August 28-31
Laundry, groceries, R&R
7:30 am departure from Belleville for the 50+ mile trek to Kingston, ON. With a brisk wind, there was a slight chop on the water, but a beautiful ride with only a couple of ferries to dodge. After a brief stop for a pump out, we pulled into Flora McDonald Confederation Basin (now that's a mouthful!). The marina is right in the middle of this bustling downtown
with a lovely park area between the marina and the courthouse you see in the background
Our dock was on the farthest dock --- great for a little quiet from the hustle and bustle, but a LONG walk to showers and bathrooms -- really had to plan ahead!
Garry and I got our chores out of the way early on Friday -- laundry and a hairy ride to the grocery before lunch. We'd been advised it was "only a 30 minute walk", so we figured 15 minutes by bike, right? Well --- it was a 45 minute ride through downtown traffic and several blocks of construction related detours, but we made it.
Later in the afternoon, we took the bikes by ferry over to more bike-friendly Wolfe Island. The ferry ride was lovely, nice bike ride and Long Island Ice Teas at a little waterfront bar as we waited for the return trip.
Saturday we took in a great farmer's market, had an early dinner followed by a walk (only 30 minutes as billed) over to Fort Henry. The fort sits high on a bluff overlooking the harbor at the strategic mouth of the St. Lawrence and the entrance into the Rideau (that's ree dough) Canal.
Skies were threatening and the wind relentless, but we managed to make it into the fort about an hour before the last scheduled famous Sunset Ceremony of the year. The event hadn't been canceled due to weather in more than 15 years and this was no exception.
Despite a 7:30 thunder storm, the Fife n Drum corps took center stage promptly at 8.
After a couple of hours of drills and gunfights on the parade ground, we decided to hike back to the boat. Just in time for the fireworks and the rain!
Three nights in Kingston became 4 as the relentless wind continued Sunday morning. We filled the time with a "3 hour tour" of the Thousand Islands. It is a beautiful area, though we all agreed we love the more remote areas of Georgian Bay even more.
Dinner back at the dock, followed by dessert aboard Waterford --- yummy strawberries from the farmer's market and my Grandma Boehler's shortcake! Bill and Patti, from the Grand Banks trawler docked next to us, joined us. They had great information to share about the Chesapeake and their favorite anchorages.
The best part of our travels is most certainly the wonderful people we meet along the way!
with a lovely park area between the marina and the courthouse you see in the background
Our dock was on the farthest dock --- great for a little quiet from the hustle and bustle, but a LONG walk to showers and bathrooms -- really had to plan ahead!
Garry and I got our chores out of the way early on Friday -- laundry and a hairy ride to the grocery before lunch. We'd been advised it was "only a 30 minute walk", so we figured 15 minutes by bike, right? Well --- it was a 45 minute ride through downtown traffic and several blocks of construction related detours, but we made it.
Later in the afternoon, we took the bikes by ferry over to more bike-friendly Wolfe Island. The ferry ride was lovely, nice bike ride and Long Island Ice Teas at a little waterfront bar as we waited for the return trip.
Saturday we took in a great farmer's market, had an early dinner followed by a walk (only 30 minutes as billed) over to Fort Henry. The fort sits high on a bluff overlooking the harbor at the strategic mouth of the St. Lawrence and the entrance into the Rideau (that's ree dough) Canal.
Skies were threatening and the wind relentless, but we managed to make it into the fort about an hour before the last scheduled famous Sunset Ceremony of the year. The event hadn't been canceled due to weather in more than 15 years and this was no exception.
Despite a 7:30 thunder storm, the Fife n Drum corps took center stage promptly at 8.
After a couple of hours of drills and gunfights on the parade ground, we decided to hike back to the boat. Just in time for the fireworks and the rain!
Three nights in Kingston became 4 as the relentless wind continued Sunday morning. We filled the time with a "3 hour tour" of the Thousand Islands. It is a beautiful area, though we all agreed we love the more remote areas of Georgian Bay even more.
Dinner back at the dock, followed by dessert aboard Waterford --- yummy strawberries from the farmer's market and my Grandma Boehler's shortcake! Bill and Patti, from the Grand Banks trawler docked next to us, joined us. They had great information to share about the Chesapeake and their favorite anchorages.
The best part of our travels is most certainly the wonderful people we meet along the way!
Your blog is like being on the trip myself. Thanks for sharing all the wonderful sights. You two are moving constantly and are probably healthier than ever with all that fresh air and exercise. We're enjoying the ride. Joyce
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