June 26, Ottawa
Staircase Locks
In order to make it in time to do Ottawa
Staircase Locks we left at 6:15AM. Ken
fought the current leaving Hawkesbury, it kept us pen to wall while he tried to
pull away. We cruised 60 miles up the
Ottawa River. The Ottawa River portion
of the Loop is 97 statute miles long and runs south east from Ottawa to the
lock at Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. The
scenery was gorgeous, and we admired the beautiful cottages, farms and churches
along the way. On the north shore we
came across Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, reportedly the largest log
structure in the world. The Log Chateau
was built in 1930 and enlarged over the years.
Rain was forecasted,
but it turned out to be a fantastic day to travel. We arrived at the 8 staircase locks and they
just started to lock a boat down. We waited
for 1 ½ hour tied to the blue line before they were ready for us.
We locked
with another boat and the sightseers were asking us questions. This is one of the top attractions in
Ottawa. The lockmasters were helpful and
we successfully completed another goal.
We took a spot
on the city wall and there was an electric plug, but no power. We were told that they hope to have the power
on in 24 hours.
Ottawa is the Capital of Canada and we are
looking forward to visiting the city.
Our first venture will be the Changing of the Guards at the Parliament Building.
Our first venture will be the Changing of the Guards at the Parliament Building.
Le Chateau Montebello reportedly the largest log structure in the world. |
An 18 wheeler on a ferry crossing!
Eight Stair Case Locks, the beginning of the Rideau Canal! |
Col. By watching over the Rideau Canal, his engineering marvel! |