Unlike many harbor towns in this area, this town has been a summer resort for more than a century, thus all the quaint cottages.  The town beach is big enough to have plenty of room for all but small enough to make you feel at home.  The sand dunes are awesome.  When we got there, Artie made a beeline for the refreshment stand, just like he use to on Cape Cod as a youngster.

August 24-26.  Untied from the Pentwater docks at 7am heading for Grand Haven, a nice community with lots of fishing boats.

Enough rods?

Even the Coast Guard needs to be rescued by the Coast Guard!!

Another bumpy day on Lake Michigan.  We arrived here at 2pm a bit worn from the trip.  Guess what, without planning it, we found ourselves taking a nap.  This “looping business” ain’t for wimps.  –

Musical Fountain with Lights, Grand Haven

In Grand Haven we saw the spectacular musical fountain with light show that they have every evening for the marina.  It was nice to enjoy it from the back of our boats with our “looping companions”, “Two Turtles”, “Lady in Red”, and “Emery El”.  Another charming community on Lake Michigan, with plenty of ice cream shops, farmers market and bike trails.  Life is gooood.

Waves breaking against breakwater, Grand Haven

Michigan LAKE or Michigan OCEAN????

August 19-21, 2010 Frankfort, Michigan 44.6315,-086.2419

NOTE:  If you would like to enlarge any of the pictures on this blog,  place your cursor on the picture and double click.  One of the pictures that you might like to try it with is the “Mushroom House”.  –  Enjoy

August 19.  We FINALLY left the docks of Beaver Island at 9am.  Although a quaint island, 4 days was a long time to be there.  And for the record, we didn’t see any beavers but we did see a bunch of wild turkeys!!

Wild Turkeys (No Beavers) on Beaver Island

On our ride we are encountering 4-5 ft seas, wind/waves hitting us on the beam making it a very bumpy ride.  We are moving on to Charlevoix, and  arrived at 2pm, which is on the mainland (population 2994).  In Charlevois we entered the protected waters of Round Lake to find a marina.  It is wise to dock at a protected marina, but it especially on Lake Michigan.  We have learned that this lake has a mean reputation this time of the year.  –  Here we joined up with “Two Turtles”, who we met earlier in our trip.  – Charlevoix was permanently settled in the post-Civil War era and evolved into a resort area.    During Prohibition, Charlevoix became a popular place for Chicago’s gang members to come for gambling, and actually became quite famous as “the” place where the Midwest’s most powerful and influential hung out.  –  The people at EC will be interested to know that Charlevoix was home to Michigan’s first nuclear power plant (Big Rock Point, 1962-1997).  –  JonBenet Ramsey summered here with her family, and now her family has moved here.  –  Ernest Hemingway spent his boyhood summers in this area.  – We biked the town that’s as pretty as its name with white sand beaches and aqua water.  The houses are primarily Victorian, but there is also a very unique group of houses referred to as “mushroom” houses, created by resident Earl Young.  They also have been referred to as “hobbitland, Elf Space, Gnome Houses, Smurfsville”.  Charlevois is the only place that you can see a group of houses like this (including Disneyland).  When you look at these “mushroom” houses it brings you back to your childhood and makes you think of the fantasy hobbles of Hansel and Gretel or Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.  Very charming.   Ice Age boulders of the Great Lakes region were used to build these unusual houses.  An interesting note is that Earl Young designed the roof first before the rest of the house.

"Mushroom House" - Charlevoix, Michigan

Mushroom House, Charlevoix, Michigan

August 20.  We left the docks of Charlevoix to make the 7:30am opening of the swing bridge.  Today is supposed to be the best day to travel.  After being on the lake 15 minutes, we have encountered thunderstorms.  Lake Michigan is living up to its reputation.  The waves are hitting our bow today, so that’s something to be grateful for.

Leland.  We cruised by Leland today to try and make up for our time lost at Beaver Island.  How fantastic, it looks like sand dunes offshore.  For some reason I thought only the ocean had sand dunes.  We’re always learning new things when we travel.  A famous home owner here is Tim Allen, as we cruise by we give Tim a big wave.

Sleeping Bear Point. Indian Legend: A mother bear lay asleep waiting for her two cubs to cross the lake.

Sand Dunes on Lake Michigan

Frankfort.  What’s in a name?  Was this area settled by Germans who named it Frankfort after a city in their home country?  The answer is no.  Do you think this town was named after a hot dog?  Again the answer is no.  So how did Frankfort get its name?  I’ll tell you how the story goes.  –  Frankfort (population 1513) is the gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  –  Back in 1855 a fellow by the name of Frank Martin built a home on the northern shores of the swamp delta of the Betsie River.   But then big snowdrifts surrounded the house; so Frank built a wooden stockade around it to keep the snowdrifts away.    His neighbors thought it looked like a fort, so when the neighbors referred to Martin’s home they called it “Franks Fort”.  As time went on, you guessed it, it was shortened to Frankfort and the town had a name.    That’s their story and they’re sticking to it!!

August 20, 21.  We arrived at Jacobson’s Marina Resort, Frankfort at 4pm, and glad to get here after a 10 hour day on the fly bridge.

Point Betsie Light

Got settled in, glass of wine and cold beer; swim in the pool; then all “heck” broke loose with the weather (again).  The storm came through at 6pm; the marina clocked it at 60 knot winds and the radar showed that it encompassed 100 miles.  We were glad to be tied up to the dock, but we were rock’n and roll’n.  We woke up Saturday morning (Aug. 21) and contemplated moving on, but Frankfort’s charming waterfront had a farmers market, antique car show, book sale, and an art show.  Sooo, we decided to contribute to the local economy.  The only thing missing was fudge (oh, fudge).  

August 9-18, 2010 Beaver Island, Michigan 45.7490,-085.5112

The North Channel is coming to an end, so now we are planning the next leg of our trip which will take us down the East shore of Michigan.  After clearing customs, our first stop will be Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island.  Now these two names give me pause.  They are nearly spelled the same except the city has a “w” on the end, and the island has a “c” on the end of its name; yet, they are both pronounced the same, which is “Mack-i-n-aw”.  Go figure.    The meaning of the word is giant turtle.  –  I am onto Artie and the reason why he wants to visit Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island.  After some reading I found out that since the 1920′s FUDGE is the number one sweets souvenir.  Actually, it is more than that; there are only two items listed under  ”Industry”.  One is tourism, and guess what the second items is.  Yup, fudge.  There must be at least 50 fudge shops here, which Mr. Hubert will surely visit (and probably ask for “samples”).    He’s in “Fudge Heaven.”  What a rascal!

Beardrop Harbor. Could this be the legend rock that the Indians chased the bears off the island?

"Cat Tails" on the Rocks!

August 9-11.  We stayed at Beardrop Island an extra day due to fog, so we passed by Turnbull Island and headed to Drummond Island, Michigan at 7am sharp.  YES, that’s right, Michigan as in the USA!!  We’re backkkkkk!  :-).  We docked and cleared customs by 4pm, then headed to the grocery store.  The weather seems to have increased by about ten degrees.  ”Borrowed Horse” is still with us and we are having dinner with them tonight.  They are a fun couple and it’s nice cruising with them.  What’s even better is that their home is in North Carolina not very far from Sneads Ferry.  – Drummond Island, Michigan is the second largest fresh water island in the nation 249 sq. miles, population 992).  An interesting bit of information about this island is 1) there are no ticks, and 2) there are no skunks.  Sounds like they must be doing something right.   Another bit of interesting info is, if you’re lucky, it’s possible to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) here.  No one can predict when it will appear, but we’ll stay up until midnight looking at the northern horizon.  You never know….

August 12, 13, 14.  Left Drummond’s dock at 7am sharp and heading for Mackinaw City which should take us seven hours on the water.  Today’s conditions are starting out to be calm with waters flat, good travel weather. After 15 minutes into our trip, already we are meeting up with not one but two container/freighter ships on our starboard side.  That will help warm us up for the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.   What a shocking contrast after leaving the tranquil waters of the North Channel only yesterday.  Like the saying, “what a difference a day makes.”

Mackinac Bridge - World's longest total suspension bridge.

On approaching Mackinaw City we saw the amazing Mackinac Bridge.  It spans two peninsulas and connects Mackinaw City with St. Ignace.  This bridge “spans five miles” and is the largest in the Western Hemisphere, and the world’s largest total suspension bridge.  This bridge was proposed in 1884, and supposedly couldn’t be built.  The statistics on this bridge are amazing, such as the total length of the wire in the main cables is 42,000 Miles.  The weight of the cables alone is 11,840 tons.  Incredible.

"Rooster Tail" ferry passing in front of Round Island Passage Light, Mackinac Island

DeTour Reef Lighthouse

We arrived at Mackinaw City docking at Straits State Marina at 3pm.  The water here at the marina is amazingly clear and blue.  We are having a great time swimming off the back of our boat. –

Mackinac Island – Lots of bikes; popular mode of transportation

Next day, at 7:30am we were on the first ferry to Mackinac Island.  After getting some new tubes, tires and brakes for Artie’s bike, we started exploring the Island.

Mackinac Island, Main Street

What beautiful tall buildings with flowers everywhere you look.  One of the first things that you notice is all the horses.   Cars are not permitted on the island; they were banned in 1898.  The most common modes of transportation are horse and buggy or bicycle.  If biking or walking about, watch out for the horse “bouquets”.

Victorian House, Mackinac Island

There is an eight mile road around the island (Lake Shore Boulevard, M-185) and is the only state highway where cars are banned.  This road is quite picturesque on the blue waters of the lake and passing by some spectacular sights such as Arch Rock.

Arch Rock, 146 ft. tall, 50 ft. wide, Mackinac Island

Some visitors to the island stack different size and shape rocks on the beaches.  No one seems to know why; perhaps it’s just a way of demonstrating “I was here”.

Tourists' stacked rocks on Mackinac Island's shore

Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

–  In 1979 the movie “Somewhere in Time”  was filmed at the Grand Hotel (a principal landmark built in 1887) starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.  Also, in 1947 the movie “This Time for Keeps” was filmed at this hotel starring Ester Williams and Jimmy Durante.  This hotel truly is “grand” with a 660 foot porch.  The hotel is so big you cannot stand in front of it and take a picture to include the structure from left to right so that you can see the details.  Mackinac Island is very proud of their Grand Hotel; if you want to “stand on the front porch” you are charged $7.  I wonder if there is a fee to look at it?  There’s so much to see on the island in one day, but we tried our best, had a good time, and wore ourselves out.

Sugar Loaf - This limestone formation is the remains of a long ago island (75 ft. tall). Indian legend: the rock was filled with honey and the home of the Great Spirit.

Birch Trees on Mackinac Island's shore

Abandoned Log Cabin (mansion?)

Skull Cave - Long ago local Indians buried their dead in this cave. Mackinac Island

August 15-18.  We left Mackinaw City and headed for Beaver Island.  The weather forecast said 2-3 ft. waves and 10 knot winds.  Well, Magoo’s bow was biting into 5-7 waves and the wind was 25-30 knots.  That’s almost half a hurricane.  We were glad to find our way to the marina.  Docking was “ungraceful” as there was no one from the marina to help, but luckily there were some fellow boaters who came out to assist in docking.  We had planned on staying here one night, but weather is forecasting 7-10 ft. seas (do you think that means it will be 11-15 ft. seas?)  Anyways, it seems prudent to stay put for a bit. —   As we are spending time here on Beaver Island we have learned from locals about how their once thriving fishing industry has been effected.  The Lamprey Eel has invaded the waters here.  You can refer back to our blog on July 16 when we went through the Big Chute on the Trent Severn Waterway.  The reason why the chute was built was to try to stop the Lamprey Eel from getting into the Great Lakes.  This eel is a parasitic marine animal that attack the lake fish. –  More about the island:   Beaver Island is the largest island in Lake Michigan (13 miles long and 3-6 miles wide; population 551) having two airports.  Many of its residents are of Irish descent.  There are two lighthouses on Beaver Island.  Beaver Island Harbor Lighthouse built in 1870 on the north side of the island (still a navigational aid), and Beaver Island Head Lighthouse on the southern end of the island built in 1858 (deactivated in 1962).  We are spending some time touring the island on our bikes.  There’s a nice trail that goes along the water and another trail that is an old railroad bed.

Beaver Island's Boat Works

It’s just amazing how beautiful the water is here, clear and blue/green.  We are always happy to find places to bike when we visit because exercising is  limited on the boat, although we do have some means.  –  –

Stormy skies keeping us at Beaver Island

Rainbow in between storms at Beaver Island

Rocks ‘n Crocks — August 10, 2010

We’re getting ready to say good-bye to the North Channel and Canada.  But before we go, we want to show one more post dedicated to the many “Rocks” and our non-skid “Crocks”, ie. Rocks ‘n Crocks.  :-)  Hope you enjoy this as much as we do:

(Note:  Our August 2-8 posting just below this posting.)

White Majestic

Rocks 'n Clouds

Looking down from Rock Heaven

Goes On and On.........

Stair Stepping Rocks

Rock Waterfall

Pink Rock

Rolling Rocks

Hook Rock

Square Rocks

A pile of crocks

THE    END    of  Rocks and Crocks.

(the Aug 2-8 posting is below)

August 2-8, 2010 Beardrop Harbor, Canada 46.0867,-082.2467

Note of Interest.  Lake Huron is the 3rd largest Great Lake, 206 miles long, 183 miles wide with an average depth of 195 feet.  The North and Eastern shores are the granite islands surrounding Georgian Bay and the North Channel.  Lake Michigan (our next destination) is the 2nd largest Great Lake.  The North is colder with less population and the Southern end houses over one fifth of the Great Lakes human population.

August 2-5.  We left Baie Fine in the fog at 10:30am.  Last night we slept with the windows open and enjoyed 42 degrees under the goose down comforter weather.  :-)  The coyotes were howling; maybe they didn’t like the cool night.  –

Haunting Baie Fine

At 3pm we anchored in Browning Cove off of Heywood Island (North Channel).   This was a protected anchorage for the night.  The next morning we left at 12:30pm on our way to the town of Little Current on Manitoulin Island and arrived there at 3pm.  We passed under the Little Current Bridge without waiting for it to open with a 1 ft. clearance, and the current was behaving itself today, so no worries mate.  When the winds are blowing the current becomes strong and makes docking difficult, but we arrived on a good day.  Manitoulin Island (population 12,600) is the largest island in a freshwater lake in the world (1,223 square miles), and Little Current is the largest city on the island (population 1,500).  Manitoulin Island is the legendary home of “Gitche Manitou” the Great Spirit of the Indians.  It has a mysterious “something” about it that the natives call the “Spell of Manitoukin.”  –  A current note:  Crystal Shawanda (country music artist) is from this island.  –  The boat docked next to us had a looper burgee on its bow, so we introduced ourselves.  We found out that she is traveling alone and started the loop 4 years ago, but when she entered the Georgian Bay and North Channel, she could not leave.  It is amazing that she is boating by herself, and more amazing that she has stayed in this area for 4 years and has no plans of leaving.  –  We provisioned our boat, got our hair cuts, rode bikes, fueled up, and all that it takes to keep the boat going.  Tomorrow we will be off again.

August 6, 7.  We left Little Current at 8:45am heading for the Benjamin Islands.  We arrived at 12:45pm and anchored on the South Benjamin Island.  There were several boats already anchored there.  The winds are howling today, but settled down by midnight.

Gorgeous, eh? And pink!

Benjamin Islands

Lazy Allure

 The next day we took the dinghy to shore and although the view from the boat was very nice, landing on shore was gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!  Did I mention that it was gorgeous?  I must have taken a hundred pictures.  Yes, it was “more” rocks, but wow, what rocks!!

Top of the Hill at South Benjamin Island

Most of them are a pink granite and next to the aqua water it is spectacular.  It reminded me of the “Pink Sand” of Bermuda, but unlike sand, these rocks rise out of the water at different heights.  Then with a sprinkling of greenery, the colors and contours just take you away.

"Magoo" in the Benjamin Islands

We climbed the hillside and spied “Magoo” in the bay amongst all this beauty and it just didn’t seem real.  Are we dreaming?  Nope, I just pinched Artie and he pinched me back, so I guess that confirms that we are awake.

We Dub Thee "Turtle Rock"

August 8.  At 8:30am we left the Benjamin Islands.  The weather forecast indicated 20-30 percent chance of showers, but guess what.  It rained for 5 hours with lightning making it more interesting, yikes!  Which brings me to the subject of weather forecasting in this part of the world.  Eighty, no, ninety percent of the time they are wrong, wrong, wrong.  How is it that they keep their jobs?  It’s a mystery.  Well, guess it’s just adds to our adventure.  So, we continue on in the rain.  The visibility is poor, but we have the GPS and chart plotter, 2 depth finders, and of course the paper charts to help us find our way.  But we are approaching a very tricky place called “Little Detroit”.

Little Detroit

It is tricky because it is a very narrow cut between two tall rocky ledges.  This is a place where good visibility would be helpful, very helpful.  We are getting closer to this cut; we can barely see it through the heavy rain.  Then I look down at the radar screen and saw what looked like a radar of a hurricane instead of a rain event, with a black hole in the center of the screen, and this black hole was approaching our boat.  As we passed through this narrow cut, the rain stopped, we could see clearly, and we powered through to the other side.  When we were on the other side about a half a minute, it started to pour rain again.  Can you believe it?  We were back in the safe deep water again and okay to go on.  At last, we reached “Beardrop Harbor”, located at the end of Whalesback Channel.   We found a spot with a beautiful view and dropped anchor.  Of course, after we dropped anchor in the rain, the rain stopped.  All is good.  I started to investigate why this place is called “Beardrop Harbor”, it does seem like an unusual name.  There is a tall rock that is big and flat on top.  Local legend has it that this is is where the Indians ran the bears off the island.  Now we know.  –  We met a looper that we haven’t seen since “Thousand Islands” in the USA (near Alexandria Bay)”Seabourne”.  It was nice to get together and chat and share what’s happened in our different destinations.  We also met another looper from North Carolina (boat name “Borrowed Horse”).  Dan and Ann invited us to their boat for a cocktail get together on their boat.  We plan to stay two nights here at Beardrop Harbor then head for “Turnbull Island” on the 10th.

Sunrise at South Benjamin Island

July 29 to August 1, 2010 Baie Fine, Canada 46.0320,-081.5079

Sorry this entry is so late in being posted.  We have been without internet and cell phone service for days.  It may be like this for another week or two as we travel the North Channel.   Right now we are cruising and luckily passing an area that has internet service.  Soooooooooo, I am posting this as fast as I can   (hope there are no typos or other bloopers).  We are having a blast!!!

A little note:  If you see “pottage” on a menu it means a thick soup with lots of vegetables and perhaps some meat.

July 29.  We left Mill Lake at 9am and our destination is Killarney, the gateway to the North Channel.  The view as we cruise is beautiful with evergreen trees growing out of waterfall rocks, all different shapes, sizes and colors.  As we continue, the landscape is beginning to change.  The rocks are evolving to  lighter shades of color and the water is turning from an emerald green to an almost aqua blue; close to the color you would find in the Islands.

Killarney Lighthouse

We passed the Killarney Lighthouse, so we knew that we are close to the town of Killarney, our next stop.  Although Killarney is a small town with a population of 500, it was a popular destination for boaters that we can attest to after seeing how busy the marina docks were upon arrival.  There were at least seven boats waiting to dock all  at the same time.  Several large boats had near misses as they were docking, so  we were glad that we were waiting out in the channel.  This is the first marina we’ve seen that boats actually raft up together on the docks.

Sportsman Inn, Killarney

After a while, we docked at the Sportsman’s Inn.

Dining at "Mr. Perch" is more than getting fish and chips, "It's Tradition" per a frequent patron.

Since it was time for lunch, the first thing we did was head for “Mister Perch” for their world famous fish and chips.  Our friends, Rob and Linda, recommended that we just had to go there.  It’s a neat restaurant that is housed in a red and white bus, and their fish and chips were yummy!!  Thanks Linda and Rob, that was a good call.  Only wish you guys were with us to enjoy the cuisine.  After lunch, we biked to the Killarney Lighthouse located on Red Rock Point, a fun ride going through the town, then passing by some small ponds with lily pads on one side and the waterway on the right side.  –  Later that evening we went to dinner at the Sportsman Inn where they had Frank at their piano bar.  What fun!!  Frank was wonderful with his versatility of different music.  We especially enjoyed it when he was doing “Jimmy Durante and Louie Armstrong” imitations and Frank asked me to sing along with him, which I did reluctantly.  No one walked out, so I guess it was ok.  It was a memorable night, but not one that I would have expected in Canada.  It seemed to us that the mode of entertainment was pure USA, eh?

July 30.   We departed the Killarney docks at 9:30am and parted ways with “Sandra Ann B”.  It’s time for our Canadian friends, Paul and Sandra, to turn around and head back home (Toronto).  This was a short vacation for them.  We will miss them but look forward to keeping in touch.  –

Hiked up for a view of Covered Portage Cove, Killarney Bay

Covered Portage Cove, Killarney Bay

Covered Portage Cove, Killarney Bay

We anchored in Covered Portage Cove off of Killarney Bay.  It was beautiful with the La Cloche Mountain Range on one side.  This range is covered with white quartz and limestone rocks, and beautiful contrast with the blue, blue water and evergreen trees.  We took the dinghy to the inner cove and climbed the big rock to the overlook.  Nice!

July 31.  We pulled up anchor at 9:35am and cruised with “Lady in Red”, a looper from North Carolina.

Hiked up to Topaz Lake (Baie Fine) Is this not picture perfect?

Our destination is Baie Fine, the only place outside Scandinavia where you can find this type of fiord.  The quartz cliffs rising from the water are said to be stunning.  After anchoring, we motored the dinghy to the end of the cove and pulled it to shore and then hiked a mile up to Topaz Lake (a glacier lake on top of the mountain range).  Wow, it felt like we were in a real live picture on a magazine cover.  The water was a cobalt blue color surrounded by the white cliffs and evergreen trees.  We just had to sit there and drink in the beauty.  Makes a person happy to be alive to be in such a place.  –  Dinghying back to our anchored boats, our friends (“Lady in Red”) dinghy motor wouldn’t start.  So we towed them back with “Little Magoo” and its 3hp motor.  It was funny because just before their motor wouldn’t start we were joking with them about having a race back (their dinghy motor was 15 hp).  They said they’d give us a head start, so we took off (or “putted” off), and then in the distance we saw that they were still trying to start their motor; hence, “Little Magoo” to the rescue.  She don’t go fast, but she goes.

Looper in Tow (Baie Fine)

Here we are at Lake Topaz. Ain't it beautiful?!!

Sunset at Baie Fine

July 24-28, 2010 Mill Lake, Canada 45.9808,-081.2398

Little Tidbits:  Today I was corrected when I made a reference to “Canadian” Geese.  Here in Canada they call them  ”Canada” Geese.    Another little note is that they call oatmeal breakfast “porridge”.  –  When dining with a Canadian couple that we’ve been traveling with for several days, I made a comment how I was surprised that the last two restaurants we dined in offered German foods on their menu.  This is when I learned that in World War II Canada housed German POW’s.  When the war was over, they were released to go back to their homeland.  After a short while, some returned to Canada to make it their home, thus the German restaurants in Canada.

July 24, 25.  Departed from Shot Gun bay and traveled a short distance to Killbear Marina arriving at noon.

Canoe Channel

...................More Rocks!

Here we met “Sandra-Ann B”, Canadian boaters from the Toronto area.   Paul and Sandra invited us to dinner with them at a restaurant on the marina property.  We found that we had similar travel plans and we decided to cruise  together to Killarney.  –  During the afternoon we found that there was a campground nearby with a biking trail, which we headed for.  There’s not a lot of exercise opportunities on the boat, so whenever we are able to bike we take advantage of it.  We traveled ten miles before dinner.   –

Snug Harbor Lighthouse

The next day we left Killbear Marina at 9am with the “Sandra-Ann B” arriving 3pm at “Stairs Island”.  This island is so named because at the entrance there is a cottage  that has a large series of stairs going up to their deck.  An interesting bit of knowledge that we found out while anchoring here is that Michael Douglas has a residence right around the corner.  The cove that we found was beautiful  with clear water (of course) and multi-level rocks with trees growing out of them at different heights.  I find it impossible to describe the beauty here, like my pictures; I can only make feeble attempts and hope to convey at least some of it.  To see as much as possible, we took the dinghy for a ride.

Cozy Cottage on Stairs Island

Moon Light Bay on Stairs Island

"Hole in the Wall" off of Stairs Island and right around the corner from Michael Douglas' House

We found an alley between two islands referred to by locals as “Hole in the Wall”.  The rocks loomed on each side of us, we found ourselves in a crevice between two rock walls.  As we were approaching the end there was a small sandy beach on the side where some locals were enjoying a swim.  We watched with envy as some of the youngsters jumped in from some of the rock cliffs 15-20 foot high.  Yahoooo!

July 26.  At 8am we left “Stairs Island” with “Sandra-Ann B”.

Point Au Baril Lighthouse

We passed the well-known Point Au Baril lighthouse (43 ft.).  We couldn’t help but notice as we passed “Kyle Island” with “Raspberry Island” to the East.  HaHa.  –  We also saw Snug Harbor lighthouse a little further on.  –  All the locals that we talked to advised us not to do “Hang Dog Channel”, but rather go outside and come back in at Byng Inlet.   The water is so low that it is a needless risk this year.  Being on the conservative side, we took their advice.  After all, it’s no fun if we put a hole in the boat.  We docked at Wrights Marina at 1:00pm, did some grocery shopping, worked on the blog, and had dinner with our new Canadian companion boaters, Paul and Sandra.  At the marina, we met up with loopers, “Mint Julep”, “Sassy”, and “Two Turtles”.  We had dinner at the world famous “Britt Inn”.  A restaurant with German cuisine.

July 27, 28.  We left Wrights Marina with “Sandra-Ann B” at 8:30am.  As we started out we passed “Isabel Rock”.  :-)  We are back again in the small craft channel but there is 20 miles of open water we need to cover.

Collins Inlet - Waterfall Rock Wall

The weather is good and the water is calm.   We entered Collins Inlet and cruised up the Mill Lake (3 miles long, half mile wide), where we anchored for the night in the southern section where there are coves for protection.  As we traversed the lake, some of it was shallow and we were kicking up mud.  When we got through this area and took a turn the scenery just got prettier and prettier.  The huge looming rocks looked like waterfalls frozen in time.

Mill Lake Anchorage

Dinner was awesome being created by “Chef Hubert”.  On the menu was pork chops, sweet potato au cinnamon, and salad with roasted nuts and dried fruit ala balsamic.  Sounds good.  Yummy!  And we had the best seats in the house (boat), with view of the magnificent grandeur  of the Georgian Bay. —  The next morning when we awoke, a bear was on top of a rock.  Guess we’ll stay on the boat for a while.  Did you know that bears can swim?  –  We plan to stay at Mill Lake for two days.  The weather has turned rainy and windy.  It is so windy that “Magoo” and “Sandra-Ann B” are swinging from one end of the cove to the other; what you could call a swinging good time (yikes, watch out for the rocks).  This gives us time to read books, relax, and catch up on the blog.  On the 29th we plan to leave for Killarney.  Killarney will be the begging of the North Channel.  So, tomorrow we’ll sadly say good-bye to Georgian Bay with fond memories.

July 21- 23, 2010 Port Rawson, Canada — what locals call “Shot Gun Bay” 45.1848,-080.0397

A note.  The internet has been spotty and it has taken us three days to download the blog.  We’re getting into the wilds now.

More on snakes.  There is a gartersnake in Canada that is commonly seen in Georgian Bay.  Although it is harmless, it releases a musk when scared or handled.  Believe me, that snake has no worries about me handling it!!

We checked our mileage and so far we have traveled 1740 miles.  That’s a lot of miles for you, me and “Magoo”.  To complete the “Great Loop” there are more than 4000 miles to go.

July 21.  We left South Bay Cove Marina’s docks at 9:10am.

South Bay Cove Marina, Honey Harbor, Ontario, Canada

Today begins the real Georgian Bay adventure; we are heading right into it.  Did I mention that there are over 30,000 islands here, and it seems to me that they are all made of rocks.  That made me wonder, “exactly” what is an island?  I looked it up on line and found out that there are very specific criteria.  An island must be above water for 365 days a year, be larger than one square foot, and support at least one tree.  Now we know!!  –  We’ve heard so much about the  beauty of Georgian Bay, but we’ve also been warned over and over again as to how dangerous it is with it’s hidden rocks and sharp turns.  We’ve listened to lots of stories about people who hit their boats on rock(s) resulting in putting a hole or two in their boats.  One story was pretty unique.  After putting a hole in his boat navigating the Georgian Bay, the captain pulled the mattress off of his bed and stuffed it into the hole and managed to traverse himself to shore before sinking.  I wonder if his name was “McIver”?  Anyways, you get the picture.   We learned that many people go out with an organized group of boats, or at least a buddy boat.  As it turns out, we are going it alone.  –  We’ve read extensively and have talked to many locals.  We’ll see how it goes.  –

A Real Life-Size Lincoln Log Cabin

As we start out we passed Mermaid Island and Deer Islands on the right.  Then on the port we passed Beausoleil Island, the largest island in the Georgian Bay.  We decided not to stop here because it sounds a little “touristy” with many visitors to the island camping and anchoring.  It almost seemed like it was crowded, and that is not what we are looking for.  As we cruise along, emerald palisades appeared on our port side and across the way  is Bone Island.  A little contrast amongst the 30,000 islands, eh?  –  We navigated some tricky places: O’Donnell Point and Starvation Bay.  Both of these were extremely narrow with sharp turns.

O'Donnell Point

An attempt at Capturing the Stoney and Windy Beauty of Georgian Bay (more to come because I can't stop "clicking")

Narrow, eh?

In addition, the winds picked up while  manuvering O’Donnell Point to 30 knots.   You really needed to keep your wits about you and concentrate on the markers and depths.  –  The water became more manageable.

More Stoney Beauty

After a while, conveniently we were passing Henry’s at lunch time, so we docked.

Henry's for Dockside Lunch

We’ve heard lots about Henry’s and have been told “you must stop at Henry’s and have their fish and chips”.  So we did.  Henry’s Fish restaurant is on Frying Pan Island, that sounds right, eh.  It’s not only a restaurant, it’s also a marina and federal airport.  People fly (water airplanes) in here throughout the day from Parry Sound and as far away as Ottawa.

Some locals recommended that we look for anchorage in the Port Rawson Bay.  This bay is pretty big, so we looked at smaller coves nearby.

View from Magoo at Shot Gun's Anchorage

Dusk at Shot Gun Bay's Anchorage

The one that we found is small and protected, and the locals refer to it as “Shot Gun”.  I do hope that there is nothing for us to be concerned about.  The only way to get to the land offshore is by water.  There are no roads.  We met a looper boat here that completed the loop in 2007.  They have come back and  have not left for three years.  It is so pretty and peaceful with places to explore, we are going to stay here a little longer, too, but not as long as three years (we think).

Guess What We're Having For Dinner Tonight?

July 14-20, 2010 Honey Harbor, Canada 44,8676,-079.7815

The Magoo Crew

Trent Canal (skinny, eh?)

Some more information regarding this new area we are entering.  I am reading up on snakes.  Now I’m not a snake lover, but I do respect them and feel it’s a good idea to recognize the poisonous and non-poisonous ones if we happen to cross paths.  I found it quite interesting when I read about a particular snake indigenous to this area.  It is called the Eastern Hognose snake and nicknamed “Puff Adder”.  If you come upon him, he tries to scare you off by impersonating a Cobra snake.  He puffs up his body and strikes aimlessly.  If this doesn’t scare you off, he rolls over and plays dead!!  Now that’s my kind of snake!!

July 14.  On with more locks.  The next is Rosedale, lock 35.  This is the last “lift” lock and is the highest elevation on the Trent Severn Waterway.  We are now 598 feet above Trenton, the gateway to the Trent Severn Waterway.  It is a 260 foot drop down to the Georgian Bay from here.  It’s hard to believe, but this marks the highest point in the world a boat can reach from the sea under its own power.   We’re doing pretty good, eh!!  –

On top of the Kirkfield Lift, the 2nd highest in the world at 49 feet, or 5 stories high

Now we are beginning the descent down with the Kirkfield lock, number 36.  This, like the Peterborough lock, is hydraulic.  Peterborough is the tallest hydraulic lock in the world (65 ft.), and Kirkfield is the second tallest (49 feet).    To give you a visual, 49 feet is like stacking 5 ranch-style houses on top of each other.  There are only nine of these types of locks in the world.  What fun!  It was even more thrilling to get in on top and go down straight into the water.  Wheee!  –  We spent the rest of the day going through locks 37, 38, 39 and 40  and stayed the night at the base of lock 40 (Thorah).  It was in a quiet farming area.  Great biking.  The guys swam off the back of the boat and showered on the swim platform.  Some things never change (thankfully )

"Rub-a-dub-dub" -- Showering on the back of the boat

July 15.  HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY ISABEL.!!  When we got up this morning, Kyle, Steph, Artie and I sang Happy Birthday to Isabel.  Next year Granny will make any kind of birthday cake you want!!  –  A quick breakfast and on with cruising.  We untied from the wall at 7:30am and was at lock 41 (Gamebridge) at 7:45am.  Today will be a long traveling day because we want to make it to “Big Chute”.  Kyle and Steph’s week on Magoo with us is rapidly coming to an end this Saturday when they will leave us and fly back to North Carolina.  So we want to get in as much as we can.  –  At 9:15am we are entering Lake Simcoe.  Later this morning winds are increasing, so we are timing this area just right.  We don’t want any holdups today.  Big Chute, HERE WE COME…..  Back to Lake Simcoe.  It’s the 4th largest lake in the province and is a prime fishing lake due to its variety of depth.  Historically this lake is named after Sir John Simcoe,  the first Lt. Governor of Upper Canada (1791).  The next lake to cross is Lake Couchiching.  Now that’s a new word.  Couchiching means inlet from the Ojibwe, an Algonquian language.  Trivia:  The famous Canadian singer/songwriter, Gordon Lightfoot  who is from this area,  composed a song entitled “Couchiching”.  Somehow I don’t think he pronounces Couchiching the way I do. —  We cruised another lake, Sparrow, then down theTrent River.

Swift Rapids Lock #43, 47 feet down

Sunset at Gamebridge Lock #41

We went through locks 42 and 43.  At last, at 5:30pm we arrived at Big Chute, and stayed the night in Big Chute Marina.

Nice end of a long 10-hour day, Big Chute Marina sunset

July 16.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARTIE!!   Artie will have quite a birthday today doing the Big Chute.  – ( A little background first on Big Chute.  This structure was devised instead of a standard lock to prevent the migration of the lamprey eel from getting into the lakes from Georgian Bay.  The lamprey eel looks like an eel, but is not.  It is a jawless parasitic marine animal with a sucking mouth and attacks lake fish, especially the lake trout.)  –

Big Ride on Big Chute -- here we goooooooo!

Big Chute - Looking back after landing.

Big Chute Marina Railway, lock #44 of the Trent Severn Waterway.  It is a dry lift lock by rail from Glouchester Pool to the Severn River.  Your boat is cradled in large straps and put onto a platform (made of douglas fir) that sits on railroad tracks.  It moves up 60 feet, then goes over the hill and down into the water.  It’s sort of like a big roller coaster except the car you are in is your boat.  I was concerned about its safety because straps were put around the bow (front of boat) and the center of the boat, but not on the back of the boat.  This concerned me and I thought I would lose my Cheerios on the descent.  But, of course the people who run this lock know what they are doing, and it was a thrill for sure.  We all ooh’d and ah’d and a little yodeling as well.  –  Another note is that it’s the  only marine railway of its kind in North American that is still in use.   —  Moving right along, we cruised eight miles to lock #45, the Port Severn lock and the last lock of the Trent Severn Waterway.  We made our way to Penetanguishene’s Beacon Bay Marina.  This will be Kyle and Steph’s last night with us on Magoo.

Peek-a-boo sunset at Penetanguishene's Marina (try saying that ten times, eh?)

July 17.  Rise and shine.  The morning was spent readying for Kyle and Steph’s departure, making sure they didn’t forget anything.  The van arrived at noon to take them away, and there wasn’t a dry eye amongst us.  Of course, I cautioned the driver to take care of his precious cargo, and he assured me he would.    –  We were pretty quiet the rest of the day.

July 18, 19, 20.  Time to get ready for the next leg of our trip.  We did the laundry, cleaned up, studied charts, and, of course, catching up on this blog.  We left Penetanguishene July 19th in the afternoon and cruised 2 hours to Honey Harbor’s South Cove Marina.  This is a very nice marina with a restaurant and stores close by to provision the boat.  We will leave tomorrow morning to begin our Georgian Bay adventure.  Georgian Bay is a large bay of Lake Huron.  It was named after King George IV,  is 200 miles long and  50 miles wide making it almost as large as Lake Ontario.  There is much granite rock bed that was exposed by the glaciers at the end of the last ice age and there are  literally tens of thousands of islands in Georgian Bay and even more rocks.  A person could get lost!!    –  Lookout Georgian Bay……here we come!!

July 9 – 13, 2010 Fenelon Falls, Canada 44.53333,-78.75

Some more trivia or observations that I find different or unique in Canada:  Have you ever heard of Tiger or Tiger Tail ice cream?  I never have until we came to Canada, but it sure is yummy.  First you have to like licorice because it is orange sherbert with stripes of licorice making it look like tiger stripes.  –  If you ever get a chance, try it.  –  The Canadians love their ice cream, it’s a very, very popular outing.  –  Another interesting tidbit here is that we keep seeing coffee shops by the name of Tim Horton.  I learned that it is Canada’s Dunkin Donuts and was founded by  Tim Horton in 1964, a Canadian Hockey player.

July 9.  We left the Hastings dock at 8:15am and heading to Peterborough.  After a short ride, we find ourselves on Rice Lake.  Can you guess why this lake is named “Rice” Lake?  Is it named after the “Rice” family or is it because this 20 mile long lake was a rice paddy?  The answer is it was a rice paddy.  Did you ever think there could be a rice paddy in Canada?    It was a food source for the natives, but the rice paddy was wiped out when the water levels were  raised during the construction of the Trent Severn Waterway.  Today the lake is great for fishing.  There is much history in this area including prehistoric burial mounts.   The age of these mounds is estimated to be between 300 B.C. and 700 A.D. according to the artifacts found there.  We went through locks 18 (Hastings), and 19 (Scott Hills) today.  We arrived in Peterborough mid afternoon.

July 10.  Yeahhhh, our son, Kyle,  and Steph (our daughter-in-law)  arrived in time for lunch today.  Lots of hugs, it’s so good to see family again.  It seems like Peterborough put out a welcoming party for them, too, with two live bands and a rib festival cookoff.  After much consideration, we decided (hands down) that the “Boss Hog” ribs were the bestest.

 

 

Peterborough's Rib Fest

 

 

Peterborough Marina Sunset

 

 

Kyle on bow of boat getting ready to "lock through"

 

 

Steph on stern of boat "locking through"

 

July 11, 12.  Departed Peterborough dock at 8:30am.  Kyle and Steph had a real “rootin tootin” first day.  We broke them in on “locking through” by going through locks 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27.  They were troopers and learned very quickly

 

 

On Top of Peterborough lock, Highest Hydraulic Lock in the World, 65 feet tall

 

 

Approaching Peterborough's Hydraulic Lock #21

 

And we started the day with a BIG one, lock  #21 in Peterborough.  This lock is the highest hydraulic lift in the world, 65 feet.  To describe it simply, you drive your boat into the lock which is like a big bath tub.  Then the gates in back of you close (you’re  locked in now :-O), and the tub rises 65 feet. The gate in front opens and you can now drive your boat out into the waterway.  It could be  compared to a huge ferris wheel.  What a thrill being up that high and in your boat.  WOW.

 

Relaxing on the bow of "Magoo"

 

 

Stoney Lake - this picture does not do it justice, but it gives you an idea

 

–  Our next destination is Stoney Lake, also spelled Stony.  We wanted to bring Kyle and Steph here because it is said to be similar to the beauty of the Georgian Bay.  Three guesses why it is called “Stoney Lake”.  If you guessed that there are lots of stones, big and little, medium and Big, Bigger, and Biggest you are right, a well named lake.  To look at the islands they are pine-crowned over red granite and rise out of the blue water.  As we cruise we can see that it is sprinkled with cottages on these rocky islands.  The water is beautiful and clear and treacherous.  The names of a few of these areas on Stoney Lake will give you an idea of how tricky it was to navigate, such as:  ”Hell’s Gates” and “Devil’s Elbow”.  We found our way to a quaint resort at Mount Julian called Viamede Resort.  When we docked, we felt like we had accomplished a lot.  ”Ahhhh, cheated death again”.  –

 

Kyle and Steph on hydro bikes at Viamede Resort

 

 

Now this is a refreshing bike ride!!

 

We had a fun stay here with hydro bikes, kayaks, swimming pool, biking trail, and at night the resort’s restaurant had karaoke.  It was with teary eyes we watched  Kyle and Steph sing their wedding song.    This was a great day and a half!

 

Karaoke, Kyle and Steph sang their wedding song

 

July 13.  Left the docks of Viamede Resort 8am.  We went through 6 locks (28, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34).  The first lock (28, Burleigh Falls) we made our way through Hurricane Bend, a 24 ft. lift.  Hmm,  interesting  trivia about Burleigh Falls is that the movie “Cheaper by the Dozen II” was shot here.  – After this lock, we made our way through Lovesick Lake to the next lock.  Legend has it that the lake is named for an Indian boy spurned by a redheaded Irish girl. The next lock, 31 is named Buckhorn after Buckhorn Lake.  This lock is the halfway point on the Trent Severn Waterway.  After making our way through the remaining locks, we tied up on the wall of Fenelon Falls Lock 34.

 

 

This is what grocery shopping looked like on a bike in Fenelon Falls. Kyle and Steph did good!

 

This tie up is right next to the town  with all the provisions that we need.  A vintage picturesque town that looked like it came out of a picture post card.  As luck would have it, there is a most wonderful biking trail that goes clear to the next town along the waterway.  Artie and I rode for two hours.  –  Kyle and Steph cooked dinner, grilled turkey burgers (gourmet with veggies inside the burger).  Life is good, and so were the burgers.

 

Fenelon Falls, a scene we came upon when bike riding

 

July 2-8, 2010 Hastings, Canada 44.3071,-077.9584

Frankford, Canada

Campbellford, Canada

So far, some things that I find different in Canada:  We went to have breakfast one morning, and poached eggs with Canadian bacon sounded good.  Well, guess what.  There is no “Canadian” bacon in Canada.  How can that be?  Not to worry, I had a knowledgeable waitress who understood what I was looking for, and she served me “Peameal” bacon.  I asked her why it was called “Peameal” and she responded that it is a lean ham rolled in “ground yellow peas”.  It was great!!  –  Another thing that is different here in Canada is the word they use for “electricity”.  ElectriCities, you’ll be interested in this!  They call it “hydro”.  When inquired as to why they would call electricity “hydro” we were told that soooo much of the electricity is made by water, they refer to it as “hydro”.  –  One day while biking, Artie and I saw what looked like a “black” squirrel.  After some investigation, we did indeed find out that there is a large black squirrel population throughout Ontario.  Our eyes were not playing tricks on us after all.  –  One other thing that we have noticed when conversing with Canadians is that after they express a complete thought, they add the sound “eh”at the end.  It seems to mean “what do you think”?  For example, “it’s a pretty hot day, eh”?  –  Slowly we are getting Canadianized”, eh!

July 2.  Left Kingston dock at 6:40am to make the 7am LaSalle bridge opening.  We visited a small community, Picton, for lunch before anchoring later at 3pm for the night.  We found a quiet place 30 miles from Trenton between Glen Island and Youngs Point.

"Blue" is still hanging out with us

You're a Daisy If You Do

July 3, 4.  We pulled the anchor up at 9am and we’re on our way to Trenton.  Wind is really kicking, 35-40 mph.  We’re seeing sailboats  that actually have their sails up, a rarity.  We passed through a large body of water aptly named “Big Bay”.  The waves are hitting us on the bow and slowing our progress.  It’s been about 3 weeks with high winds and we wonder if it will settle down.  We docked in Trenton which is considered the Gateway to the Trent Severn Waterway.  The total length of this waterway is 240 miles, and there are 250 lakes and waterways linked to it.  There are 44 locks (36 conventional, 2 sets of flight locks, hydraulic lift locks at Peterborough and a marine railway at Big Chute which transports the boats between the upper and lower section of the Severn).  Log onto this website and it will demonstrate how the Big Chute works:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeAmril0mpI                I think you’ll hear us “singing soprano”.  The waterway has 30 swing bridges and 160 dams.  Dam!  That’s a lota dams, eh!  And guess how long it took Canada to complete the construction of this waterway — give up?  Construction began in 1833 and was completed in 1920, taking a total of 87 years.  It was used for commercial purposes, but became obsolete in 1932 when the Welland Canal was completed and could accommodate larger vessels.  Now the Trent Severn Waterway is used strictly for recreational use.    –  Back to Trenton.  I have to say that  the marina we stayed at (Fraser Park Marina) is the friendliest and caring marina that we have encountered throughout this trip.  They put on a cookout for all the loopers one night, and when Sandy Carter (who runs the marina) found out that I needed a haircut, she located a fantastic  hairdresser on a SUNDAY and she drove me back and forth, a good hours ride.  We will always remember the folks at Fraser Park Marina.  Kudos to Sandra and Craig Carter.

July 5.  Left Trenton at 9am with “Wild Goose” and went through locks 1-6.  We spent the night tied up on the wall of Lock 6 in Frankford (weather is hot now. 90 degrees, and humid, eh).

July 6.  Left Lock 6 at 9am with Wild Goose.  Weather is holding at 90 degrees with less breeze.  Arlene, thank you.  I am wearing the most thoughtful hat that you gave me with the BIG BRIM!  We went through locks 7-12 and stayed in Campbellford.

July 7.  We provisioned the boat, went to the chocolate factory (this is how Artie provisions the boat, eh), went to the liquor store (again this is how Artie provisions the boat, eh), and then we went to the food store (boring, eh).  At Old Mill Park where we tied up, they provided a 50′s Band for the night’s entertainment.  Later we went to “The Stinking Rose” to have some refreshments.  I think we were all  just curious what a place would be like that’s called “The Stinking Rose”, eh.

The Two Dollar "Toonie" was created by a Campbellford Artist

Pops on the Campbellford Park

July 8.  It’s still hot.  We left Campbellford docks heading for Hastings at 8:4am, and we’re still cruising with “Wild Goose”.  We went through locks 13-18.  The locks 15, 16, 17 raised us a total of 75 feet.  These locks are the site of the Trent River’s largest dam and hydrogenerating station.  –  We spent the night at the Hastings Village Marina.  Great Marina.  Kayla greeted us with a warm welcome and a tied us up tightly.  We are down for the night.

"Magoo" begins the Trent Severn Waterway

Fleet of Two Locks (Numbers 16 and 17)

Reflections on the Trent River

"Goose Crossing"

June 25 – July 1, 2010 Kingston, Ontario, Canada 44.14211,-076.28680

"Blue" is still with us

Canadian 1000 Island Living

June 25, 26.  Visited Thwartway and Aubrey Islands.  Left Aubrey Island at 10am and arrived at the Gananoque Municipal Docks, Canada at 11pm.  A short distance.  Gananoque, how to pronounce it?  Well, we were pretty lucky a few days ago when we met some Canadians at Cape Vincent.  We were having a conversation with them on this area hoping to learn some tips.  One of the first tips we learned is that we were butchering the town name of Gananoque (not a good way to make a positive impression when visiting).  So, this is how to pronounce it:  ”gannon-ock-way”.  –  We learned that Gananoque is an old mill town established over 200 years ago and situated in the heart of the 1000 Islands.  Actually, they consider themselves the gateway to the 1000 Islands.  Not unlike the United States, the mills closed (moved overseas the locals tell us).  The town is now surviving by tourism.  It was another town that we could ride our bikes to see more of the town’s historic inns and houses, parks on the water.  –  Since we’ve been away from ports for several days, it’s time to catch up on some day to day tasks.  First of all would be the laundry.  We checked with the staff to see if the machines took American quarters.  They do.  So, we gathered all of our laundry and strolled down to the marina’s laundry facilities.  We put our quarters in and the washing machine did nothing.  We tried again and the same thing happened.  Luckily, the marina office was still open, so we went in and told our story.  Then the staff member behind the counter asked me if I had any “loonies”?  I said, “pardon me”?   Once again the staff member asked me, “do you have any loonies?”  I respond “I don’t think I have any loonies” (I’m wondering, does he think I’m a bit off).  The the staff member clearly states that the machine does take quarters, but it needs two “loonies” as well.  I then asked, “What is a ‘loonie’”?  This is when I learned that a “loonie” is a Canadian dollar.  It is a gold colored bronze plated coin and has an image of a common Loon (a well-know Canadian bird).  Thus, the Canadians nick named the coin “loonies”.  Now we understand.  But the staff member is not finished.  He then asked us, “Have you heard of “toonies’”?  We say “Pardon us, did you say “loonies or “toonies’”?  He says, “toonies”, it is a Canadian two dollar coin with a Polar Bear on it that the Canadians call “toonies” because they are two “loonies”.  –  So, “enough “Looney Tunes” for the day.  We did our laundry. Then off to an Irish Pub (Stonewater Pub & Irish Eatery).  We ordered corned beef cabbage with mashed potatoes and Lamb stew.  When we got the bill it was interesting to note that the entrees were $10 or under and the beer was $18.  Before we left Gananoque we needed to provision the boat.  This was our first experience in Canadian stores.  The stores are pretty much the same as we find in the USA, but the food store was a little different.  First of all you had to go into the store to get a shopping cart.  But in order to retrieve one you had to insert a quarter into a locking device to release it.  When you finished shopping, you return the cart and your quarter is returned.  Very simple and effective.  There are no shopping carts in the parking lot.  – The fresh produce was very good.  Much of it was from the USA.  Grocery bags had to be purchased if you needed them. —  The grocery prices were very reasonable, our total was $63.  If I had purchased the same groceries at home it would have easily totalled $100.

June 27.  We left Gananoque’s dock at 9:30am heading for Kingston, but on the way Artie spied an island that intrigued him/us, so we changed course.  According to the charts this is Milton Island, 44.2450,-076.3966, and it is beautiful with a protective cove, crystal water. There is a place to have a campfire not far from the boat, and a trail to the opposite side of the island that is raised up with a rocky shoreline.  It reminds us of Maine.  –  Kingston can wait another day.  We’re staying for a while.

June 28 – July 1.  Leaving Milton Island at 9am and arrived at Kingston 10am.  Another short run.  Oh, did I mention that it’s 65 degrees today?  For the past several days the weather is about 10 degrees lower than usual?  Great sleeping weather!!  Okay, back to Kingston.  Did you know that the Bryan Adams, the singer, was born in here in Kingston?  –  Another interesting fact is that it was the first capital of the Province of Canada for only three years.  But it maintained its importance as a military center protecting its shores, especially from those rascally Americans in the 1800′s!  We visited Fort Henry (rode our bikes to the fort) where many battles were fought and what a fortress.  It was built into the ground so that when approaching it, little of the fort could be seen.  –  Kingston’s nickname is “The Limestone City”.  There are many buildings made out of the limestone including Fort Henry, and the Royal Military College of Canada.  The Royal Military College of Canada trains and develops officer cadets in the Canadian Forces (air, maritime, and land).  I guess you could say it’s the Canadian version of West Point, Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy all rolled up into one.  –  Today, July 1, is Canada Day, similar to our 4th of July.  We will bike the other side of the city today and tonight we will sit on the top of our boat and watch Kingston’s July 1 fireworks.  Tomorrow we will be off to Picton, Canada.

Milton Island Sunset

Paradise Found

Kingston City Chambers

Prince George Hotel

Fort Henry

Fort Henry

Royal Military College of Canada

View of Kingston from Fort Henry

Canada Day in Kingston

June 21-24, 2010 Thwartway Island, Canada 44.2912,-076.1513

Are you wondering if Artie went into the 62 degree water for a swim?  I’ll give you a hint, I sometimes refer to him as “Water Buffalo” (affectionately, of course).  Yes, he did go in, and I have the pictures to prove it.  It was fun to watch.  But then he was having fun, so I had to jump in too, but I don’t have the pictures to prove it.  Artie at that point was trying to get warm again.  The swim was beyond refreshing!

62 Degree Water Takes My Breath Away, BRRRR

...........62 Degrees Isn't That Cold!

June 21.  We pulled the anchor up at 8am this sunny morning.  The air is clear without humidity, 68 degrees.  No air conditioning needed here.  In this land of a Thousand Islands it’s not unusual to see a single house on a small island that is about the size of an average house lot.  Have you ever wished you lived on an island?  We’ve also noticed that many houses have boat garages built under their homes and some of the houses are quite large.  As we cruise, the islands are all around us for miles.  I do believe there are at least a thousand islands here.  There are not enough words to describe this cruise on the St. Lawrence except spectacular.  The pictures do not do it justice.  Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, in the horizon we saw the majestic silhouette of a castle.

Boldt Castle

Bolt Yacht House

Of course we read about Boldt Castle, but seeing it in real life, well, it’s so BIG.  It’s seven stories high, has over 127 rooms and 30 bathrooms.  Of course, we stopped and explored the castle and grounds, all I can say is what a magnificent place. The story is that in the early 1900′s George Boldt was building this castle (a replica of the Rhineland castle) for his wife, Louise, as a testimony of his love.  He had the island reshaped to resemble a heart shape, and George planned to present it to her on Valentines Day 1905.  But one year before the castle was completed, Louise died at the age of 41.  George left the castle and never completed it and never returned to the island again.    –    As we were leaving the castle and heading to the docks to board “Magoo” and thought that Bolt Castle was the highlight of the day, we were surprised to see the ship “Bounty”  docking near our “Magoo”.  This is the very ship that was in the movie “Mutiny on the Bounty”.  I guess you just never know who or what’s going to popup  or cruise up next.

"Bounty"

–  We docked at  Alexandria Bay 4pm —  Wow, what a day!  And it’s only Monday.

Alexandria Bay on a Quiet Morning

June 22.  We left the Alexandria Bay docks early at 6:38am to go through customs in Rockport.  We cleared customs okay, but it took over 2 hours.  The custom officers boarded our boat and searched it from bow to stern.  We understand that this is rarely done to boaters from the USA visiting Canada.  I guess we appear to be pretty shady characters.  When they were finished with their inspection, they weren’t so serious and said to us “you’re very prepared” referring to allll of the extra parts and maintenance for “Magoo”.  –  That was over, now on to exploring Canadian waters.  We moored on our first of a Thousand Island on the Canadian side now, Endymion Island.

June 23, 24.  At approximately 9am we cruised the Thousand Islands some more and decided to moor at Thwartway Island.  We explored with “Little Magoo” and went ashore to the island.  The water is so clear, blue herons are a common site.  We’re in wonderland here.

Meet our Mooring Buddy "Blue"

June 17-20, 2010 Clayton, NY 44.2869,-076.0634

June 17.  While waiting for the waters to settle down on Lake Ontario, we took advantage of the Oswego Farmers Market on First Street.  It seems like everything is close to the Marina that we are staying at.  There were lots of fresh veggies and fruit to choose from, home made breads, honey, soaps and more.  Of course Artie found some homemade dark chocolate fudge.  He loves chocolate in any and all forms.

Peaceful Night

Windmill Sunset at Cape Vincent, NY

June 18.  At last the weather is breaking and we left Oswego’s dock at 7:15am.  We are crossing Lake Ontario with two other “Looper” boats (Seabourne and Elon).  We’ll be in open water and this lake can be mean, so it’s best to have company on this 45 mile crossing.  Winds are West and hitting us on the beam, but waves are 2 ft, so it’s not too bad of a ride.  Tomorrow rain and winds are predicted, so we’ll take the 2 ft. on the beam today and we’ll get there.  Wow, I just looked at our depth and it’s 327 feet!!  – As we are cruising we see Galloo Island off our starboard and Wolf Island (Canada) on our port side.

Wolf Island has windmills scattered on this side of the island.  Will we be seeing more windmills for energy?

To date we’ve logged almost 1200 miles and are within days of reaching Canada’s shores.  Oh, oh!  We still have a case of wine and some crown.  The captain says we’d better get “busy” or do I mean “buzzy” before we clear customs at the Canadian border.

A Forgotten Fishing Boat, Cape Vincent

Our destination is Cape Vincent .  It is located at the junction of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario and is the first community entering the St. Lawrence River on the US side (N44 07.85 and W76 20.19).  It’s another picturesque community with more than 30 homes and buildings on the National Historic Register.  At 1:35pm we’ve reached our destination and docked at the Cape Vincent Municipal dock. WOW, I looked into the water and I can see the bottom!!  Very clear.   We met some wonderfully friendly Canadians who helped us with our lines while docking.  Later we all got together, the Canadians and the “Loopers”  and had an enjoyable evening  swapping boating stories.  I find that boating stories are sort of like fishing stories, they keep getting bigger if you know what I mean.

June 19.  Pushed off the St. Vincent docks at 8:00am, heading towards Clayton, NY.  Some weather coming our way tonight (again).  A short run today, we docked at 9:52am, and what timing.

Poker Runs America, Clayton, NY

Ready - Set - GOOOOO

The Poker Run America is here this weekend.  This is the first that I have heard of this event.  Cigarette boat crews are meeting here and what an exhibition.  The way it works is the cigarette boat run to 5-7 checkpoints.  At each of these checkpoints they draw a card.  The object is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run.  It was great fun to see these boats in action with their huge rooster tails.  Some went 160 mph, and one of the cigarette boats had two turbo jet engines.  ZOOOOOM.

June 20.  Bright and early this morning we were greeted at the docks by a gaggle of geese.  How’s that instead of an alarm clock?  A nice (and different) way to begin the day.  And what a day!!  Today is Fathers Day!!  Artie wants to anchor out for the day, so that’s how we will spend our time.  We left Clayton at 8:00am and proceeded down the St. Lawrence River until we reached  Picton Island. It was so easy to see the sandy bottom, we anchored in no time.  It is beautiful here with lots of other islands  covered with trees and a rocky knoll.  Artie has promised to take a swim.  I didn’t tell him, but I looked it up on the internet and the water is 62 degrees, we’ll seeee………..  ;-)

June 12-16, 2010 Oswego, NY 43.4614,-076.5097

Some of you may note that we have numbers above after the name of town and state.  These numbers are latitude and longitude, and if you highlight them and copy them, then paste them in google map, you can see where we are.  Pretty neat.

June 12.  Stayed in Canajoharie due to weather.  Met “Rum Tum Tiger”

June 13.  Left the Canajoharie docks at 7:00am and ready for a big day of locking through.  We passed through locks 14-20.  Now that’s a lotta locks!!  It was wonderful to have Carole and Sonny on  board to help us through, they were real locking pros!!  There’s a couple of points here that are interesting.  First, lock 17 raised us up 40 feet, the highest single elevation of the 20 locks in the Erie Canal.   And when we completed all the locks 2-20, we were elevated a total of 420 feet.   That’s about the height of 26 ranch-style houses being stacked on top of each other!!  That’s pretty awesome.    And to think that when  the original canal started (near Rome, NY, July 1817) it was nothing more than a big ditch that mules and horses pulled barges through.

At 5pm we docked at the Riverside Marina, Rome, NY.  This is an older marina, having seen more prosperous times.  The area seems depressed economically.  Sam, the owner, met us at the dock and was ever so friendly and accommodating.  He helped us dock and familiarized us with the accommodations, which were clean as a whistle.  It didn’t take long for Carole and I to discover what a photo opportunity this natural, rustic location really was.

You're a Daisy If You Do

We spent about an hour just taking pictures of the wild flowers, old rusty farm machinery, red dilapidated barn, bridges, and natural indigenous vegetation.  And, the photo opportunity of taking a picture of Carole taking a picture.  How could I resist?  Later that evening we grilled in the marina’s pavilion.  On the menu was surf and turf (salmon and steak), butternut squash with feta cheese, and salad.  A yummy menu.

June 14.  We left Riverside Marina at 8:45am, a wee bit late.  Our destination is Winter Harbor, Brewerton, NY, approximately 40 miles.  Our first lock is #21 and is the first descending lock.    We’ll need our boat hooks to reach down to grab the lock’s ropes/cables as the water leaves the lock.  After locking #22, we crossed Oneida Lake (15 miles).  This lake is the largest body of water on the Erie Canal.  We arrived in Winter Haven, NY and was docked by 3pm.

June 15.  Carole and Sonny left us to return home @7:30am.  The time we spent together went by so quickly.  We shared lots of good times, good food and made some happy memories.  Thanks for joining us.

Our departure from Winter Haven was delayed by fog, so we were on our way at 8:40am and at the first lock of the day (#23) at 8:47am.

Not much room for error on the Oswego Canal just outside of Oswego, NY

View of Sunset from restaurant our first night in Oswego, NY

We reached our destination (Oswego, NY) at 2:40pm.  The Oswego Marina is located adjacent to Lake Ontario with Fort Ontario within walking distance.

Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY

It’s an interesting area rich in history.   There were wars fought here; French & Indian, American Revolution, and the War of 1812.  With no mountains to ski on, we wouldn’t want to be here in the winter.  We learned that Oswego is the snowiest town in America.  In 2007  it made the news;  Oswego had a record breaking 130″ (that’s nearly 11 feet) of snow in just TWO WEEKS.  That’s a lot of “white stuff”.

June 16.  We’re staying in Oswego for a day or so.  Our next lap takes us over Lake Ontario, and with their prediction of 5-7 foot waves, we thought we’d wait a bit to give them a chance to lay down.  Meanwhile, this is a great place to explore and bike (and do laundry, and to write this blog)!  :-)

June 10-11, 2010 Canajoharie, NY 42.9093,-074.5705

June 10.  We left Waterford Municipal Docks at 10am.  Today was our biggest day of going through the locks.  We moved along quite well and went through Lock #’s 2-8  (235 feet).  It is said that Lock #’s 2-6 are the highest lift in the shortest distance in the world:  a 169 foot lift in 1.5 miles. 

Fending the Lock

After completing Lock #8, we tied up on the wall for the night (that’s “lock lingo” for docking).  Now we have some time to bike on the large canalway (the original tow path for the locks).  Awsome scenery of the Mohawk River.  –  For dinner Artie grilled some scallops, yummy.  This boat camping ain’t bad.

June 11.  We left Lock 8′s wall at 7:30am.  Onto another locking day.  We went through Locks No. 9-13.  On the way we passed Amsterdam, NY, the home of Mohawk Carpet Mills.  Does anyone remember their TV ad/commercial?  “From the looms of Mohawk, drum drum drum….”  A flash from the past.  Moving right along, did you know that the actor Kirk Douglas lived here in Amsterdam?  Also, interestingly enough, we cruised by the Village of Fonda, NY located on the north bank of the Mohawk River.  You guesed it, the Henry Fonda clan is from here.  Is there “actor juice” in the Mohawk River water?

Is this a student's prank? OR did Herbie get here by itself?

Docked at Canajoharie Riverfront Park, population 2,255.  We are now 317 feet above sea level!!  Some Canajoharie factoids:  Canajoharie has been the home of Beech-Nut for 75 years.  And it is also the home of Arkell Museum which specializes in American Art and Regional History.  –  We are docked here with 2 other “Loopers” (Adagio and Silvermoon).  We all got together and went to dinner (Italian).  A nice time.  Loopers are great people!

Last Lock of the Day....We're Coming UP in the World!

"Loopers" Docking at Riverfront Park, Canajoharie,

June 6-9, 2010 Waterford, NY 42.7871,-073.6793

On Sunday, June 6, we clocked winds a 65 miles per hour (new hair do time) but we were safe at Half Moon Bay.  A less fortunate boat (named “Adventurer”) landed on the rocks. But in no time, all responders were able to pull the boat to safety.   By late afternoon the weather cleared and we had a cookout with our crew and Ladybug.

The Magoo's New Shirts

On Monday, June 7th, we left Sharon on the Poop Deck waving good bye.  Safe travel, Sharon.  We will miss you and so will the ducks.  Quack, quack, quack….  Carole and Sonny are on board with us for the next few weeks.

West Point on the Hudson River

We cruised the Hudson, and saw many wonderful sights including West Point.  It was really an awesome view on the water.

Bannerman Castle

Another unusual sighting was the ruins of Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island.

Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant

EC will be interested to learn that we passed yet another nuclear power plant (Indian Point).  We stopped at Kingston Municipal City docks at 3:30pm.  The riverside has been restored and is very picturesque.  We walked the cobblestone streets and absorbed the ambiance.

Guess who? Retirement Makes Us Feel So Young!

June 8th we left the Kingston City docks at 6:30am.  (ouch!)  We passed New York’s capital city, Albany on our way to our first big lock in Troy.  After going through, the lock master gave us a “thumbs up” on our performance and said we did gooooooood.  Yea, what a crew we are! Shortly thereafter, we arrived at Waterford City docks and plan to stay for two nights.

June 9th we caught up on grocery shopping, laundry, and you guessed it, this blog!  It’s raining, so it is a good time to do this, and play games, which we are very good at.

Historical Lighthouse, Kingston Channel

The Creww of Magooo Lockingggg Throughhhhh

Off to do the laundry....

Artie's New Haircut by "Chain Saw Chuck"

June 5, 2010 Croton, NY 41.1974,-073.8898

We started the day at 5am (groannnnn) and left the 79th Street Yacht Basin docks at 6am and in only a few minutes we were cruising by the grand old Empire State Building (seems like an old friend).

Cruising by the Empire State Building leaving NYC

We are on our way to Half Moon Bay Marina (Haverstraw Bay) in Croton, NY.  After cruising under the George Washington Bridge on our port side we viewed the Palisades with its high walls rising off the river  full of trees and colorful rock structures.  Passing under two more bridges (Tappan Zee and Bear Mountain Bridge), we found the famous Sing Sing prison.  At 11:15am we docked, and at 11:45am we had a family reunion with

Sonny is moving onto Magoo

Carole, Sonny and Sharon (Carole and Sonny will join us on “Magoo” for a few weeks).   A happy day.  We swam in the pool, then

"Chef Sonny"

Sonny made us a yummy dinner with grilled steaks, sweet potatoes and salad.  Sharon made some wonderful drinks called Cosmos.  We were allll very happppyyy.

Good food, good time, good company!

June 4, 2010 NYC, NY

We left the Liberty Landing Marina, NYC at 10am and cruised a short distance to the 79th Yacht Basin Marina also in NYC.  It is an unprotected marina, so there are lots of waves making the docked boats “rock and roll”.  But we soon learned that it is well worth the dance.  This marina is located so that you can step right into Central Park and the Riverside Park. 

"Broadway, here we are!"

The location in general is a short distance to Broadway and Times Square which we promptly hopped a cab to.  We were hoping to catch a matinee play, but no such luck; no matinees on Friday.  But we did go to the famous Stage Deli on 7th Avenue and got their pastrami sandwich (our pastrami “fix”for the year).  When we went back to the boat, we took the bikes and started riding on the Riverside Park that stretches along the Hudson River on one side and NYC on the other side.  It was awsome biking with all the New Yorkers.  We passed restaurants, stores and all the wonderful places that only New York City has. 

Biking on the Riverside Park, NYC (Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum)

 One interesting stop was the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum.  The  USS Intrepid aircraft carrier is located here.  This ship was the first U.S. carrier to launch an aircraft with steam catapults.  Also of note, the USS Intrepid was used as the recovery ship for both the Mercury and Gemini space missions.  This ship certainly has an impressive history.  We  biked on for over an hour, and still did not reach the end of this wonderful Park, but since it was getting late (after 7pm) we turned around and headed back to the boat.  A good two hour plus  bike ride on the Hudson River.  What a totally wonderful day.

June 3, 2010 NYC, NY 40.7101,-074.0414

We waited until 10am to take the anchor up this morning due to foggy conditions.  We are heading for New York City today.  We will dock on the New Jersey side at Liberty Landing Marina so that we can have a view of New York City, especially at night.  Hopefully the fog will lift soon, but as we cruise it seems to be increasing.  As we approached the Narrows Bridge, the fog increased and there was a Coast Guard warning.  Thank heavens for radar.  After clearing the Narrows Bridge, like magic, the fog began to decrease.  By the time we reached the Statue of Liberty the fog had cleared.  So we took lots and lots of pictures.  We have been to New York City many times, but being in New York Harbor in our own boat, “Magoo,” what a thrill!!  Somehow it meant so much more seeing Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty with all its history and what it stands for.  Docked at 2pm.  The view of the NYC skyline was beautiful.  Of course, we took many more pictures.

Artie and "The Lady"

Me, you, and Magoo with The Lady

June 2, 2010 Atlantic Highlands, NJ 40.4166,-074.0244

We left the Southwind Harbor at 9am.  We used the extra time this morning to make some reservations for the next four days (NYC is fast approaching).  We are heading to Manasquan Inlet.  As we cruise the ICW we are finding that the water is shallow in many areas, some places as low as  feet 4 feet 8 inches (Magoo’s draft is 4 feet).  The channel is narrow also.   Kind of a close shave all around.  As we cruised through the Point Pleasant Canal there was a two and a half  knot current going against us.  At 1pm we went through  the Manasquan Inlet and we are now cruising outside. 

Leaving Manasquan Inlet

The Captain is taking a well deserved break

The conditions are a little sloppy with 2 ft. waves hitting the beam.  We’re on our way to Atlantic Highlands which is just beyond Sandy Hook, NJ.  As we are cruising  the New Jersey shore, we cannot help but notice that every inch of land has buildings on it.  There doesn’t appear to be any land left in its natural state, as opposed to North Carolina’s state parks on

Point Pleasant Canal

 some of its shores.  At 3:05pm we are approaching Sandy Hook  and when we look up the coast, we can vaguely see the NYC skyline including the Brooklyn Bridge.  At 5:30pm we anchored at Atlantic Highlands.  “Ladybug” is here also.  We can see Sandy Hook Lighthouse from this anchorage.

June 1, 2010 Forked River, NJ 39.8279,-074.1786

Today we are waiting for the tide to rise before leaving the dock at 10am with “Seamantha”.  It is windy (15-25 mph) and sunny.  The ICW is narrow and shallow in a few areas (5 ft.).  Today will be a short cruising day, 23 miles.  Our destination is Marina at Southwinds, Forked River, NJ off Barnegat Bay.  Arrived at 2pm.   There are thunderstorms about now, so we are using the afternoon to catch up with our log and blog and planning the course to New York City.  Watch out New York, here we come!!!

May 31, 2010 Beach Haven, NJ 39.567,-074.247

 We left Utsch’s dock with Ladybug before the roosters at 5:30am.  We will cruise on the ocean today.  Weather is sunny with light winds, 5-10 knots.  Our destination is to go at least as far as Atlantic City.  If we make good time and if the weather holds we may continue onto Beach Haven Yacht Club, NJ.  It’s a nice calm morning and dolphins are swimming around our boat.  At 10:30 we departed the ocean and entered the ICW at Atlantic City.  The skyline is littered with tall buildings.  Not being gamblers, we took a few pictures and passed on by.   We were going to gamble, but we already spent it on a refrigerator and batteries for Magoo.  –  One and a half hours after turning into the ICW, the winds increased dramatically and we’re experiencing white caps.  It was a good decision to get off of the ocean!  We docked at Long Beach in New Jersey at the Beach Haven Marina.

May 30, 2010 – Cape May, NJ 38.952,-074.906

Today we got up bright and early and by 8am we were biking on the Boardwalk at Wildwood Beach.

The Wildwood Boardwalk, NJ

Now I know what “New Jersian”s do on Sunday mornings.  They bike, walk the boardwalk!!  This Sunday they had their annual kite flying contest, and some of the kites were the size of a ten story building.

Annual Kite Show

It took approximately one hour to bike from one end of the boardwalk to the other where there was a fairground that had a roller coaster and a ferris wheel.  We biked back to Cape May, explored the town a bit, then returned to the marina and joined Ladybug and friends for dinner.

The Biggest Kite at the Annual Kite Show

A great ending for a wonderful day.

May 29, 2010 – Cape May, NJ 38.952,-074.906

It will be a long day today, so we skipped breakfast.  We left the docks at 6:30am with some fellow boaters that we met at Delaware Marina (Seamantha).  It is a cloudy day, seas are 2 ft. and may build as the day goes on. 

Salem Nuclear Power Plant

We passed Salem Nuclear Power Plant.  Two hours into our cruise we passed the Ship John Lighthouse.  At 2:15pm we docked at Utsch’s Marina, Cape May, NJ.  Dinner at the Lobster House Dinner (yessss, lobster!).

May 28, 2010 – Delaware City, DE 39.571,-075.590

We left the Chesapeake docks at 9:15am and continued down the C&D Canal, our destination is Delaware City.  The winds are 10-15 knots East.  I’d like to report the temperature, but in this world of boating, it’s not as important as when we were “land lubbers.”  We just poke our heads out to see if it’s a jacket day or not.  Today it’s jackets.  Yesterday was no jackets and off came the pants.  – Hold on now.  We put on our shorts.  It was a hot day.  Shortly after leaving the dock we passed under the St. George Fixed Bridge. 

St. George Fixed Bridge

 At 10:45am we left the C&D canal and entered the Delaware River.  We docked at Delaware City Marina at noon, and biked around town.  We came across an old fort (Fort DuPont) located on the Delaware River.  To us, this was a real find because it has not been worked on or upgraded to look like it use to.  It’s the real deal.  Interesting to learn that German prisoners were housed there in WWII.  There was an underground structure with what looked like prison bar doors.  Could that have been solitary confinement?  –  After we left the fort, we found a family owned and run restaurant (Kathy’s Restaurant).  Guess who cooked our dinner.  Yup, Kathy did the cooking. 

Art's Having a Crabby Day

May 27, 2010 – Chesapeake City, MD 39.5264,-075.8104

We stayed a day in Chesapeake City and rode bikes through this most charming town.   It evolved in the 19^th century during the construction of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal (purpose being to cut off 300 miles between Baltimore and Philadelphia) .  For a small town, there are many charming historic houses and a quaint downtown area.

Chesapeake City Town Hall

“Reflections”

The C&D Canal reminds us of the Cape Cod Canal where we grew up.   We biked about 10 miles along the canal watching all the different boats and barges cruise by with wild flowers adding to the scenery.

Art and Sandy biking on the C&D Canal

We also visited the canal museum and saw the original pump house where a lock was once located, but when the canal was widened the lock was taken out. 

This is one of two sea level canals in the US.  The Cape Cod is the other.  The steam engines in the pump house, still on their original foundations, are the oldest of their type in the US.  –  Tomorrow we’ll be off to Delaware City, DE (another state).