July 13 – Return to Jones Falls
44°32′49″ N 76°14′20″ W

We spent Thursday night tied to the Parks Canada Wall. The crew was up for coffee & breakfast at 7:00am.

The first lock opening was at 9:00am so we moved closer to the lock entrance & tied up temporarily on the blue line behind another boat that was waiting to go in the lock as well. By the time the lock gates were opening there were two more boats wanting to enter the lock.

This was Valerie & David’s first time in the locks so Catherine & I showed them “the ropes” – or how to handle the lines.

After we exited the lock we were on our way. Our guests only had 3 days to spend with us so decided to try to get as far as the upper lock at Jones Falls. This is a really nice trip with lots of variety in the landscape & the waters we were traveling.

Considering it was Friday the 13th everything was going smoothly until we entered one of the winding narrow channels & Valerie’s “Tilly” hat blew off. There were no other boats in sight so I decided to have a “man-overboard” drill. I stopped the boat at made a 180 degree turn while Catherine & Valerie prepared to try & scoop the hat out of the water & David kept watch for other approaching boats. We were lucky enough to retrieve the hat on the first pass. Another 180 degree turn & we were back on our way! I would have like to have taken some photos of the crew in action but maneuvering the boat in such tight quarters demanded all of my attention.

We arrived at Jones Falls just before 5:00pm & were lucky enough to be able to tie up at the very same spot where Catherine & Emily & I were just a few days earlier.

After a refreshing swim & a few Radlers we were all looking forward to dinner. David was in charge of the BBQ again while Catherine & Valerie prepared the veggies.

After another great meal we walked down past the 3 step locks & on to the Hotel Kenny. I reserved a room for Catherine & I for Sunday night (Catherine’s birthday) & made sure that the room had a bathtub in it – explaining to the front desk clerk that we have been on a boat for the past two weeks & were looking forward to a luxurious long soaking!

On our way back to the dock we were pestered by black flies so we had to retreat inside the boat.

I set Valerie up with our Bluetooth speaker & we listened to her music playlist while we were gamming by candlelight.

Finally it was time for bed.

All in all, Friday the 13th turned out to be a great day!

Cheers!