Dream Catcher's Great Loop

2011-12-01T14:32:00.000-08:00

Day 391 Andalusia Slough Anchorage

Andalusia, IL

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Fuel dock at Fairport Landing

Looking upstream from our anchorage

Looking downstream from our anchorage

It was another good day for Dream Catcher to travel. The water in the channel sometimes dropped to as low as 6 feet which prevented barges from traveling, so there was no wait at any of the 3 locks.

We topped off our fuel at Fairport Landing Marina, and then headed to our favorite anchorage in Andalusia Slough. It was very windy, and Dream Catcher was blown around a lot, but we were glad to be so close to home.

Total miles: 59 Total bridges: 2 Total locks: 3

2011-12-01T13:59:00.000-08:00

Day 390 Big Muddy’s Restaurant

Burlington, IA

Monday, September 19, 2011

Sections of the new Burlington Railroad Bridge under construction

The free dock at Big Muddy's

Burlington Bridge from Big Muddy's Restaurant

We fueled up at the Keokuk Yacht Club, traveled for 5 hours, and enjoyed a day with no locks.

Like the very first night of our Great Loop journey, we tied to the free dock at Big Muddy’s Restaurant in Burlington. Again we had a great meal with great service.

So much has happened since that first night! What an adventure!

Total miles: 37 Total bridges: 3 Total locks: 0

2011-12-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

Days 388 – 389 Keokuk Yacht Club

Keokuk, IA

Saturday, September 17 – Sunday, September 18, 2011

Keokuk Yacht Club

Dream Catcher docked in front of the clubhouse

It was another 9 hour day, and again we were lucky to boat right in to all 4 of the locks. There was no waiting for other traffic. One reason for our “luck” was the low water that had stopped a lot of the barges. We passed 3 barges that were grounded in the channel, waiting for a dredge. Of course, the dredges were in high demand, and it would take several days for them to arrive and dig out the channel.

We were glad to arrive at the Keokuk Yacht Club where we tied to the outer wall where the water was deep.

Sunday arrived with a lot of rain, but we had no plans to move. We were waiting for a fuel truck that we had scheduled for Monday morning. We had a quiet day aboard Dream Catcher.

Total miles: 85 Total bridges: 5 Total locks: 4

2011-12-01T12:49:00.000-08:00

Day 387 Two Rivers Marina

Rockport, IL

Friday, September 16, 2011

Looking toward the Mississippi River from Two Rivers Marina

Landscaping near Two Rivers Marina swimming pool

Lighthouse at entrance to Two Rivers Marina

It was hard for us to leave our good friends who have become like family as we traveled the Great Loop, but it was time for us to head back up the Mississippi River to our home in Iowa. Jeremiah will head down the Mississippi with Seamoore (now at Port Charles for repairs) to continue the loop to their own home ports of Florida and Alabama, respectively. We’ll greatly miss all of our good friends on “The Looper Train”, but we’ll keep in touch and hope to see them again soon.

We traveled for 9 hours and fortunately did not have to wait for either of the 2 locks. Dinner was at the Lighthouse Inn Restaurant which was located next to the marina.

Total miles: 64 Total bridges: 2 Total locks: 2

2011-09-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

Days 384 – 386 Grafton Harbor

Grafton, IL

Tuesday, September 13 – Thursday, September 15, 2011

Loopers following Dream Catcher to Grafton

Dream Catcher crosses her wake at Grafton, Illinois

Our gold flag signifies completion of America's Great Loop

A toast to our completion

Flying the gold flag

Grafton Harbor Marina

Entrance to Grafton Harbor Marina

Lunch with Joe, Linda, Larry, Carrie at the Big Kahuna

Bill drives away after dropping us off at Aerie's

Enjoying the view at Aerie's

Beautiful view from the top

Mississippi Half Step Restaurant

Lunch at Mississippi Half Step

Saying goodbye to Carlton and Becky

On Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at 12:12 p.m. in Grafton, Illinois, we “crossed our wake” on Dream Catcher. We had started “America’s Great Loop” in Grafton on August 29, 2010. The circle was complete. We had been traveling for a total of 1 year and 19 days.

Grafton was a good place to celebrate our completion since it is famous for its shops, restaurants, and wineries! We went exploring with Jeff and Linda and stopped for lunch at The Big Kahuna. We were joined by Joe, Linda, Larry, and Carrie whom we met in Hardin. They live nearby and travel the rivers in their runabout boats.

After lunch we decided to walk to the Aerie’s Riverview Winery which is located at the top of the bluff. Oops. No way. The road was extremely steep and far too long for a walk. So Jim flagged down a friendly motorist who actually turned his car around and gave us a ride up to the restaurant. Thanks, Bill! What a guy!

As we were enjoying the amazing view from Aerie’s, we were joined by Carlton. He and Becky had arrived in Grafton on the previous Friday, rented a car and driven home to Decatur, Alabama for a few days. They had just returned to Grafton. While Becky remained on the boat, Carlton went with us, Jeff, and Linda to the Ruebel Hotel for dinner. The hotel was built in 1879 and features a solid oak bar shipped from Bavaria in 1904.

On Wednesday we said goodbye to Becky and Carlton who moved Seamoore to Port Charles Marina for some minor repairs. It was hard to say goodbye since we met them in Rogersville, Alabama and had traveled with them since Marathon, Florida. We’ll stay in touch and hope to see them in our future travels.

We worked around the boat during most of the day. We had appetizers for dinner onboard Dream Catcher with Linda and Jeff.

On Thursday we enjoyed lunch with Jeff and Linda at Mississippi Half Step, a home that was built by Charles Brainerd in 1885 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But the real treat for the day was dinner on Jeremiah. Jeff fixed an Italian specialty dish which is a blend of tuna, anchovies, garlic, butter, and olive oil. It was served as a dip with vegetables and French bread. It was absolutely “the best we’ve ever had”!

Total miles: 21 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-09-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

Day 383 Illinois Riverdock Restaurant

Hardin, IL

Monday, September 12, 2011

Jeremiah passes under the I-72 Bridge, the most Western point of the Loop

Illinois Riverdock Restaurant

Home of the famous brisket

Loopers docked at Hardin

Augie Busch regularly flies in for brisket

Owner Mel (standing) greets Sigrid, Linda, Jeff, Brenda, Jim, and Fred

Looper dinner at Mel's Riverdock Restaurant

Dream Catcher, Jeremiah, Jumbo, and Godspeed left Beardstown in the early morning. We were lucky to get right through the La Grange Lock which is the final lock on the Illinois River. All 4 boats stopped at the Illinois Riverdock Restaurant due to Jim’s claim that it serves the world’s best brisket.

The 4 boats filled all of the space on the small straight dock. When other Looper boats arrived later, they rafted off of Godspeed and Jeremiah. The Loopers gathered at the restaurant for that delicious brisket dinner. Besides dinner leftovers, Dream Catcher stocked up with extra brisket and 2-inch-thick pork chops. Yum!!

Total miles: 62 Total bridges: 7 Total locks: 1

2011-09-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

Day 382 Logsdon Tug Service

Beardstown, IL

Sunday, September 11, 2011

"Jumbo", shipped from Germany to Florida

Jerimiah, Dream Catcher, and Godspeed tied to the barge at Beardstown

Jumbo tied to tow at Beardstown

“Dream Catcher” and “Jeremiah” left the IVY Club at first light along with “Jumbo” and “Godspeed”. We had good luck at the Peoria Lock and all 4 boats arrived at Logsdon Tug Service about 4:00. The Tug Service allows pleasure craft to tie to one of their barges docked on the river. It’s not the prettiest dockage, but it’s secure.

Along with Jeff and Linda we walked downtown, stopped at a Mexican Restaurant for dinner, and shopped for a few groceries. The tough economy has definitely taken its toll on Beardstown.

Total miles: 80 Total bridges: 12 Total locks: 1

2011-09-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

Days 378 - 381 Illinois Valley Yacht Club

(IVY Club)

Peoria Heights, IL

Wednesday, September 7 – Saturday, September 10, 2011

Migrating birds along the Illinois River

"Grianan" docked at the IVY Club

Front entrance of the Illinois Valley Yacht and Canoe Club

Kate, Linda (aka "Stunning"), Greg, and Brenda

At the IVY Club

Rainbow on the Illinois River

With Betsy and Dave at the IVY Club

With Patty at "Famous City Bistro"

Overlooking Peoria Lake on the Illinois River

The Looper Train arrived at the IVY Club, and we were glad to see Greg and Kate from “Grianan” who had arrived the previous day. It was great to get together again, and we all enjoyed dinner at the club.

Early Thursday morning “Seamoore” and “Grianan” left for an 80 mile ride to Beardstown. “Dream Catcher” and “Jeremiah” opted for a shorter day to Havana. But when we called the marina we found that the water was down, and the marina was too shallow for our boats. Due to thunderstorms predicted for Friday and Saturday, we decided to wait until Sunday for traveling. We were very happy to stay at the IVY Club which is a friendly, yet classic yacht club.

On Thursday evening we went with Jeff and Linda to the IVY Club for taco bar dinner. We shared a lot of laughs with club members Patty Cirilli and Dave and Betsy Jones.

On Friday evening Patty picked us up at the IVY Club and took us on a tour of the Grandview area of Peoria. The homes and the views from the bluffs overlooking the river were spectacular. She then took us to her new restaurant called “Famous Cities Bistro”. The décor includes murals of New York City, Paris, and other well-known “famous cities”. It was a fun restaurant for all ages with great food at reasonable prices.

On Saturday as we were working around the boat, we got a visit from loopers Fred and Sigrid who are traveling on “Jumbo”. “Jumbo” is a 24-foot boat that was built in Sweden and shipped to Florida from Fred and Sigrid’s home of Germany. Fred and Sigrid heard that Jim was familiar with this part of the loop and stopped by for some information. They are an interesting couple who speak amazingly fluent English. We enjoyed meeting them, and visited with them again at the IVY Club.

Since the IVY Club restaurant was closed on Saturday, we walked with Jeff and Linda to the Firehouse Restaurant. The 4 of us enjoyed dinner with loopers Ginny and Greg from “Brown Eyed Girl”.

Total miles: 25 Total bridges: 2 Total locks: 0

2011-09-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

Day 377 Lower Henry Island Anchorage

Henry, IL

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Sunrise at our anchorage

Jeremiah and Crossroads at anchor off our bow

Shoreline from our anchorage

Seamoore anchored at our stern

It was a long day for the Looper Train. We checked out several options for dockage or anchor, but had a difficult time finding a suitable place. At dusk we finally anchored separately behind Lower Henry Island and called it a day.

Total miles: 59 Total bridges: 12 Total locks: 2

2011-09-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

Days 373 - 376 Spring Brook Marina

Seneca, IL

Friday, September 2 - Monday, September 5, 2011

Spring Brook Marina office and boat showroom

Spring Brook Marina courtesy van, our ride for 4 days

Fergy's in downtown Seneca

Dream Catcher and Jeremiah docked at Spring Brook Marina

Again the temperatures were in the 90s, so we made it a short travel day. We checked in at Spring Brook Marina, got the courtesy van, and were about to leave for downtown Seneca when we were surprised to see Dave, a friend we last saw in Key West. We were introduced to Dave and his wife Becky by Bruce and Chris Bade. We had a lot of fun together when Dave and Becky were on vacation in Key West while Dream Catcher was there with Bade Boomer. Dave and Becky live close to Seneca, heard that we were in the area, and stopped by. Dave drove his car, and we followed him to downtown Seneca in the courtesy car. All of us had lunch together at Fergy’s while also doing laundry in the nearby laundromat.

On Saturday morning Dave and Becky stopped by for a short visit. We spent the day working around the boat and discovered that we needed a new sump pump. Jeff went above and beyond to help with the installation. What a guy!

Sunday was a great day because Seamoore arrived. Becky had been released from the hospital last Thursday, and they had been traveling long days since then to catch up. The Looper Train was back together! The 6 of us took the courtesy van downtown to Fergy’s for dinner.

Monday was Labor Day, and all of us on the Looper Train celebrated with a huge dinner of ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans, and Caesar salad. Yum! Thanks to Linda for preparing the ribs and to Carlton for grilling.

Total miles: 22 Total bridges: 3 Total locks: 1

2011-09-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

Day 372 Harborside Marina

Wilmington, IL

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Sunrise over the Chicago Lighthouse

Jeremiah leaves DuSable Harbor

Sunrise shines on the Chicago skyline

Our last look at Navy Pier

Entering the Chicago Lock

Trump International Tower

Jeremiah leaving downtown Chicago

Fish barrier intended to keep Asian Carp out of Lake Michigan

Harborside Marina

It was a grueling 9-1/2 hour day with temperatures in the 90s and a heat index of over 100, but we began our journey through Illinois. We traveled down the Chicago River, through downtown Chicago, past the barges in the Chicago Sanitary Canal, past Joliet on the Illinois River, through 3 locks, under 72 bridges and finally stopped at Harborside Marina at Wilmington, Illinois. What a day. After the beauty of downtown Chicago, we encountered the most industrial and unattractive part of the loop. All of us were exhausted and glad to be at the marina.

We checked out the restaurant, but had a quiet evening on board.

Total miles: 54 Total bridges: 72 Total locks: 3

2011-09-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

Days 369 - 371 DuSable Harbor

Chicago, IL

Monday, August 29 - Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Dream Catcher approaching Chicago

Chicago Harbor Light

Dream Catcher on far right entering DuSable Harbor

Artistic walkway to Millennuim Park

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

"Cloud Gate" (aka "The Bean")

Jim, Linda, and Jeff at "The Bean"

Crown Fountain at Millennium Park

Various faces represent the people of Chicago

Lobby at Palmer House Hilton

Artwork next to Navy Pier

In front of the famous Gino's East

Famous Chicago deep dish pizza

View from the John Hancock Building

Arrow points to Dream Catcher in DuSable Harbor

Looking North from the John Hancock

Navy Pier from John Hancock

Enjoying the view at the top

Jim and Marilyn

Marilyn Monroe

Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable

1745 - 1818

Founder of Chicago

Greg, Kate, Jim, Brenda, Jeff and Linda waiting to board the tour boat

Tour boat in the Chicago lock

Our tour boat

Top deck of the tour boat

Dad in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" worked here

Scenes on the Chicago River

Dick's Last Resort Restaurant

Dinner at Gene and Georgetti

Our ride

Fun in the limo!

Linda enjoys the ride!

Windy City here we come! On Monday we endured 7-1/2 hours of rock and roll on Lake Michigan to arrive at DuSable Harbor in Chicago. Hurray! We’re off the lake! But we were surprised when we checked in at the marina. In order to calculate the cost of the slip, the marina included not only the length of the boat, but also the bow pulpit, the dinghy, and the swim platform. It was the only time on the entire loop that we encountered this situation.

We walked through Millennium Park to “Cloud Gate” (aka “The Bean”), and then on to a casual dinner at one of our favorite stops in Chicago called Miller’s Pub.

On Tuesday we rode our bikes to Navy Pier and then down the bike path that runs along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Beautiful! We rode downtown (a bike on Michigan Avenue?) to Gino’s East for a famous Chicago deep dish pizza. After lunch we made a brief stop at Watertower Place and then went to the top of the John Hancock Building for a magnificent view of the city. In the evening we walked a few blocks to the Chicago Yacht Club for a light dinner.

On Wednesday morning the 4 of us were joined by Kate and Greg on “Grianan” for the Windella Guided Architectural Tour. The tour boat traveled the Chicago River while the guide explained the history and purpose of countless buildings along the waterway in downtown Chicago. It was fascinating, and we learned a great deal about Chicago.

After the tour we walked to Dick’s Last Resort for lunch and then on the Gene and Georgetti Restaurant for a cocktail. In the evening we were again joined by Kate and Greg for dinner at Gene and Georgetti, rated one of the top steak houses in the U.S. After dinner we planned to take a taxi back to the marina, but a limo was parked outside of the restaurant. The driver offered to give us a ride for a reasonable price. Yippee! A limo! We all hopped in and had a lot of laughs going back to the marina.

Total miles: 62.5 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-09-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

Days 366-368 West Basin Marina

St. Joseph, MI

Friday, August 26 - Sunday, August 28, 2011

Approaching St. Joseph beach

West Basin Marina

West Basin Marina office

Docked at West Basin fuel dock

Bruce has his butt in a sling again!

St. Joseph River Yacht Club

View of the club pool from the 3rd floor of the yacht club

Yacht club lawn and patio bar

Jeff, Linda, and Brenda at the yacht club

Popular water fountain playground in downtown St. Joseph with Lake Michigan in the background

Artwork along the St. Joseph River

Schu's Restaurant

Krista, our fun server at Schu's

Jeff, Linda, Chris, Jim, Brenda, and Bruce at Schu's

Lake Michigan was calm and smooth on Friday, so we traveled for more than 8 hours to St. Joseph. West Basin had only one slip available which they assigned to Jeremiah. Dream Catcher stayed on the fuel dock. We walked with Linda and Jeff to the nearby St. Joseph River Yacht Club for cocktails on the patio by the water and a casual pub food dinner at the clubhouse. The clubhouse was originally a Lighthouse Depot that was completed in 1893. It served as the primary supply and buoy repair for all of Lake Michigan. The tracks for the trams, and turntables used to switch the trams, are still in evidence on the floors and sidewalk to the river where the supply tenders were docked for loading and unloading. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

On Saturday Bruce and Chris drove to St. Joseph from Saugatuck where they are staying on Bade Boomer until it is pulled for the season. A big congratulations to Bruce and Chris for completing America’s Great Loop! We had a great time traveling together!

Along with Jeff and Linda we rode our bikes to downtown St. Joseph where Chris and Bruce met us for lunch at Schu’s. When they left for the Michigan City boat show, the 4 of us checked out the farmer’s market and a few other shops, and then rode back to the marina. In the evening we again enjoyed cocktails on the patio and dinner at the St. Joseph River Yacht Club.

On Sunday Bruce and Chris once more drove down from Saugatuck and took all of us to the grocery store. We always appreciate the opportunity to stock up. Thanks, Bruce and Chris!

For dinner we had our first-ever “fresh tomato with sauteed red pepper on French bread” sandwich thanks to Linda. She always comes up with “the best ever”!

Total miles: 66 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-09-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

Days 361 - 365 Grand Haven Municipal Marina

Grand Haven, MI

Sunday, August 21 - Thursday, August 25, 2011

Grand Haven Lighthouse

Grand Haven Marina office

Dream Catcher docked at Grand Haven

Looking west toward Lake Michigan

Pere Marquette Locomotive #1223 on the National Register of Historic Places

Art along the river

Musical Fountain

Our luck with a calm Lake Michigan ran out, and we battled wind and 3-4 foot waves for 7 hours on our run to Grand Haven. The Grand Haven Municipal Marina is close to the downtown area, but it is not a very protected harbor in west winds.

We arrived about 3:00 and walked downtown to check out the restaurants for dinner. We had a cocktail at Porto Bello with Linda, Jeff, and Carlton, but we all decided on dinner at Kirby Grill. It turned out to be a good choice. The food was excellent.

We got back to the boats just in time to watch the nightly musical fountain performance. The free 20 minute show is provided by the city of Grand Haven and attracts hundreds of people every evening. The water fountains across the river from the municipal marina process over 90,000 gallons of water in a synchronized display of water, lights, and music. It is the world’s largest musical fountain, and it’s a great way to end each day.

Monday was a beautiful day, so we ran a lot of errands and restocked the boat. On Tuesday the winds again picked up, and the boats were rocking. We had 10 lines on Dream Catcher and we were still moving. There was too much motion for dinner on board, so we went back to Porto Bello with Linda, Jeff, and Carlton for a delicious pasta dinner.

Becky had not been feeling good, so on Wednesday Carlton took her to the emergency room. The doctors diagnosed her with dehydration and admitted her to the hospital where she underwent further tests. All of us are anxious for her fast and complete recovery.

The winds remained strong on Thursday so we remained at Grand Haven for another day.

Total miles: 58 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-08-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

Days 359-360 Snug Harbor Marina

Pentwater, MI

Friday, August 19 - Saturday, August 20, 2011

Jeremiah and Seamoore leave Frankfort

Green and red entrance markers to Pentwater

Crowded beach at Pentwater

Snug Harbor Marina

View from Dream Catcher docked at Snug Harbor

The Antler Restaurant

Gull Landing Restaurant

It was a long run, but the winds and water were calm, so we traveled over 60 miles from Frankfort to Pentwater. Pentwater is a charming lakeshore town with a very protected harbor. It’s a great stop for the inclement weather that was predicted for Saturday.

The downtown area is next to the marina, so we walked with Linda, Jeff, and Carlton to a restaurant called The Antler. The Mexican food was outstanding. We then enjoyed a nightcap at Gull Landing.

On Saturday we awoke to rain and were glad that we had decided to stay for another night. When the rain subsided the 2 of us walked downtown for a little shopping. The Looper Train had a wide variety of appetizers for dinner on Dream Catcher.

Total miles: 63 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-08-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

Day 358 Jacobson Marina

Frankfort, MI

Thursday, August 18, 2011

North Manitou Shoal Light

Passing a freighter in Northern Lake Michigan

Point Betsie Light

Sand dunes are prevalent on the west coast of Michigan

Frankfort Harbor Light

Dream Catcher was docked next to the 130-foot yacht at the end of the pier

Nina on display at Frankfort

Betsie Bay Inn

The shoreline from Leland to Frankfort is part of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore Park. With 480-foot-tall sand dunes, white beaches, and forests, the scenery is stunning. In a recent Good Morning America search, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore earned the title of “the most beautiful place in America”.

We arrived in Frankfort a little after noon and all 6 of us walked downtown for lunch at Dinghys Restaurant. We then did a little shopping around town and went back to the boat for a relaxing afternoon.

In the evening we went to Betsie Bay Inn for dinner with Becky and Carlton. The inn is an historic Victorian Hotel that in earlier times featured an underground tunnel to Al Capone’s nearby home. The tunnel was supposedly used for part of his bootleg liquor business. The inn has recently been restored and features 17 unique rooms.

Total miles: 42 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-08-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Days 356 - 357 Leland Township Marina

Leland, MI

Tuesday, August 16 - Wednesday August 17, 2011

Leland Marina office

Docked at Leland Marina

Waterfall at Leland River Dam

Lunch at the Cove Restaurant by the waterfall

Reflections is one of our favorite shops

Historic fishing boat at Leland "Fish Town"

Part of historic "Fish Town"

Again Lake Michigan was like glass for our 4 hour run to Leland. We arrived before noon and walked to The Cove Restaurant in “Fish Town” for lunch. “Fish Town” is a National Landmark District. It is home to an authentic Great Lakes fishing tug. Ancient ice and fish shanties now house an operating fish house and specialty shops. The 2 of us have been here several times, and it is one of our favorite stops on Lake Michigan. The looper train had dinner at the Bluebird Restaurant which is located in a beautiful setting with gardens overlooking the small Leland River that feeds into Lake Michigan.

On Wednesday we checked the weather and decided to pass on the predicted 2 to 4 foot waves. We did some laundry, ate breakfast with Jeff and Linda at the Early Bird restaurant, and bought some groceries. The 2 of us enjoyed shrimp cocktail and brie with mushrooms for appetizers before our meatloaf dinner on Dream Catcher.

Total miles: 36 Total bridges: 1 Total locks: 0

2011-08-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

Day 355 Charlevoix Municipal Marina

Charlevoix, MI

Monday, August 15, 2011

The magnificent Mackinac Bridge

Gray's Reef Light

Unusual home on Round Lake

Another home in Charlevoix

Overlooking Charlevoix Marina in Round Lake

Lake Michigan was smooth and beautiful as we cruised for 7 hours from Mackinaw City through the Straits of Mackinac and Gray's Reef to Charlevoix. The Charlevoix Municipal Marina has been remodeled over the past few years and is very attractive with new docks, fountains, and lots of flowers. We arrived a little before 3:00, walked downtown, and did a little shopping.

Whitney’s Oyster Bar featured half price appetizers during happy hour. We ordered enough that it turned out to be dinner. Becky and Carlton went back to the boat, but we walked with Jeff and Linda and checked out a little more of Charlevoix. It’s a very pretty city, and a great stop for loopers.

Total miles: 58 Total bridges: 2 Total locks: 0

2011-08-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

Days 353 - 354 Straits State Harbor Marina

Mackinaw City, MI

Saturday, August 13 - Sunday August 14, 2011

Detour Light

Round Island Lighthouse

One of the many ferries headed to Mackinac Island

Straits State Marina

Docked at Mackinaw City with a Maritime Museum on a retired Coast Guard ship in the background

The Mcneely bell

Statue of Edgar Conkling (1812 - 1881), founder of Mackinaw City

Dinner at Monna Lisa

There was a light rain, but the winds were calm and the water was smooth as we left Drummond Island. It remained that way until we arrived at the Straits of Mackinac where the winds picked up and so did the waves. Of course, the wakes from all of the ferry boats didn’t help either. We were all glad to arrive safely at the marina.

We were also glad to see Bade Boomer! It turned out that they had only slightly damaged one prop in the Benjamin Islands. They switched out their props in Gore Bay and were back on the loop. Along with Bruce and Chris we were joined by Jeff, Becky and Carlton for happy hour on Dream Catcher.

On Sunday Chris, Bruce, Linda, Jeff, Becky, and Carlton went to Mackinac Island. Since we have been there several times, we decided to explore Mackinaw City. We rode our bikes downtown and checked out the shops and restaurants. We decided on a pasta and mussels dinner at a restaurant called Monna Lisa.

Total miles: 54 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-08-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Day 352 Drummond Island Yacht Haven

Drummond Island, MI, USA

Friday, August 12, 2011

Drummond Island Yacht Haven

Docked at Drummond Island Yacht Haven

Looper dinner at Sunes

It was a good day to cross the North Channel from Blind River to Drummond Island. The waters were calm and the 5-1/2 hour ride was smooth. We checked in with customs, and we were back in the United States! Hurray! It was good to be back!

There were a lot of loopers at Drummond including Crawdad, Grenan, Coconuts, Glory Days, and Sweet Pea. Carlton reserved one of the marina cars for the night, and all of the looper train chipped in on the $12 rental fee. The 6 of us stopped for a few groceries and then joined fellow loopers for dinner at Sunes Restaurant.

Total miles: 44 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-08-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

Day 351

Blind River, Ontario, Canada

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Whalesback rock in Whalesback Channel

Blind River Marina with Dream Catcher on the far right

Library in English, Bibliotheque in French

The winds were calm for most of the run to Blind River. But in the last hour the winds picked up, and we had a little rock and roll by the time we arrived. We found loopers who had spent the previous night anchored in Beardrop. It had been extremely windy and uncomfortable with everyone up all night to check their anchors and positions. We were glad that we had passed on Beardrop.

Jeff, Carlton, and the 2 of us rode our bikes a couple of miles to the downtown area of Blind River. It is a small town with few shops or restaurants, but the people were very friendly.

Total miles: 30 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-08-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

Days 349 - 350

Spanish Municipal Marina, Ontario, Canada

Tuesday, August 9 – Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Entrance to the observation tower

Seamoore, Jeremiah, and Dream Catcher on the far dock

View east from the observation tower

Fuel dock at Spanish Marina

We had planned to anchor at Beardrop in the Whalesback Channel, but rain and high winds were predicted for Wednesday. The looper train decided to head for the safety of a marina. Spanish is a recently-remodeled marina with facilities that include a lounge, laundry, and workout room. We rode our bikes a couple of miles to the very small town and picked up a few supplies.

On Wednesday the winds picked up and produced white caps in the bay. We were glad to be in the marina. We tried the internet service and to our amazement it was one of the fastest that we have experienced on the loop! Wow. We took advantage of it and worked on the blog.

Total miles: 17.5 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-08-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

Day 348

Benjamin Islands, North Channel,

Ontario, Canada

Monday, August 8, 2011

Jeremiah, Seamoore, and Dream Catcher anchored in Benjamin Bay

Looper dinghies lined up for our get together

Loopers at Benjamin Bay

Jim finds a natural recliner

It was not a good day for Bade Boomer. As we were looking for a place to anchor in the Benjamin Islands, they hit some rocks. They had a vibration, so they immediately headed to Gore Bay to get it fixed. What a sad way to end our travels with them!

The rest of the looper train anchored in Benjamin Bay, dropped our dinghies, and took a ride to explore the beautiful area. There were lots of boats, and at 5:00 there was an impromptu get together for all of the loopers. There were about 20 of us who gathered on one of the huge flat rocks. It was a gorgeous setting for appetizers and drinks. It was fun to discover where everyone had been and where they were planning to go.

We have been to the Benjamin Islands before, and it remains one of our all time favorite places.

Total miles: 21 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-08-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

Days 346 - 347

Little Current, Ontario, Canada

Saturday, August 6 – Sunday, August 7, 2011

Strawberry Island Lighthouse

Docked at Little Current

Little Current boardwalk

Little Current main street

Linda's gourmet pizza

Steve (Gemini), Roy Eaton, Bruce, Chris, and Jeff at the broadcast

After 2 days of anchoring everyone was ready for a marina. We checked in at the town docks at Little Current, did some laundry, grocery shopping, and got ready to anchor for a few more days. Of course, we had to eat at the Anchor Inn and shop at Turners.

We met Roy Eaton, the voice of the “Little Current Cruisers Net,” on the docks on Saturday and told him that we (Chris, Bruce, Jeff & Jim) would help out with the broadcast on Sunday morning. For the last 8 years Roy has generously donated his time to broadcast during the month of July and August on VHF channel 71 at 9:00 AM, news of the world, sports, business, health, local history and knowledge, weather, and upcoming local events. Additionally anyone with in radio range can call in and share their current location or itinerary.

On Sunday evening Linda made 4 pizzas for all of us for dinner. It was made-from-scratch dough and lots of toppings including bleu cheese and artichokes. Fantastic!

Total miles: 26 Total bridges: 1 Total locks: 0

2011-08-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

Day 345

Baie Fine, Georgian Bay, Canada

Friday, August 5, 2011

Anchored in Baie Fine

Trail to Topaz Lake

Clear water of Topaz Lake

Topaz Lake

The Jeremiah crew

Topaz Lake

Dream Catcher at Baie Fine

Sunset

Leaving Baie Fine

Baie Fine is known as “the holy grail of boating”, and it lives up to its reputation. It’s the closest thing to a fjord that we have ever cruised. We boated the entire 10 miles of the bay to the Pool at the end. We found a quiet spot to anchor by ourselves with a line tied to a tree on shore. The 2 of us, along with Chris and Bruce, hiked up a rocky trail to Topaz Lake. The water is crystal clear, but the lake is dead we were told due to acid rain.

Bruce and Chris headed back to their boat. Jim went swimming while we waited for Carlton, Jeff, and Linda to arrive. They took a wrong turn on the trail, and Carlton finally went back to the boat. Linda, Jeff, Molly and Snickers kept hiking and eventually arrived at the lake. It was well worth the effort. What a magical place!

Back at the boats we had appetizers for dinner on Jeremiah and Seamoore.

Total miles: 28 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-08-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

Day 344

Covered Portage Cove, Georgian Bay, Canada

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Jeremiah and Seamoore anchor temporarily outside of Killarney

Looper Train anchored in Covered Portage Cove

Jeff and Carlton at the top

Overlooking our anchorage at Covered Portage Cove

Covered Portage Cove

Indian face on the mountain side

Early morning reflections

Early morning

Off the bow of Dream Catcher

It’s a short run from Killarney to Covered Portage Cove, so we didn’t leave until 11:30. We fueled up, pumped out, and filled with water in order to anchor out for a couple of days.

Covered Portage Cove is a beautiful anchorage. We anchored bow to stern with Bade Boomer while Jeremiah and Seamoore did the same. We rode our dinghies to shore and hiked up a trail to an overlook of the cove. Stunning! Our dinghy ride also took us past the famous Indian profile in stone.

For dinner we enjoyed grilled hamburgers on Seamoore.

Total miles: 5.5 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-08-10T19:09:00.000-07:00

Days 342 - 343

Sportsman’s Inn, Killarney, Canada

Tuesday, August 2 – Wednesday, August 3, 2011

3 lighthouses at the Bustards

Jeremiah leads the way to Beaverstone Bay

Bade Boomer heads west with La Cloche mountain range in the background

Collins Inlet

Lighthouse at Killarney

Dream Catcher at Sportsman's Inn

Herbert Fisheries

The Pines Inn

Sportsman's Inn

We slept in, had a big breakfast, and waited for Jeremiah and Seamoore to arrive. They left their anchorage at first light, found calm waters, and arrived about 11:00. Since the weather was good, and we had a lot of open water to cover, we all headed to Beaverstone Bay for an anchorage. A storm was predicted for late afternoon, and when we arrived in Beaverstone, we could not find a protected area for 4 boats. So we moved on to Mills Lake, but there we could not get an anchor to hold. We decided to run to Killarney for a safe dock at the Sportsman’s Inn. We finally arrived at the marina about 5:00. Jeremiah and Seamoore had been traveling for 11 hours. After checking in, the 2 of us walked across the street to The Pines Inn for pizza dinner.

We woke to rain and strong winds. We were glad to be safely tied at the marina. About noon the weather cleared. Since our slips were located on George Island, across the channel from the Sportsman’s Inn, we took the marina-provided shuttle across the channel. Becky, Carlton, Jeff, and Linda arrived in Jeremiah’s dinghy. We walked to Hebert Fisheries for fish and chips lunch, shopped at the general store, and stopped at the Killarney Mountain Lodge Marina.

A fun surprise for the evening was the marina’s version of a drive-in movie for boats. They showed the movie “Yes Man” on a huge screen. Boaters could turn to FM101.1 for sound. What a great idea!

Total miles: 50 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-08-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

Day 341

Strawberry Island Anchorage,

Georgian Bay, Canada

Monday, August 1, 2011

Point Au Baril Lighthouse

The famous barrel

Site of the original barrel denoting safe passage through turbulent waters

A modern home is unusual in this area

On the way to the Bustards

Different rock formations around every bend

Our anchorage at the Bustards

The Looper Train pulled anchor a little before 9:00. We took the inside passage which was calm, but unnerving with hairpin turns required in extremely tight areas with boulders on each side. When they got the chance, Bade Boomer went outside. They found high winds and 3-foot waves. Trawlers Jeremiah and Seamoore decided to anchor on the inside rather than roll in the waves.

Dream Catcher continued through Hangdog Narrows, through the open water, and caught up with Bade Boomer at Rogers Island. It turned out to not be a good anchorage, so we continued to Strawberry Island in the Bustards. We found a great anchorage, tied bow to stern, and enjoyed the evening.

Total miles: 46.5 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-08-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

Day 340

Eureka Point Anchorage, Georgian Bay, Canada

Sunday, July 31, 2011

On the way to Eureka Point

Our anchorage

Anchored at Eureka Point

Snickers and Molly take Jeff for a ride

The Looper Train left Parry Sound about 8:15. About noon we found a good anchorage behind Eureka Point. Bade Boomer and Dream Catcher anchored together bow to stern. Jeremiah and Seamoore did the same. The weather was great, so we all lowered our dingys and enjoyed rides around this incredibly beautiful area.

We had happy hour on Seamoore and decided to head for Rogers Island for anchorage tomorrow.

Total miles: 32 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

2011-08-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

Day 339

Parry Sound Town Dock, Parry Sound, Ontario,

Canada

Saturday, July 30, 2011

In front of Henry's

Lunch at Henry's with Chris and Bruce

Docked at Henry's

Leaving Henry's

Parry Sound town docks

Good appetizers across from the marina

Dream Catcher and Bade Boomer left South Bay Cove a little after 8:00. The scenery along the way was stunning. We stopped for lunch at Henry's, a local restaurant well-known for its fish.

Jeremiah and Seamoore were waiting for us at the Parry Sound town dock. They had traveled ahead on Thursday and Friday.

We walked downtown, picked up a few provisions, and stopped for appetizers at Bay St. Café. We had a light dinner on board.

Total miles: 46.5 Total bridges: 1 Total locks: 0

2011-08-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

Days 336 - 338

South Bay Cove Marina, Honey Harbour,

Ontario, Canada

Wednesday, July 27 through Friday, July 29, 2011

Many boats waiting for lockage

Canadian Shield

No yard mowing for this home

South Bay Cove marina

Top of the Cove restaurant

40th anniversary dinner with Chris and Bruce

Sample soup appetizer

A wonderful evening

Chris and Bruce

Due to bad weather on Georgian Bay yesterday, the traffic at Lock #45 on the Trent Severn Waterway was backed up. We left Driftwood Marina about 9:15, got in line, and finally locked through about 11:45. We left behind a long line of boats still waiting to get through.

We maneuvered our way through the narrow marked channels with 30 million year old boulders just below the surface on either side. We arrived at South Bay Cove Marina a little after 2:00, fueled up, pumped out, and finally docked. Kristin, one of the dock hands, drove a few of us to the grocery store for a little provisioning.

Dinner was with Chris and Bruce at the Top of the Cove Restaurant. It was pricey, but excellent.

Thursday and Friday were work days around the boat. We were waiting for a package to arrive from home. Fortunately it arrived on Friday, our fortieth wedding anniversary. We celebrated by again having dinner at the Top of the Cove with Bruce and Chris. Again it was excellent.

We can’t say enough about the facilities and the staff at South Bay Cove Marina. Everything was outstanding. The gift shop and ships’ store were well stocked, including a freezer section with top quality meats and fish. We would highly recommend this stop for all boaters.

Total miles: 17 Total bridges: 1 Total locks: 1

2011-08-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

Day 335

Driftwood Marina, Port Severn, Ontario, Canada

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Bade Boomer in the slings

Dream Catcher and Jeremiah get settled in the slings

Dream Catcher crosses the highway

Starting down the Big Chute

Wow! What a view!

Dream Catcher and Jeremiah leave the Big Chute

Painkiller and Seamoore cross the highway

Becky and Carlton begin their descent

The Big Chute awaits the next load of boats

One of the highlights of the Great Loop is Lock #44 called the Big Chute. It is a railway lift that takes boats over land from one body of water to another. The lift can carry 110 tons and vessels up to 100-feet in length. With its complex system of straps and rams it can carry a combination of boats up and down on each trip. It was a thrill to be the front boat in the lift, hanging in the slings with a spectacular view off our bow. Crossing a highway in our boat was an amazing experience.

After the Big Chute we had planned to travel to Honey Harbour on the Georgian Bay, but the winds picked up to 45 mph and the bay got rough. At the last minute we changed our plans and decided to stay above Lock 45. It is the last lock on the Trent-Severn Waterway before entering Georgian Bay. Driftwood Marina was able to take all 4 boats, but Bade Boomer opted to stay on the lock wall. The marina turned out to be a gem with a yacht club setting – a great stop. We all had happy hour together at the boaters’ lounge. Others ate dinner at the on-site pub, but the 2 of us had a quiet dinner on board.

Total miles: 13 Total bridges: 1 Total locks: 1

2011-08-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

Day 334

The River Emporium, Severn Falls, Ontario,

Canada

Monday, July 25, 2011

Warnings in English and French

10 kilometer speed limit ahead

Enjoying the scenery

Scenes along the way

The chamber of lock #43

Entering Swift Rapids Lock #43

The only bear we've seen on the trip. The sign in the yard says "Please do not feed the bear."

The River Emporium marina

Docked at Severn Falls

Great made-from-scratch meals

The River Emporium at Severn Falls took us to another small, family-run marina. There was barely room for all 4 boats at the docks. We did manage to get electrical hook-ups, but there was no fresh water. Fortunately we had filled our tank at the last stop. The on-site Riverhouse Restaurant featured home-made soups, goulash, schnitzel, and other specialties. Our server Dawna (as she says “with a w”) was a lot of fun, so we ate lunch and then went back for dinner.

Total miles: 29 Total bridges: 5 Total locks: 2

2011-08-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

Day 333

Port of Orillia, Orillia, Ontario, Canada

Sunday, July 24, 2011

The lock hands were extremely helpful

In lock #39 looking at lock #40 one-half mile ahead

Linking the Trent and Severn was a difficult project

At the marina docks

Docked at Orillia

Port of Orillia is an attractive marina conveniently located right downtown. We walked a couple of blocks for a light lunch at the Studabaker Bar and Grill. The gouda stuffed mushrooms were excellent! We also stopped at a nearby LCBO and a grocery store. We had a light dinner on board.

Total miles: 22.5 Total bridges: 7 Total locks: 5

2011-08-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

Days 331 and 332

Sunset Cove Marina, Bolsover, Ontario, Canada

Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23, 2011

Narrow channel requires a "securite" call

Entering the narrow channel on Lake Balsam

Cruising a few feet from rocks in the narrows

Clear water reveals rocks along the sides of the channel

Beautiful, but narrow

On top of Kirkfield Lift Lock #36

Chris and Bruce at the top

At the top of Kirkfield Lift Lock

Bade Boomer leaves Lock #36

Hole in the Wall Bridge constructed in 1905

One of the highlights of the day was the Kirkfield Lift Lock. The lift structure is not enclosed like the Peterborough Lift Lock, so we had more of a feeling of "hanging out there". We were suspended nearly 5 stories in the air. Wow! What a ride.

Sunset Cove is a small, family-run marina in a rural area. Since there were no nearby restaurants we ate all meals on board both days. On Saturday evening, the 2 of us made crock-pot pork chops with mashed potatoes and gravy for all 8 of us. We ate on Bade Boomer which comfortably seats 8 at the dining room table in their salon.

Total miles: 22 Total bridges: 6 Total locks: 2

2011-08-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

Day 330

Wall Above Lock #34, Trent Severn Waterway,

Ontario, Canada

Thursday, July 21, 2011

The looper train docked at Fenelon Falls

Unique routing for power cords

Fenelon Falls

View from the deck of Falls Restaurant

We left early in order to avoid the heat of the day. Temperatures soared to over 100 degrees F (reported here as 40 degrees C). By 11:30 we were lucky to find 4 places on the wall above Lock 34 at Fenelon Falls. Just 3 weeks ago the city installed electricity (called hydro here) and water for boats on the wall. Wonderful! After 6:00 pm it was still hot, but the 2 of us walked around the town. It is very small and all of the restaurants were still hot from the heat of the day, so we ended up eating dinner at Subway, the coolest place in town.

Total miles: 33 Total bridges: 3 Total locks: 2

2011-08-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

Day 329

Wall Above Lock #31, Trent Severn Waterway,

Ontario, Canada

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Island church accessible only by boat

Many homes are on islands in Georgian Bay

Congestion in the lock

Wall at Lock #31 for overnight

In front of the Chinese restaurant

Due to an electrical problem, Locks 28 and 30 were shut down for the day. This, of course, caused traffic to backup on the Trent-Severn Waterway. There was a lot of congestion. Lock walls and marinas filled up quickly. We were lucky to find a place on the wall for all 4 boats. We walked to a nearby restaurant with Bruce and Chris and enjoyed a delicious Chinese dinner.

Total miles: 22 Total bridges: 5 Total locks: 4

2011-08-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

Day 328

Wall Above Lock #26, Trent Severn Waterway,

Ontario, Canada

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Peterborough Lift Lock

Approaching the lift lock

Waiting for the gate to open to enter the chamber

Cylinder under the lock chamber

All 4 boats in the lift chamber

View from the top of Peterborough Lift Lock

Jeremiah, Seamoore, and Bade Boomer leaving Peterborough Lift Lock

Scenic Trent-Severn Waterway

Overnight at Lock #26 wall

It was an extremely hot day, but we managed to get through 6 locks including the Peterborough Lift Lock. We tied to the wall above Lock 26 and enjoyed a bratwurst dinner with Becky and Carlton, Jeff and Linda. We were also joined by Jeff and Debbie, friends of Jeff and Linda, who live in the area.

Total miles: 9 Total bridges: 7 Total locks: 6

2011-08-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

Days 326 – 327

Peterborough, Ontario, Canada

Sunday, July 17 – Monday, July 18, 2011

Entering the Peterborough Marina

At the Peterborough Museum

Boats on the left are being lowered

Cylinder under the lock chamber

View of the lock from the Welcome Center

Map at the Welcome Center of the meandering Trent-Severn Waterway

Peterborough is another great stop with a lot of nearby facilities. We rode our bikes to the Peterborough Museum which covers the history of the area. We then rode on to the Peterborough Lift Lock (Lock 21 on the Trent Severn Waterway).

The lock was built between 1896 and 1904. It raises and lowers boats in 2 water-filled chambers, each of which is 140 feet long and holds 228,000 gallons of water weighing 1,700 tons. The two 7-1/2-foot diameter chamber rams – each with a lifting reach of 65 feet – are connected in a closed water hydraulic system. Any movement in one chamber must force an equal and opposite movement of the other chamber.

To transfer boats, the upper chamber is overbalanced by taking on an extra foot of water. When the valve connecting the hydraulic rams is opened, the heavier upper chamber travels downward, forcing the opposite chamber an equal distance upward. It is amazing and fascinating to watch. Even today it is considered an engineering wonder.

After touring the lock and the lock Welcome Center, we rode back to the boats and enjoyed a melt-in-your-mouth salmon dinner compliments of Bade Boomer, grilled by Chef Carlton. Yum!

Total miles: 37.5 Total bridges: 7 Total locks: 1

2011-07-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

Days 324 – 325 Hastings Village Marina,

Hastings, Ontario, Canada

Friday, July 15 – Saturday, July 16, 2011

Hastings Marina is close to Lock and Dam #18

Beautiful flowers on the bridge at Hastings

Lots of geese at Hastings

Canadian Legion

Hastings is a friendly place to stop with nearby restaurants, groceries, and laundry. We took advantage of all of the above and enjoyed our stay. We even went to the Canadian Legion Hall compliments of Bruce’s American membership card and shared a lot of laughs with the local members.

Total miles: 20 Total bridges: 4 Total locks: 6

2011-07-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Day 323 Campbellford West Wall,

Campbellford Ontario, Canada

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Dream Catcher's bow next to the lock gates

These channel markers are definitely permanent!

Double lift combination locks #11 and #12 - in lock #11 looking at the lower gates of lock #12

Dinner at Capers

Dream Catcher docked at Campbellford with Bade Boomer across the river

The Campbellford town wall was another great stop with power and water. It got even better when Bruce and Chris arrived on Bade Boomer! We hadn’t seen them since Marathon, so it was great to catch up. All 8 of us had dinner together at Capers.

Campbellford’s claim to fame is that it is the home of Brent Townsend, designer of the “toonie” which is the Canadian 2 dollar coin. A monument in his honor is in the park next to the dock wall.

Total miles: 24 Total bridges: 5 Total locks: 6

Day 322 Lock Wall above Lock #6,

Trent-Severn Waterway

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Leaving Trenton to start the Trent-Severn Waterway

Leaving lock #1

Approaching a lock

Jim helps open lock #6 gates

Dream Catcher, Seamoore, Jeremiah at Lock #6 wall

We left the marina in time to make the first lock of the day at Lock #1 on the Trent-Severn. We were the only 3 boats in the lock, but it was an extremely tight fit with all of us in a row. Seamoore’s anchor hung over our dingy. We stopped early in the day since rain was predicted – and arrived – in the afternoon.

The lock wall above lock #6 was a great place to stop and included power and water. We walked into town with Jeff and Linda and shopped at the hardware and grocery stores. We had potluck dinner at a picnic table with additional loopers who were also staying at the lock wall.

Total miles: 7.5 Total bridges: 5 Total locks: 6

2011-07-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

Days 320 – 321 Fraser Park Marina

Trenton, Ontario, Canada

Monday, July 11 – Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Docked at Fraser Park Marina in Trenton

We arrived in Trenton in the early afternoon. Next to the marina office was a canvas shop, and the owner came over to Dream Catcher to check out some much-needed repairs. He was able to get the repairs done in the afternoon. Jim washed the canvas, and we seem to have a brand new top! Great!

Since the canvas work wasn’t done until about 8:30, we had a late dinner at Tomassos, a nearby Italian/Greek restaurant.

On Tuesday Jim checked the engines and batteries. He also cleaned the carpet on the aft deck. Again we had dinner at Tomassos, but this time with a group of loopers.

We’re ready to start the Trent-Severn Waterway which consist of 240 miles and 43 locks between Trenton on the east and Port Severn on the west.

Total miles: 40.5 Total bridges: 2 Total locks: 0

Day 319 Picton Marina

Picton, Ontario, Canada

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Jeff outside Coach's Pub and Grill

Tight dockage at Picton Marina

The most exciting thing about Picton was getting all 3 boats docked at the marina. When we called for reservations, we were told that we would all be on a 150-foot wall. There were 2 problems with that: (1) a small sailboat was also on the wall and (2) the wall was not straight, but had a 45-degree angle at one point. After much maneuvering we somehow managed to get all 3 boats tied in. We relaxed at the marina for the afternoon and then walked a few blocks to a local restaurant for dinner.

Total miles: 39 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

Day 318 Flora Macdonald Confederation Basin

Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Kingston waterfront

Prince George Hotel

Restaurant where we ate lunch

A toast to Kingston

Practice for the Kingston Fire Department

Kingston Brewing Company where we had dinner

Kingston was a fun stop. The downtown marina is right in the heart of the restaurant, shopping, and tourist district. Dream Catcher, Jeremiah, and Seamoore tied to the “day” dock (no power or water) until overnight slips opened up. We all walked a couple of blocks to a restaurant, enjoyed a great lunch, and toasted to arriving in Kingston.

After lunch we moved our boats to overnight slips and each couple spent the afternoon on their own. The 2 of us walked to a hardware store where we found much-needed charts for the Trent-Severn Waterway. We then found the Kingston Brewery where we had a brew while we waited for Becky and Carlton to arrive for dinner. It was a fun pub and a great day!

Total miles: 19 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0

Day 317 Gananoque Municipal Marina

Gananoque, Ontario, Canada

Friday, July 8, 2011

Tom Thumb, the smallest of the 1,864 islands. An island must (1) be above water all year long, (2) be at least 3 feet in diameter and (3) have at least 2 types of vegetation, one of which must be a tree.

Statue of St. Lawrence on the Canadian shore

The home is in Canada and the back yard island is in the U.S. The bridge has a Canadian flag on the left and a U.S. flag on the right.

Dream Catcher, Jeremiah, and Seamoore got off to a late start, but we all got checked in to Canadian customs at Rockport, Ontario, by 2:30 in the afternoon. We arrived at Gananoque (pronounced Gana KNOCK way) a little after 4:00. The marina was huge, and we were located at the pier furthest from the office. Everyone decided to have dinner on board instead of walking downtown.

So the 2 of us were the only ones to venture into the town. We checked out a couple of the shops, and when we got back Carlton fired up the grill and cooked bratwurst and hot dogs for everyone. It was a very relaxing evening.

Total miles: 17 Total bridges: 1 Total locks: 0

Days 315 – 316 Thousand Island Club

Wellesley Island, NY

Wednesday, July 6 - Thursday, July 7, 2011

Wind generators

International Bridge between U.S. and Canada

Along the St. Lawrence

Home and boat on the St. Lawrence

Dinner at Joey's with Bill and Brenda

A salty (ocean going) freighter

Heart Island with boat house in background

Heart Island

Boldt Castle power house

Boldt Castle boat house

Grand staircase at castle entrance

Bedroom at Boldt Castle

Dome above grand staircase

One of the bedrooms

Boldt Castle

Power House for the castle

Power House details

TI Club marina

Home on Wellesley Island

For another day we battled the wind and waves of Lake Ontario to arrive at Wellesley Island, part of the “Thousand Islands”. It was well worth the trip. The Thousand Islands is an area of stunning natural beauty. It actually consists of 1864 islands with countless beautiful homes, many of which are on their own island.

When we arrived we were greeted by Jim and Cathy on “Rambler” whom we met in Marathon last winter. They completed the loop and are spending the summer at Wellesley Island. Later in the day we met up with Bill and Brenda on “Eastnor”. We first met Bill and Brenda at the 2010 AGLCA Spring Rendezvous in Myrtle Beach. Bill and Brenda are also spending the summer on their boat at Wellesley Island. What a small world. We had a wonderful pasta dinner at Joey’s, the marina restaurant, with Bill, Brenda, Linda, Jeff, Becky, and Carlton.

On Thursday, the 2 of us took the 2-1/2 hour “2 Nation” boat tour of the area. (Yes, we actually paid to ride on a tour boat!) The homes and natural beauty were breathtaking! We also toured Boldt Castle that George Boldt built in the early 1900s for his wife Louise. While the castle was still under construction, his wife died suddenly. He stopped the construction, and the home fell into disrepair for many years. Eventually it was given to the Bridge Authority, and it is still in the process of restoration. So far they have spent $35 million. All admission fees go to the restoration.

On Thursday evening the 2 of us met Bill and Brenda at Joeys for pizza. Again the food was outstanding and so was the company! Thanks so much to Bill and Brenda for a great visit at Wellesley Island!

Total miles: 52 Total bridges: 1 Total locks: 0

Day 314 Navy Point Marina

Sackets Harbor, NY

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Tin Pan Galley

Sackets Harbor Visitors Center and Museum

Gazebo overlooking the harbor

Lake Ontario from the War of 1812 battlefield

Docked at Sackets Harbor

Memorial to those who served in the War of 1812

Dream Catcher, Jeremiah, and Seamoore left Oswego at 5:30 am in an attempt to travel in the calmest part of the day. Nice try, but it didn’t work. We had wind and waves on our beam for 5 hours as we crossed the southeast corner of Lake Ontario to Sackets Harbor. We finally arrived, got settled in, and rode our bikes downtown.

Sackets Harbor is a very charming old village. The 6 of us ate lunch at an outdoor restaurant called Tin Pan Galley. The food was excellent! While some of the group went back to the boats, the 2 of us biked around the village. A center for shipbuilding during the War of 1812, the town now boasts a park on the site of Sackets Harbor Battleground to commemorate US defense forces. The walking tour of the battleground features numerous plaques with information about the war and a phone number to call for more information concerning the event on the plaque – a very interesting and unique way to learn about the area.

Total miles: 41 Total bridges: 0 Total locks: 0