July 31 – Ottawa Downtown
45°25′27″ N 75°41′39″ W

We got up at 7:00am. The construction workers on the opposite side of the canal were already doing their thing but Mr Jackhammer across the road from us was probably still working on his morning coffee.

Around 8:00am I walked up the dock to see if any better spaces had opened up & we were in luck! Several boats had already headed towards the waiting line for the step locks to take them down to the Ottawa River. We moved Santosha right away to the very first space on the overnight dock. Hooray! There was still construction noise but nowhere near as bad as the day before.

After securing the boat we headed off towards ByWard Market in search of breakfast & provisions.

The Chateau Laurier Hotel is just a few steps from where we are docked. We could go in there for breakfast but I am not likely to get past the Maitre ‘d unless I shaved.

The market area is a great place to wander around. Lots of restaurants, coffee shops, food & craft vendors.

After shopping here we know will be eating very well for the next several days. There’s even a healthy place to leave your car!

Our friends Bruce & Barb were scheduled to fly into Ottawa from Winnipeg around 6:00pm. We had arranged to meet them for dinner at their daughter’s apartment which was not far from the boat. Take out Jerk Chicken was on the menu. We got one order for each person but there was enough food for twice as many people.

Bruce & Barb will join us on Santosha tomorrow morning & we will start heading south towards Smiths Falls. Looking forward to lots of fun together.

Cheers!