The Rideau C-Dory Cruise was a doozy. Statistics:
1000 miles trailering
approx 170 miles cruising
41 Locks
6 boats - 12 people
Started at the Gathering Cook Out on Tues 8/21 in Clayton NY ( 1000 Islands)
Ended at Dow’s Pavilion Launch Ramp on Monday 8/27 in Ottawa
The C-Brats were:
Rick & Carol Stambaugh Hunky Dory
Dun & Becky Smith Crescent Girl
Dave & Valerie Seaton Widget
Dave & Dayna Paxton Alma’s Only
Nate & Betsy Leonard Clover
Ken Merson & Don “Jersey Boys”
Day 1 - We quickly crossed the St Lawrence and entered Canada in Kingston. Most of us took a trolley tour of the city and learned a lot about it’s history and military background. The Canadian Olympic Regatta Kingston (CORK) was in progress. I’ve never seen so many sail boats racing. Had to be hundreds. After Dave jury rigged Nates boat ( the ignition failed), we headed for our first Rideau lock. What an experience. As we tied to the ready line to wait an hour for boats locking thru from the other direction, we heard talking in the bushes about 25 ft from Hunky Dory. Peering thru the bushes, we saw people Rock Climbing the wall where the lock had been cut thru. Then, a Train came right over our heads as we entered the lock. You can’t imagine how noisy a train 6 ft above your head is! Then we watched as the little manual swing bridge was closed so cars could go over us in the lock. These locks aren’t like the Erie Canal. We got to go thru locks in the rain, and spent the night in Seelys Bay. Most of us gathered in the local restaurant where the wine choice that evening was white, period.
Day 2 - Weather was threatening. The two Daves managed to jury rig Clover so Nate could start it from the helm. Stopped at Jones Falls for lunch and to tour the Dam and Historical buildings. Did more locks in rain. Clover had engine trouble in a down pour, so Alma’s Only towed Clover for a while in very low visibility down pours. As we were all soaked from a wet afternoon of locking, we all spent the night in B&B’s in Westport. Unfortunately, we arrived in Westport before the gift shops closed. I now own a small candle chandelier ( Ooh Ooh). We made it to Last Call at the local pub. I haven’t done that in 30 years ( of course, last call was at 9:00 PM here!). Heavy thunder storms that night.
Day 3 - We headed to Colonel By Island which is a fish sanctuary. 6 C-Dorys rafted on Alma’s Only for a communal pass the plate thru the cockpits lunch. We made it up the Tay Canal to Perth and toured the town on a very hot sunny day. Then headed to the lakes for a quick dip to cool off. Spent the night at Poonamalie Lock, where we had the place to ourselves. So, we partied until the bugs drove us to our boats. Heavy rains that night.
Day 4 - Went thru Smith Falls to Merrickville for lunch, where there were lots of shops & restaurants. Our wives would liked to have spent the night here, but we pushed on thru about 7 Locks to reduce the travel time tomorrow. We pulled into Pirates Cove Marina, which was free for the night because of the 175th anniversary. Clover delivered pizzas by boat to us, and we had a pizza and wine party on shore. This Marina had showers, which were needed after the prior night.
Day 5 – Dave delivered fresh eggs to the boat so we had omelets for breakfast. Pulled into Manotick using a dock that was condemned as unsafe since there was supposed to be over 100 shops and restaurants. Since it was Sunday AM only 2 shops were open! Hallelujah! Picnicked at a lock, then headed to Ottawa. We ran into the Canoe & Kayak races in the Canal which slowed things down ( and got us yelled at). Then we headed up the canal into Ottawa on a busy Sunday afternoon with perfect weather. It was the hi-light of the cruise for us. It was gorgeous. Beautiful scenery and people lining the canal for 6 miles. Next to the canal are sidewalks with bicycles, roller bladers, and walkers all smiling at the C-Dory Armada entering Ottawa. We tied up in the center of Ottawa at the wall in view of Parliament and historic buildings with a Gay Pride concert pounding away next to the canal. All 12 of us gathered for our Farewell dinner at an Irish Pub that night.
Day 6 – The men did the car shuffle to get the tow rigs up to Ottawa, while our wives toured Ottawa’s Market, museums, Gin Mills, and shopping districts. We hauled the boats at a very busy ramp, and headed our separate ways, after a great cruise.
I'm sure the other participants will provide more interesting stories than this meat & potatoes recollection when they get squared away. We'll post photos when an album is set up.
Rick and Carol from Maine
Wish I could help you as far as how far up the Canal it will work, sorry :?: :sad