Mike and Brenda on "Velsignet"

The smiling Davis Lock lockmaster greeted us with a “Welcome back!” and caught our lines as we nosed Velsignet along the blue-lined dock.   After letting him know we intended to fill up with water, go through the lock and get a spot on the upper side of Jones Falls (4 locks to descend through), he promptly instructed us on water, called the Jones Falls lock, and informed us of space for the night above the next lock and dam.   With watering completed, we entered the open lock.   After descending to the lower canal level, the dock tenders started cranking the doors opening.   Before our departure, the   smiling lockmaster said, “Now watch the red markers!   (…approaching this lock 6 days ago, we missed a marker and found ourselves in very shallow water.) It’s the same time of day you came through last time and you’ll want to stay in the deep.” We left Perth yesterday and cruised under welcomed cloudy (and sometimes rainy) skies (the weather in Canada...

Tied up at the Lower Beveridges Lock on the Tay Canal wanting to explore   Perth (a heritage town for the LOVE family), Mike inquired with Lockmaster Ian the route to ride our bikes the 7 miles into the town.  Ian (who was a first responder to a 7-vehicle pile-up accident the day prior) responded, “The road's too busy.  I don’t want you to be a statistic.  I’m giving you a ride.”  The Town of Perth, Ontario (pop:   roughly 6,000; Seat for Lanark County; located on the Tay Canal) is a happening place!   Situated in a lakes and rivers region where people from larger cities vacation, it’s a perfect location to host festivities throughout the year.   We arrived in time for the Ribfest Music Festival.   In 2 weeks, the World’s 5th Largest Garlic Festival will be held here.   Its lovely downtown has boutiques, specialty shops, cafes and restaurants, most operating out of old stone buildings.   The canal (which splits and surr...

When Canada celebrated the grand opening of the Rideau Canal in 1832, Colonel John By (an Englishman who spent 6 years as architect of the Rideau locks, dams and resulting waterway between Ottowa and Kingston, Ontario) had no idea political moves were being made back in his home country that would ruin his career.  As we slowly weave our way through the narrow channels, vast lakes, and manually-operated locks of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we think about how Colonel By would be so proud of this monumental accomplishment.  The Rideau Canal is the oldest canal in North American to remain operational with most of its original structures intact. Velsignet is currently on the Upper Rideau Lake, the highest point in the canal (meaning, from here on out traveling north, we’ll be descending instead of ascending through locks).   We’re in communication with Norm and Lori Low and family in Perth, still trying to figure out schedules and possibilities for getting togeth...

Tonight's Sunset from Georgina Island After several unsuccessful attempts to set anchor for the night in the bay near Crayton, NY (thick beds of weeds—our anchors couldn’t get through them!) we cruised 3 more miles to a secluded spot called “Bath Bay” just off Picton Island, one of 1800 in this beautiful paradise of crystal clear water, rugged rock and lush green forests (oh…and some gorgeous homes, too!).   Two loons swam close yodeling a greeting, a high soaring Osprey watched over our anchoring process, and the high pitched sound of an eagle let us know he was somewhere nearby.  We’re in the north country! Velsignet was the first vessel to get through Lock 8 in Oswego early yesterday morning.  Despite the threat of rain, the wind and waves looked favorable to make the 6-hour trip across Lake Ontario (hundreds of feet in depth!) and the additional 4 hours to our anchoring spot amidst the Saint Lawrence River’s Thousand Islands.  ...