Reunion Voyage: Smiths Falls to Davis Lock

July 29, 2014

Sitting out the rain in Smiths Falls was a good choice. We got caught up on a few things, and today was excellent weather – cool and little overcast, but no rain.

The scenery from Smiths Falls to here was exceptional. Narrow channels between towering pines and then opening up to small lakes, set with rocky islands. Many of the islands hold a single cottage and the shores had cottages, but we are a long way from a city and everything feels very peaceful.

Davis Lock is a rural spot but very pretty and well kept. They had a spot on the blue line where we could tie up overnight, and the lockkeeper called ahead and said that the next lock had no room left. So we threw out a line, and this is home for a night. We even have an electrical hook up, which isn’t that common along the lock walls. There is a classic wooden boat parked here, and 4 or 5 other boats who will stay overnight. There aren’t many marinas – the boating season is too short to make a living and these lock walls seem to take their place.

Miscellaneous things we’ve noticed: Loons and wood ducks live in these waters; the other boaters are talking about seeing a vixen and a couple of small foxes;

Along the roads and parks we noticed 95% of the cars seem to be black/gray/white. It takes a lot of waiting to see a red car or a blue truck.

Grocery stores in Canada (we’ve been in 6 or 8 now) have no selection of cheese. You have cheddar and mozzarella. That’s it. Okay so maybe we were used to the selection in Wisconsin – or all over the US. But I do miss good cheese. Fresh produce is plentiful, and expensive. Gas and diesel fuel are extremely expensive. Tomorrow we will have to stop and pay approximately $6 per gallon for diesel.

The people are very nice, helpful, friendly…. Can’t say enough about the great hospitality.

Tonight we will stay in this very quiet and comfortable place, have a steak on the grill and read a good book.