Clear Water

As we entered yet another lock yesterday (Since entering the Trent-Severn Canal, we’ve gone through 18 of the 45 locks in the past two days.), I (Brenda) noticed little shells attached to the lock walls.  Were these tiny things “aquatic invasive species?” 

While traveling with Canadians in the Rideau Canal, we learned from them how dirty (polluted) the Saint Lawrence River once was…that is (according to the Canadian boaters) until the appearance of zebra mussels (an aquatic invasive species).  They said the zebra mussels over the course of several years cleaned up the river and, now that their food source is gone, the zebra mussels are dying and disappearing, leaving the river water clean and clear.  As much talk (and effort and $$$ expended) has taken place in Minnesota about how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in our lakes and river systems, it seems there’s room to learn more about the little critters (versus aquatic invasive plants) and their life cycles….could there be a “natural” means to rid them of our waters?  Are there potential benefits to “waiting them out?”

Last night we tied on a wall in Hastings, Ontario.  Hastings is a little town with a hardware store and a couple of restaurants and convenience stores.  We’ve traveled 52 of the 241 miles on the Trent-Severn Canal.  We’re reminded of our Minnesota lake country at every turn. 

The 240-mile Trent-Severn Waterway runs west from Trenton on Lake Ontario to Port Severn on the Georgian Bay.
The Georgian Bay lies in the NE corner of Lake Huron.
Honestly though....we've had enough of canals and locks:  First the Erie, then the Rideau, and now the Trent-Severn.
Okay.  Enough said.

Ontario offers some of the most beautiful boating grounds we've seen--like Minnesota and Washington!
This, too, is "cabin country" or "lake culture."

Rotary is alive in Cambellford, Ontario!

This picture turned out blurry, but you get the idea of these tiny mussel shells clinging on the walls of the lock.

This weekend is a long weekend for Canadians (Canadians do not take their summers for granted; opportunities are granted them to enjoy more free time during the warm season).  We thought of home as we witnessed families and friends gathering at their cabins, families and friends on pontoon boats, waterskiiers/wakeboarders, jet skis, paddleboarders...