Heading to the Nation's Capital
Trip Start
Jun 29, 2010
1
35
103
Trip End
Oct 24, 2010
Where I stayed
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
I did not wanted to get up today. Finally dragged myself out of bed and packed up my site. My neighbour had used up his entire site with his 2 tents so parked in front of my car blocking it in. I may have been able to squeeze by but didn't want to take out a baby tree so I asked the guy to pull forward a couple feet (of course I had already packed up, started my car and he still didn't notice he was in the way). Instead of pulling forward, he veered another direction and drove straight into his fire pit...hehe.
I had to force myself to stop and I'm glad I did. Kingston is nicknamed the "Limestone City" because of the many historic buildings built from the local limestone and it's located at the head of the St. Lawrence River and the mouth of the Cataraqui River - near the US border. The site has had military importance since Fort Frontenac was built in 1673. It was also the first capital of the united Canadas from 1841 to 1844.
After Kingston I wanted to check out the Rideau Canal but wasn't sure how or where. The canal was opened in 1832 as a precaution in case of war with the US and is still in use today. It runs 202 kilometres from Kingston to Ottawa. There are a total of 45 locks at 23 stations along the Canal, plus two locks at the entrance to the Tay Canal - leading to Perth. It is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America, and in 2007, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I started driving up the 15 and came across Lower Brewers Lock. And I was just in time to see a couple boats go through it. Spoke to one of the Park's employees and he gave me the scoop on the canal and the different locks. He also suggested I visit the Doner Studio at the Mill, just next door.
It's located in the historic Washburn grist mill, which was built in 1865. I walked over and was greeted by Randal & Darlene. Super nice people and Randal designs and handcrafts metal art sculptures - I liked the birds and the seaweed! The property is gorgeous. They bought it 8 years ago after it was been vacant for some time and have spent a lot of time restoring the 'mill' (which was the elevator) and the residence. I talked to Darlene for a while and she gave me lots of tips about the 1000 Islands, boat tours and the 1000 Island Parkway. Even called her daughter to get info on the best boat tour!
If you're ever in Kingston, stopping by is a must. You get to see the canal and visit the studio too!.
I drove down to Ganaoque and got onto the 1000 Island Parkway. I stopped in Rockport to check out the boat tours. There was a 1 hour one but.....you know me and boats.... Perhaps if I wasn't so exhausted and had some company. There is this amazing castle that's part of the tour - WOW. These islands are crazy, there are homes on them and some are cool. I could see lots from the parkway but couldn't stop (no pull outs at those times) so couldn't get any good pics of the wild homes - like nothing I've ever seen.
I drove through Brockville on the way and had to stop. What a cute, nice place! I took lots of pics, haha. It was getting later so hopped onto the highway and booted up to Ottawa.
Yay! Time to relax...ahhhhh
Comments
The journey continues... going back in time... except for the gummy kabobs - can't imagine they had those in the 1600's! Dad is jealous... sugar on a stick. Nothing like stront op a stokske (spelling??) Brockville DOES look like a nice little city. Another nice surprise along the way. All well here - glad all well there. Til next time... Slainte!