July 22 – Black Rapids
45°19′17″ N 75°41′56″ W

Sunday morning I moved from Hartwell Locks to the locks at Black Rapids.

This was my first time to go through the locks single-handed. Fortunately Santosha was the only boat each lock so that was one less thing for me to worry about. I went through the first lock at Hog’s Back Falls & then another at Black Rapids.

The weather forecast was not promising. Rain & even thunderstorms were to occur throughout the day. Fortunately I only had to endure light showers while traveling from point to point.

The locks at Black Rapids are further away from downtown Ottawa & very close to the airport. I had reached my 2-day limit at Hartwell so it was time to move on.

I had just tied up at my new location & the heavens opened up & it poured for about 20 minutes.

There was a group of people beside the lock huddling under a sunshade. After the rain stopped I went over to talk with them & learned that they were participating as officials in a canoe & kayak race from Kingston to Ottawa.

Before too long a bunch of soggy kayakers came around the bend, hopped out of the water, checked in with the race officials & then made a portage to the lower side of the lock & continued on their journey. Now that’s dedication!

Shortly after lunch Wayne came by & took me to nearby Canadian Tire & Loblaws stores for some hardware & grocery provisions. Wayne is also going to help me with my tachometer project. He has a workshop at home & is making a faceplate for the upper helm station that will hold the tachometer.

The forecast for Monday is for more rain. I have electricity at this sight so I have a few more maintenance projects lined up that will be easier to complete with my power tools.

Cheers!