We traveled west from Waterford on the Erie Canal, north on the Oswego Canal and then we headed west and did the perimeter of Lake Ontario. It was a last minute decision to go around Lake Ontario and it turned out to be fabulous! Reviews of marinas and anchorages have been posted to Active Captain under "rusbet".
Much of Lake Ontario was new cruising territory which is always interesting and exciting. We did not have any major issues. The weather kicked up a couple times and we managed just fine although it was sobering to realize how quickly the winds could get nasty. We consulted with a number of websites as we cruised and together we had a pretty good idea when to travel and when to stay put.
The highlight of our Canadian trip was to spend time with family in Grimsby, Hamilton, Toronto & Montreal. Those memories are recorded in our hearts and in personal photo albums that WILL be done when we return.
We were also thrilled to meet up with old friends from our Russian days, Hilda and Hector Cowan, and Maureen and Jack Kleniewski. With both gals being my FB and WORD friends, it was like we were just continuing our web friendship but in person. Walks, dinner, & drinks were enjoyed with pal Judy and husband Hugh Cook in Hamilton. A copy of Hugh's newly published book, Heron River, travelled back to the boat. Good read!
We did not see very many Loopers on this leg of the trip. A delightful and surprise meetup with Ev and Sid Tilstra (Someting Special is their boat) in Smiths Falls was the exception.
Our stops along this leg were numerous in number and for the most part enjoyable. The path from Waterford to Oswego was familiar territory although we did try to stay at different places from last year. Around Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake was a jewel and worth more than the one day we were there. Toronto Harbour was so wonderful with access to public transportation, museums, stores, we stayed a second week. The Rideau Canal from Kingston to Ottawa was work with its skinny water and narrow channels. We were in the heart of Ottawa at the wall, close to Bywater Market, and again within walking distance of some great museums.
On our way to Montreal, we stopped at Montebello for lunch. WOW!
In Montreal the Old Port Marina is wonderfully managed and maintained. Restaurants and restaurants are steps away. But any food provisioning requires transportation. The metro system is a 15 min. walk up and down steep hills. Gigi needs to be tucked inside her stroller and it needs to be zipped up whenever we take the metro with her. Quite a change from Toronto where dogs on leash are allowed on the public transportation system. There is a wonderful bike path along the Lachine Canal just outside the marina and we took advantage of it for a family picnic last Sunday.
We leave Montreal tomorrow and a couple days later we will be back in the USA. Iphones will work again.
