Saturday July 23: Smiths Falls

After an early departure yesterday, 1 lock and 3 miles later, we arrived in Smiths Falls. Somehow I thought it would look familiar - not even close! A couple in Westport shared with us their favorite spot to dock here - shade all day long and off a little from the main channel. Luck was with us - so we have our own little park-like area. An overhead view of the area is courtesy of the Chinese restaurant we found for lunch (which was great by the way :-)) Double click and you'll see where we are docked.

Spotted a golf course off of the river on the way here - Mom would have wanted to jump ship and play a round if she were with us. As for me? I was happy as a clam with actually internet service - two computers going: one with my e-book and the other to use the internet. After a very warm day again (made quite comfortable by the shade and breeze), sunset was a welcome sight not that it cooled off much - down to a low of 74 degrees. Like everywhere in the east, just hot.

Steve was at it again by putting a shade structure over the front of the boat - admittedly it worked pretty well and funnelled the wind right into the boat. It also helps that we are parked in front of the old locks as the wind is directed down this old channel. The three locks in the picture were replace a number of years ago with a single hydraulic operated lock so it's much faster than going through three locks. The new lock is about 30 feet west of the old locks. Too bad the original builders were limited to a 15 foot lift (due to the lack of the technology) when the locks were built. Most locks are 2, 3 and sometimes 4 in a row.

Steve's stove cover project: first flatten the plastic by sitting in the hot sun with weights and clamps to hold it down. Then file the edges (cut by the magnificent multi-tool) for a smooth finish. Lastly, glue the two pieces together (for a double thickness), clamp and wait 24 hours.

End result? A nice cover for the stove which will not slid off! Worked like a charm - plus holes so it's easier to pick up and store when cooking.

All of that was yesterday and I also managed to finally find a place to get a haircut. I had very briefly considered letting Steve cut it I was so desperate but fortunately I came to my senses :-) Today up early and out to breakfast before it was too hot again. Backpacks included so Steve could go to the store. I just find a shady spot and wait :-)

More work today: finished fitting the plastic flybridge enclosure (it seems it just has to rain one of these days). Of course it took much longer than expected as does everything we do. Steve's kayak also got a patch job but really after 5 years of the inflatables, we are not disappointed that we may have to buy a replacement. Who would have though they would last so long!

Tomorrow we leave and continue north toward Ottawa. It's mostly going to be river travel with no lakes and no towns so (one exception is Merrickville which we may or may not stop at). Should be in Ottawa in 2 or 3 days!