Daily Archives: August 22, 2018

August 20 – Poonamalie to Jones Falls

August 20 – Poonamalie to Jones Falls
44°32′60″ N 76°14′19″ W

We got an early start on Monday morning & left the dock at 8:30. Lots of locks to go through today and we would also pass through the lock at the Rideau System’s highest elevation at Newboro. Once we went “up” through this lock all the rest of the locks on the way to Kingston would be lowering us down.

The first segment of our journey today took us through the chain of Rideau Lakes. The passage from Poonamalie to Jones Falls is one of my favorites on the entire system. Lots of open water through the lakes & great vistas if the Canadian Shield.

I showed Rachel my favorite spot to sit on Santosha while underway & it wasn’t long before Brent had a go at it too.

Rachel was very generous at sharing with her hubby.

When we reached Chaffeys Locks there was a bit of a traffic jam.

It took a while to get it sorted out & when we entered the lock Brent & Rachel got their first exposure to boats rafting up to one another inside the locks.

This also gave us an opportunity to chat briefly with our “neighbors”. At Chaffeys there were two charter boats with people from Luxembourg & then at the next set of locks we met two other charter groups from Australia. It is great to meet people coming to Canada for their holidays.

We arrived at Jones Falls about 4:00pm. Brent & Rachel went for a walk to explore the area while I jumped overboard for a refreshing swim.

When they got back from their walk we had drinks & snacks on the flybridge & contemplated dinner. The weather was finally cooling so it was very pleasant to sit out & enjoy the surroundings. I hope that they are able to keep up this pace for a few more days 🙂

Cheers!

August 19 – Crew Change & Poonamalie

August 19 – Crew Change & Poonamalie
44°53′33″ N 76°3′23″ W

Sunday was crew change day. Ed headed back to Saint John, NB & my friends Brent & Rachel Temmer flew in from Denver, CO to take his place.

Ed & I had breakfast at the Roosteraunt & then I drove him into the Ottawa airport for his flight home. We had a great time together & I look forward to another adventure with him next year.

Next stop, downtown to pick up Brent & Rachel at their hotel.

We got back to Smiths Falls at 1:00. Picked up some more provisions, had lunch at a local diner, dropped off the rental car & then boarded Santosha to begin our journey to Kingston.

Our destination for the day was at Poonamalie Lock, only a short distance from Smiths Falls. Brent & Rachel had a “soft introduction “ to passing through locks as we only had a single lock to go through – tomorrow would be a different story.

Our timing was good as we managed to secure one of the last spots available on the overnight dock. We were also just in time for afternoon libations.

When we were securely tied up Brent introduced me to a new drink – Tequila mixed with sparkling/carbonated grapefruit juice. I must say, that combination gives G&T a run for its money!

After we were refreshed with our drinks we divided up our chores & started working on supper. Brent & Rachel love to cook so I showed them where the essentials were stowed & let them have at it. The results were well worth the wait.

Tomorrow (Monday) would be a busy day. Our goal would be to make it to Jones Falls.

Cheers!