July 12 - At the Summit of Rideau

We left Smith Falls to start bumping our way through the Rideau.  We went through many narrow passages in the canal, barely enough room for one boat.  Then, suddenly, the canal emptied into the Rideau Lakes, which were expansive lakes, cold, and deep blue in color.  We had fair weather and the lakes were smooth and a welcome change to the locks.  It is easy to see why the Canadians spend 2 to 3 weeks every summer cruising their waterways.  These lakes represent the high point on the Rideau canal system, which is about 300 feet above the waters of the Ottowa River.   At the south end of the lakes, we entered the canal to Newboro lock, where we stayed the night –at the summit of the Rideau.   Over the next few days, we will descend into the waters of Lake Ontario.  The first pic shows a typical narrow passage in the canal.  Then a pic of lake scenery.  The third pic (not shown here due to download problem) shows Christine next to a blockhouse, built by the British for defense against potential US attacks following the war of 1812.   Finally, a pic of the peaceful setting of the Newboro Lock.  We often see local folks having a picnic at the locks, just absorbing a quite time in a natural setting.