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!