Daily Archives: July 29, 2018

July 28 – Black Rapids

July 28 – Black Rapids
45°19′6″ N 75°42′20″ W

Ren & I had a quiet stay at Hartwell Locks. There were scattered showers overnight but it was cool enough outside to make the boat comfortable for sleeping.

This was my second night at Hartwell so it was time to move on. Ren travelled with me to Black Rapids locks & then took an Uber ride to fetch his car from the parking lot at Hartwell.

It was a short journey up river to Black Rapids – only 5 NM, but we had 2 sets of locks to pass through so that added to our travel time.

Ren handled the bow lines in the locks & I took care of the stern. He was dressed smartly for crewing on Santosha.

After we passed through the double locks at Hog’s Back Ren took a short turn at the helm.

After we arrived at Black Rapids I arranged for an Uber ride for him to retrieve his car. While Ren was gone an interesting boat came to the lock.

It was a former tender for one of Canada’s navy ships – HMCS Athabaskan & after “retirement”, the tender named “Howard” was given to a local branch of the Sea Cadets for use as a training vessel.

The adults in charge & all of the young cadets on board were having a great time. Wish I could spend an afternoon with them sometime.

Ren had a commitment back in Cornwall later in the afternoon so we had a quick lunch & then he was on his way home. Hopefully we can catch up with each other again before Santosha is hauled out for the winter.

Just as Ren was leaving Wayne came to pick me up to go to see the Ottawa Fury Football Club play the visiting team from Louisville. This was the first time that I had been to a professional soccer league game. Unfortunately, Ottawa lost 3-0 but it was still a lot of fun.

After the game was over I went back to Wayne’s house & had dinner with he & Cindy. They are spoiling me with good company, good food & comfy (air conditioned) surroundings!

Back to reality tomorrow.

Cheers!

July 27 – Best Man Reunion

July 27 – Best Man Reunion
Hartwell Locks – 45°22′60″ N 75°42′3″ W

I stayed overnight (July 26) at Hartwell locks after the MacKinnon meeting mini reunion. The next morning my good friend Ren Arbuthnot came for an overnight visit.

Ren & I have known each other since the mid 1970’s when we worked together at the wastewater treatment plant in Cornwall. Ren was a great friend and mentor to me while I worked there & we have stayed in touch over the years. Ren was my “Best Man” when I married Catherine in 1991.

I usually manage to see Ren a couple of times a year when I’m en route to visit my sister Jane in New Brunswick.

This time Ren had the opportunity to spend some time with me aboard Santosha. It was great to catch up on what’s going on with our lives & to reminisce about “the old days”.

We cooked chicken on the BBQ & fresh corn & strawberries that Ren had brought with him.

Shortly after supper the heavens opened up & it poured rain heavily for about 45 minutes. The sky cleared off just as the sun was setting.

Red sky at night, sailor’s delight…

Tomorrow Ren will make a short trip with me to reposition Santosha to Black Rapids.

Cheers!