LOOPER SONG

Not great but cute.
http://www.boatersites.com/GreatLoopSong/Great%20Loop%20SongSoft2.zip

THANKS TO THE CREW

Our first on board guest was our high school friend, Emil. We picked him up in Chicago and he probably traveled one of the worse sections of the loop...Illinois River. We dodged barges and had a number of locks to negotiate during our trip to St. Louis. We spent some quality time with Emil's cousin Dave and his wife Mary Jane in St. Louis. Fast Eddies is a must for all loopers. We had a great meal at Dave and Mary Jane's home before Emil jumped ship.
9/25-10/3

Finally friends from Findlay arrive on board; Ward and Ingrid Abbey. They joined us inPensacola and cruised the Fl. panhandle. We enjoyed some fine resort marinas, fireworks, sunsets and one of the finest restuarants we ate at on the whole trip. Not many loopers in these ports since the dockage fees are more then they like to pay. But you definitely get what you pay for. It was a great few days, with shopping moving up the to do list. 10/27-11/2 Let the party begin. Son Rob and wife Karen along with their friends Terry and Dean joined us in Clearwater, Fl. for a long weekend. No touring here; eating and drinking and a sports car show and Rib-off filled the agenda. Terry and Dean left us in St. Pete, and Rob and Karen went to Long Boat Key before departing early Tuesday morning in Sarasota. It was great to have the staterooms full and family and friends on board. 11/10-11/14

Long time boating friends Bob and Barb Bergstrom joined us in Fort Myers to start our trip north. First we had to go south through the Keys before we started up the east coast.

We did a lot of touring and eucher playing during the three weeks they were with us. Girls ended up this year's champs. We enjoyed a couple of days with our high school friend Irv and his wife Dora. We spent a few days in Hilton Head before Bob and Barb left us and we headed for the Cheaspeake Bay. 4/26-5/17

Dave and Marilyn Hackenberg joined us in Norfolk for the trip up the Chesapeake Bay west coast to Baltimore. Dave and Mariyln were great boat guests, being boaters. Our main objective was to get to Pusser's bar in Annapolis and order a couple of "pain killers". You can make them as strong as you want to...1,2,3. They were also one of the few couples who did not have to locks. You don't know what you're missing. We had hoped they would rejoin us in lake Champlain, but the schedules didn't work out.
5/30-6/8


Jerry, brother, and his wife Paula joined us in Baltimore for a week with the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club members. Paula is a great cook and we learned how to prepare crab cakes. Our try at making them later didn't taste quite as good as Paula's. This was some of the longest time Jerry and I spent together. He will be retiring next year and we plan to spend more time together. Imay have to work on my golf game.


7/9-7/17


Our son Eric and his wife Julie along with our three grandchildren (Lily, Ben and Charlie) joined us in Montreal and cruised with us to Ottawa. They were a big help doing the first 8 locks in Ottawa. The children enjoyed Montabello, but didn't seem that impressed with the locks. The generator running and Disney channel got their vote. Not near enough time with them.

7/24-7/29

Daughter Stephanie and her husband Louie joined us for the Rideau canal cruise...and prop replacement. We could not have done the 41+8 locks without them. We also could not have got the props repaired without Steph's internet search and Louie's logistics getting a rent-a-car. They flew into Ottawa from Rochester and we dropped them off at Sodus Point, where they returned to the airport and got their car.

7/31-8/15

Andy Fiffick and Roger St. Amend were our shortest term guests, but were the most help. Andy is a friend from our Lake Erie condo and drove in to help us through the Welland Locks. Roger was hired to direct and help us through. Probably the best money we spent this past year. Andy was on the boat less than 20 hours.

8/14-8/15

CAPTAIN'S LOG

Mary Lou blogged a summary of our trip. It was a great trip, and we can hardly believe it is over. We still wake up in the night thinking about where we will be going today and if the windows are closed since it is raining....and all it has done is rain since we arrived in Findlay. We stumble around in the night trying to find the bathroom and we have not gotten use to our king size bed.
We had some great days and we also had some trying days; but on a whole it was a great trip. I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else but my first mate of 47 years. It was tough for her to be away from friends and family for a year, and at times I know she questioned why she had signed on for this crazy year-long adventure, but she did and I know she is proud of our accomplishment.
I remember going up the Hudson River past Troy and the turnoff to the Erie canal , and I know she was thinking we could be home in less than 10 days if we turn left. Instead we proceeded north for another 6 weeks. I think I saw a tear! Having the children join us the last couple of weeks of our trip saved my skin.
We met a lot of great couples, but not a lot of fellow loopers. We started later from Florida then most and our route to Montreal is one not traveled by many. We did meet a lot of boaters and everyone was wanting to discuss our adventure, let us use their car, or give us any help we might need.
The boat, Cruiser 455, performed beautifully and made a great home and guest house on the water. It was amazing how you can live comfortably in 400 square feet for a year. You begin to question the need for the big house we live in and our closets full of clothes. Direct TV kept us in touch with the world and the computer kept us in touch with many of you. We are still getting NYC channels on the TV so we watched CBS,NBC, FOX and ABC for most of the trip. Reading was confined to chart books, Waterway Guides, Skipper Bob books, etc as we plotted our course. I don't know where the time went!
For the skippers out there, Mary Lou and I have tried to pull the technical details together for the trip;

DETAILS....................SOUTH...................NORTH....................TOTAL
Miles Cruised.............. 2598....................... 3255..........................5854

Engine Hours.............. 154.......................... 234.............................388
Days on the boat.......... 63.......................... 107.............................170
Days at sea................... 31............................ 57...............................88
Ave. mph................... 16.8........................ 13.9.......................... 15.08
Ave. miles/day......... 83.8........................ 57.1.......................... 67.29
Ave. eng.hours/day... 5.0......................... 4.1............................. 4.6

Ports visited.............. 31........................... 59............................... 90
States.............................................................................................. 19
Countries..US & Canada................................................................. 2
Locks....................... 24............................. 87............................... 111

FUEL
Diesel gallons......... 3457................... 5004............................. 8461
Costs.................... $9744............... $15,523........................ $25,276
Cost/gallon......... $2.819................ $3.102.......................... $2.987
Miles/gallon........... .752..................... .650.............................. .692
Gallons/mile.........1.33...................... 1.54.............................. 1.44
Fuel cost/mile.....3.75.................... $4.76 .............................$4.32

MECHNICAL
Replace fresh water pump
Replace forward shower pump
Replace generator impeller
Replace fan in rear cabin air conditioner, and drain and recharge unit
Cruiser repair leak in cabin caused by improper installation of the window shield.
Regular oil and filter changes, plus new zincs in Atlantic City

LOST/REPLACED
2 welcome mats...usually left on the dock
1 fender...came off as we were cruising
1 pc. of canvas...captain didn't zip it in one evening
Special note...we did not loose a docking pole, although Stephanie let one take a swim in a lock

AGROUND/PROPS
We went aground in our slip in Canyon Club Marina in Cape May. We were told no boats had used the slip for some time and it silted in. It was low tide and once the tide came in we floated off. We left on a rising tide two days later with no damage.
We damaged both props while backing into our assigned slip at Aylings Marina in Merrickville, Ontario on the Rideau River. The marina took no responsibility; but three days later we noticed an orange container floating where we hit the rock. Repair costs $4800 and three days. This was one of my biggest disappointments, since my objective was to do this trip without hitting a prop. Even though I don't feel it was my fault...the captain is responsible for the ship.

MAJOR CITIES VISITED
Chicago, St. Louis, Miami, Baltimore, NYC, Montreal, Ottawa

SUMMARY
During my business career I have visited every state and most major cities, but seeing them over the bow of our boat was a totally different experience. To pull into the New York Harbor and pass Lady Liberty, as many immigrents did, was a thrill I will never forget. ML must of taken 30 or 40 pictures.
To watch fireworks on a quiet evening, or enjoy one of 50 or 60 great sunsets from the boat, makes you wish for more tomorrows.
To get to know our neighbors to the north and their history pointed up a real weakness in our education system. A lot of their early development was undertaken to defend themselves from their southern neighbor.
To have people stop you and want to know how did you get from Ohio to here was almost a daily happening...ML can even explain how we got there.
To spend time with people on a 104 foot boat and others on 27 foot boat, and find they all have the same love of the sea and adventure no matter what the size or type of boat they are on.
To meet an individual who is traveling 14,000 miles on a jet ski, by himself, so as to reach his dream to reclaim the world record, makes our accomplish seem small at best.
We have boated Lake Champlain and the Chesapeake, and they cannot hold a candle to the Great Lakes and the North Channel...not so sure about Lake Erie.
It is great to be in our home port with friends and family...but I must say I miss waking up to a new sunrise and a new adventure of the day.

August 18, 2007 Treadnwater crosses her wake

Well we did it!!! At 1:45 p.m. Saturday, August 18, 2007 Treadnwater crossed her wake in Sandusky Harbor. As we turned the corner to enter our channel, we spotted friends and family amongst balloons, banners and horns blowing to greet us home. What a treat!!!
As we approached the dock I couldn't help but notice the AGLCA flag on the bow. I think the flag and I felt pretty much the same. Still waving proudly, but totally worn out.
To say this was an adventure of a lifetime would be an understatement. We have experienced so many wonderful sights and such adventures that it is hard to pick favorite times or places. Naturally we had some "not so great" experiences, but the important thing is that we are now back "HOME" and sharing it all with family and friends.
The welcome home party was fabulous. Our kids and friends did an incredible job of supplying us with food and drink all afternoon. The champagne flowed and the sangria was a huge hit.
I hardly know where to begin to thank everyone. We truly had so much support and help from day one. Chris and Mark (condo friends) supplied us with information, charts and encouragement from the first day we decided to do this. Thank you so much.
Our family and friends were always there when we needed someone to talk. They gave us the support we needed to keep going on days that we questioned what we had gotten ourselves into.
We have been using boating terminology for so long now that we will have to remember that right is not starboard and left is not port. When we make our next overnight accommodations we don't have to ask if we can stern in and do they have 50 amp service, water and showers.
We will have to stop waving at everyone who passes by, not bring our pull crates to the grocery store, and when pulling up to a gas pump we won't be looking for the pump out station.
I have to thank all the crew that joined us along the way. We will be adding a few more pages in a couple of days to cover stats and a special page for the crew. However, I need to thank the captain of Treadnwater (my husband) who was an awesome captain with more knowlege that he probably needed to know. His research was a daily program for him and he did not make any mistakes. He was as prepared as any captain could have been. His patience with my meltdowns (especially the last few weeks) was amazing. I am so proud to have done this trip with him and probably could not have done it with anyone else. He is my soulmate, and captain for life!!
Thanks to anyone and everyone who took part in this trip anywhere along the way. The friends we met, the dockhands, the mechanics, the lockmasters, bridgemasters, the B&B family, the prop shop and staff who found us a place to put our heads for the night, the AGLCA with a wealth of information at a moments notice, and the wonderful people along the canals who asked questions about where we had been. Even the young boy who said he had one important question for us....."Are you rich?" We sure are!!! Rich in having so many wonderful family and friends who have supported us through this wonderful experience.
And of course I have to thank our wonderful children once again for all they did for us while we were gone. Our trip was much easier knowing they were here for us.

August 17, 2007 Another day in Mentor

Decided to sit it out in port today. The weather was a little iffy and we have sort of hit the end of the trip with mixed emotions. We are glad to see the end in sight but also a little sad that we are almost there.
Did some housekeeping chores and then vegged. Not as much vegging as work however. It is amazing how dirty a boat can get when the darn thing is already in water!!!
Looks like tomorrow will be the last day for us. We are hoping to cross our wake early afternoon.

AUGUST 16, 2007...MENTOR, OH

We are moving toward the finish line.
The forecast was for 2 foot waves but on the bow...they lied! The wind was on the bow, howevere the waves built to 3 to 5 feet. It was about 70 miles from Erie to Mentor and about 4.5 hours. The first part wasn't bad but we had about 2.5 hours of a bumpy ride. We arrived at the Mentor Yacht Club at around 2:30pm and were assigned a dock almost big enough. We relaxed the rest of the day. This is a great club, with a swimming pool.
We had dinner at the club, after running into John Sima, the person we bought our Cruiser from.
Tommorow is another day, and depending on the weather we may spend another day at Mentor, and home Saturday early afternoon.

UPDATE

We have updated the posts with pictures with Eric and Julie. They are at the end of July

AUGUST 15, 2007...Welland Canal

The day we have worried about since we left Sandusky Sept 14, 2006 has arrived...going up in the Welland Canal. Everyone who has done the Welland Locks has a horror story. In fact the couple next to us in the marina last night said they took 20 hours just a couple of weeks ago.

We were at the check in dock at 6:50am and Rodger helped us tie up and called the lock control. We were advised we would start being locked up in about 2 hours. This gave us time for breakfast on the boat and to get the 8 fenders in place. Rodger brought a big orange ball fender and we installed it on the swim platform...it really saved us a number of times.

Rodger took charge of the process and coached Andy on the process, plus advised me on the captains chores. Unlike other locks, we had to keep the engines running and I had to keep the boat in position as we locked up.

The lock master threw two lines down to us; one for the stern that Rodger managed and one for the bow...Andy's job. You can see the yellow lines hanging on the wall. We had to get the boat next to the wall and Rodger grabbed them. Once secured, the lock master opens the gates and 21 million gallons of water flows in, in 6 minutes raising us 40 feet or so. Hang on to the lines! We were lucky in that we were locked through by ourselves, and Rodger knew all the sweet spots..

The first 7 locks are in the first 10 miles and took us less than 3 hours. Andy and Rodger jumped ship at lock 7 at noon and ML and I travel the next 13 miles to lock 8. This is the leveling lock for Lake Erie and only raises you 2 feet while you float in the lock.

However, the 13 miles took us an hour and half, and we had to wait 2 hours for our turn. Commerical ships have prority...they pay $23,000 in fees...we paid $200.

When we exited the Welland, I decided to make a run for Erie, Pa., 65 miles. We started with 2 to 3 foot waves on the bow, but at 2100 rpms the boat handled beautiful. The waves decreased after about an hour, and with an hour to go we were in calm seas. We fueled at the Erie Yacht Club (2.54/gallon plus 6% tax) and were tied up at the dock by 7:30pm. We were beat. Tomorrow's weather is forecasted to be breezy and wet, so we will probably stay in port. The north winds are not in our favor for the next couple of days. The yacht club is not a bad place to be stuck!

AUGUST 14,2007...Port Weller, Ontario

We stayed in Port Monday waiting for better weather; and wouldn't you know they changed the forecast Monday evening. The wind has come up and seems to be 20 kts. Tuesday was to be light and variable and less than 1 foot waves. We decided the weather was not getting any better so we pulled out at 9:00am. The wind was on our stern so the 2 to 3 foot waves just pushed us along. The weather got better, so it took us a little over 5 hours to cover the 122.5 miles.

We had reservations at St. Catherines marina and arrived before the wind got to strong. The marina is older, but they have new bathrooms and a little resturant.

Our friend Andy Fiffick (picture) arrive at around 6:00pm and will help us through the locks on Wednesday. Mary Lou made a number of snacks, including some crab cakes that turned out to be dinner.

We hired Rodger St. Amand to be an extra deckhand to help us through the locks. Rodger does this almost daily and knows the in and outs of the Welland Locks. He met with us to go over details and agreed to meet us at lock 1 at 6:45am. on Wednesday. This was probably the best $120 Canadian we spent on the trip. Rodger's # 905-646-8765

August 13, 2007 Still in port

Good morning. After spending half the day on the computer yesterday trying to catch up the blog....didn't we forget to blog last night? Oh well I guess the brains are finally going after all this time.
The day was slow and relaxing. We decided to stay here in port since the waves were going to be a little rough. Not bad, but enough that today was going to be better.
Craig read the paper, did some charting, made some phone calls to see about dockage, talked with Andy (our friend helping us through the Welland) and we even took time out for a little cards. I lost again!!! Seems the only people I can beat are my daughter and my sister. They also have pump out at the docks so we took care of that as well. I chilled completely other than doing some laundry and making up the bed for Andy. Craig and I both walked to the grocery store for a couple of things and then had dinner on the boat. The rest of the evening was spent either sleeping in front of the TV or actually watching it.
Almost forgot....our AC stopped during the night so we had no Louie to throw under the boat we had to find a couple of young teenage boys who were willing to do it for us. Once the weeds were removed (a typical problem) all was fine. Naturally Craig was worried we would get more in there so he didn't want to run the AC. It was a little stuffy most of the day, but we opened windows in our bedroom and by evening it was almost comfortable. Sure hope we find a good spot for tonight with no weeds.

August 12, 2007 Joan and Bob arrive

Two morning in a row that I have been sooo excited to get up and see family. Joan and Bob arrived about 10 a.m. and brought their family famous sauce with meatballs and sausage. They also brought the pasta, bread and all the fixin's for a great italian dinner. I was drooling all morning waiting until I could actually start the water to boil the pasta. Like I said....no diets yet.

Unfortunately they barely got on board when they both got a little seasick. It is a little rocky here at the dock and I felt so badly for them. Bob had to get off a couple of times and Joan was not far behind him. The boys took a ride to do a little sightseeing in the area and then the girls once again hit the pool. This is only the third marina where we have had access to a pool since we left in April. It has been so nice!!! We are getting a lot of use out of it here.

About 2 p.m. Betty and Joe once again joined us with coolers full and snacks. No butter however. Andy, Karen, and Elizabeth also came. Karen is Betty and Joe's daughter and Andy is her husband. Liz is their daughter who is getting married in October. Karen arrived with a "Helluva Good cheese" basket. Our favorite cheeses. We had quite the reunion here. As a matter of fact we had 11 people on board eating dinner. Actually only 10....Joan was still having trouble with her tummy. I felt so good with so much family around me. I so needed this break!!! I did however feel like the heavy weight in the crowd. Joan has lost so much weight and looks awesome. Karen is a stick. She is going to be one hot "mother of the bride".

Fun, fun, fun. It was a great day. Just felt badly for those who didn't feel good. Unfortunately we are living in water at the moment and I had nothing else to offer. They were all good sports, but definitely a little green around the gills.

Steph and Louie left today and we will miss them a lot. As always, perfect guests and a major help. I feel sorry that they got us when all heck broke loose, but as Steph said....we saw and did a lot of things we would not have had the opportunity to do if the props hadn't needed to be repaired. It ended up quite costly, but that's boating as they say.

Very quiet on the boat tonight.

August 11, 2007 Betty and Joe arrive

Got up this morning full of excitement to see my Sister and her husband. They arrived with Bagels, cream cheese and butter. I really needed more butter so that was really nice of them to bring some (private joke). Unfortunately Louie had gotten us breakfast sandwiches at the store this morning so we weren't all that hungry, but managed to indulge ourselves anyway. Between the "out of control hair" and all the food we have eaten....we are beginning to look like stuffed turkeys. What the heck...this is a once in a lifetime deal and we'll get to work on the weight when we get home. For now it's eat, drink and enjoy life.

The boys ( Joe, Craig and Louie) took a ride to the airport to get Steph and Louie's car and the girls (Betty, Steph and I) went to the pool to enjoy the sun and cool water. Life is beginning to look up!!!

While Craig was at the office this morning they said they were having a chicken barbeque for the Marina people and asked if we wanted to join them. $5 per person and it included Sangria, beer, soft drinks, a half chicken, baked beans, potatoes, macaroni salad. Those of us on the docks brought a snack or dessert. What a feast!!! They also had a band. Steph and Louie won the 50/50 drawing for $102 dollars. Betty and Joe joined us and we had a nice evening.

Looking so forward to my sister Joan arriving tomorrow. This has been a wonderful break in the action.

August 10. 2007 Sodus Bay

Left Collins Bay and traveled 71.5 miles in three hours. A little faster than we have gotten use to. Finally in open water with trailing seas and no locks sure makes a difference. The captain got help from Louie as naviator and Steph worked hard on getting over a migraine.

We did pass a beautiful lighthouse as we got to Sodus and it is beginning to feel like we are on the homestretch.

Fueled up at Katlyn Marina just across from here and then settled in for the opportunity to see family. Tomorrow my sister Betty and her husband will be arriving for the day and then sister Joan and Bob will be arriving on Sunday.

Pizza on the boat and to bed early for me.

August 10, 2007 Sodus Bay

AUGUST 9,2007...PICTURES

We didn't get the pictures loaded, so here they are.

Louie and Steph on the front porch of the ShangriLa resturant. Our last Rideau locks . Local beauty runs out and we go back to swamp after Kingston Mills. You can maintain speed in most of the channel from the locks to the bridge in Kingston.

The sunset was off the back of our boat at Collins Bay Marina. The sails on the boats turned a beautiful golden color in the setting sun light. Almost eerie. The peace was broken by planes approaching the airport and trains going by every hour or so.

August 9, Jones Falls to Collins Bay

We left port today a little later than ususal, but were in no hurry to cover the miles we needed to arrive in Collins Bay at a decent hour. We covered 36.6 miles in 10 hours. Why so long you say? Well we did 8 locks and then got to Kingston at 3:30 and thought we were in good shape since they say the swing bridge opens every half hour. NOT TRUE!!! During the week they only open on the hour and they don't open at 4 or 5 because of heavy traffic. So there we were hanging out for 2 1/2 hours waiting for the bridge to open. We tied up to a wall that said "no docking" but the captain decided he would break a rule. When we got tied up we read the sign a little more closely and it said "no docking without permission of bridge master." After the captain found the guy (not an easy task since he was hiding in a building out of sight of all the angry boaters ) he got permission to stay on the wall. So the card playing began once again. Euchre is obviously not a good game for the boys. Steph and I won once again.
Finally got through the bridge at 6 p.m. and after another hour we arrived at Collins Bay. Yet another hurdle. The marina was closed but they had given us our slip assignment and the slip was way too short and narrow. After several phone calls we tied up to the gas dock since they were closed. That was the best move of the day because naturally they came running to tell us to get off. Now we were able to get a dock that we fit in. Not able to have AC but it was a great evening and we opened windows to get a breeze. It was a very long day.

AUGUST 8, 2007...Jones Falls

Hot and sunny again...people are claiming this is the warmest summer on record. We have a closet full of warm clothes that we have never had on.

While we were eating breakfast, I decide to start the generator and check it out. Good thing we did, since the impeller failed and had to be replaced. We have been running it on and off when we couldn't get 50 amp power and wanted to run the air conditioner. I have a spare impeller supplied by Sima before we left home...one problem...it's the wrong one. Len's Cove didn't think they had one, but the service mechanic hunted through the parts dept. and found one. It looks a little old, so will probably replace when we get home.

We finnally got on the water around 11:00pm and the boat is running fine, except the port engine is using about 8% more fuel then the starboard at the same rpms. I don't think the props are totally balanced, but should be okay until we can get home.

Again we spent the day in the prettier part of the Rideau and wish we had more time to explore the many islands and anchorages. The area is a lot like the North Channel with clean water, and many coves with deep water. The prop repair set us back 2 or 3 days that we had planned to spend here.

We got to Jones and 4 locks with a bottle neck of boats. We waited for about 1.5 hours to get locked down. There was no overnight tie up space available at the locks, so once we were through we tied up at Shangri La. Don't let the name fool you...it was about on par with Bobby's Fish Camp. 30amp power, run down docks, dirty restrooms, fish camp...but a neat resturant. The resturant for the most part served the lodge guests. The highlight of our stay was the friendly Golden which had his own pond that was full of toys. We ran the generator...new impeller working find...but turned it off for the evening. Canadians are not big on the noise; and will let you know. We also ran into a Ray, a retired Canadian,who went to Port Clinton to train on how to install boat canvas. I think it was Northwest Canvas shop.

Dinner on the boat, some cards and still watching NYC channels on our Direct TV.

Post note from first mate.

We are finding the Canadian marinas a lot more rustic than the U.S. ones. On the other hand, the Canadians have all been most cooperative and friendly.

The trip is getting long and the locks are not a lot of fun. We have seen way more locks than this first mate cares to encounter in a trip for a long, long, time. Will be home soon and I am sooooo looking forward to my king size bed and not having to check the waste level everytime I use the bathroom. Thank goodness for all the company we have had. It has been great!!

AUGUST 7, 2007...Portland, On.

Another hot and sunny day. We had a light breakfast so we could get started early. We are entering the prettier part of the Rideau with the lakes and cliffs....and deep cruising water. One of main reasons we did the Rideau was it is their 175 years since the canal was opened. It really hasn't changed much, except it is all pleasure crafts and no working boats. They still use the original hand cranks to open the lock doors and bring the water in and out of the lock. Lots of young kids working the cranks.

We have seen a number of restored wood boats, and the one pictured is the Nemesis built in 1940. We have locked with this couple a number of times. An older couple in a pontoon boat ran into the back of them in one of the locks. This pontoon couple is a complete blog in itself, so we won't go there.

We continue to have to navigate narrow channels and some of them are blind entrances. Most every lock has a narrow channel leading into it, so passing becomes a real art. We covered 23 miles today and another 8 locks. Stephanie and Louie have been a great help. I don't know if we could have done this without their help. You've heard the expression "throwing someone under the bus? Well we have thrown Louie under the boat a couple of times to check props. Poor guy.....he had no idea what was coming in that marriage. Thanks Louie!! We reached the highest point in the Rideau at Newboro lock and are now starting down to lake Ontario. Locking is a little different, since you enter with the lock full of water and have to hand lines to the lock boys/girls. We also had a change in the red/green bouys; with red now on our left since we are going back to sea. After 4 weeks of red right return, you have to think about each bouy...mistake here and you are on the rocks.

We bumped bottom while entering Edmond locks...we were right in the middle of the channel. This is the lowest water we have experienced. We also have picked up a lot of weeds and this seems to create a vibration in the props. The weeds seem to have come off when we backed into our slip at Len's Cove Marina in Portland.

Len's Cove is a family owned, staffed, and run marina. They have a good parts dept., a lift, and a good service dept. The dockage was real tight and the docks are steel sided...don't make a mistake. They only have 30amp service so we had to run a 30amp cord from another plug to our splitter to get 50 amp service. A 50 amp boat should carry a 30amp cord for this reason.

Louie and I made a grocery run into town, and the store had the basics. Not much else in town, except for a few resturants and one shop that sold a little of everything.

Dinner on the boat and a few more games of eucher...the boys had a better night. But still not ahead