August 6 – Downtown Ottawa
45°25′26″ N 75°41′34″ W

This morning we were up early so we could leave Black Rapids as soon as the locks started operating. Our early rising also provided some time for non-boating activities (for some of us).

Our goal was to get downtown as quickly as possible to secure a nice spot on the docks with electricity.

Barb & Catherine took the rental car & Bruce & I took Santosha. I was hoping that if we got downtown soon enough that we could get a nice spot to tie up for two days.

Photo above: the Chateau Laurier Hotel off in the distance at the “end” of the canal.

Lady Luck was on our side as we were fortunate enough to get the very same spot we had a week earlier when Bruce & Barb first joined us.

Bruce & I had just finished tying up on the dock & Angela, John & Levi appeared. They were just walking across the bridge above & spotted the boat. What perfect timing!

Shortly after Angela & family left to meet her cousin Scott & his family, Catherine & Barb & (Barb & Bruce’s daughter) Jenny arrived at the boat & we had a light lunch.

Shortly afterwards we said our goodbyes. Bruce & Barb’s cruise on Santosha has come to an end & they are now off to Kingston to visit other family members for a few days. Tomorrow Angela & John & Levi begin their cruise with me.

Today is “Civic Holiday Monday” here in Ontario & in several other provinces. Locally the holiday is referred to as “Colonel By Day” in honour of Lt. Colonel John By, the man responsible for the construction of the entire 200 kilometer long canal back in the early 1800’s.

My cousin Evan sent me a link to a fantastic article about Colonel By that was published in today’s edition of the Ottawa Citizen newspaper. Here’s the link:
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/as-time-goes-by-on-this-colonel-by-day-a-small-gift-to-the-man-behind-the-rideau-canal

(Photo above copied from Wikipedia)

Well worth the read! I am going to have a very special G&T tonight in honour of the Colonel.

Cheers!