We were both awake shortly after first light and decided to just get up and get going. Overnight the bugs descended on our stern and we accumulated a few long strands of seagrass on our bow. Both proved to be minor annoyances as we pulled up the anchor and were underway by 5:30. The Saint Lawrence Seaway wass open and wide along our path and lined with all sorts of odd-looking navigational aids. The channel markers here in Canada are much more elaborate than what we're accustomed to on home waters. I believe the osprey of the Chesapeake would love to build their huge nests upon the markers with huge penthouse platforms. Some channel markers take the form of miniature lighthouses. The Canadian Coast Guard was out tending the navigational aids as we passed by.
We had two big lift locks to pass through today. That was our primary goal and anything more would be a pleasant surprise. The Snell and Eisenhower locks are actually located in the United States (no Customs clearance required for entry and exit) and are joined together by one canal. It was quite the pleasant surprise to pull up to the gate and see the green light illuminated, permitting immediate entry. My main frustration with these locks is that they have all been different: port tie vs. starboard tie; lock supplied lines vs. vessel supplied lines; ropes vs. cables vs. pipes vs. floating docks; lifting vs. lowering ... ugghh. We have gotten smarter (and better) as we've moved along, but locking through is still stressful. (We have about 100 more locks to go before we return home.)
This morning we experienced another option for the first time -- the floating bollard. We tied the midship line to this contraption that was recessed in the lock wall and was elevated by the rising water level in the chamber. I was in my usual position at the stern, ready to position our aft fender as needed to protect our exposed rear corner. We rose without issue and were cleared to exit. The smile on my face is legit for we lost no time waiting, were now well ahead of schedule, and the big locks were behind us.
After the Eisenhower Lock, the Saint Lawrence River opened up and was very scenic. Little islands seemed to be popping up everywhere. We passed a few more "big guys" and by 3:00 had reached the final lock of the Seaway -- the Iriquois Lock. We tied up to the waiting dock and enjoyed the opportunity to walk around during our 30 minute wait for the green light. In yet another twist, we did not even have to tie up inside the chamber or cut the engine off for this final lock only lifted us about a foot. By the time we handed the locktender our paperwork we were cleared to go.
The afternoon was still young and we were feeling good so we pushed on a bit further than planned. The miles ticked off rather quickly as the shores were full of interesting homes, industry, farmland and (finally) some more lighthouses. The Windmill Point Lighthouse (center) in Wexford, Ontario and the Ogdensburg (NY) Harbor Light (right) were in close proximity to each other, on opposite shores.
As the sun set, the temperatures quickly dropped. We pulled into this nice little anchorage around 6:30. By the time we got the bridle attached and shut off the engine, we had been on the water for 13 hours ... our second-longest day of our Great Loop adventure. The small islands will serve as a break from the wind, current, and wakes of vessels passing by in the main channel. We enjoyed dinner onboard and will get a nice hot shower before calling it a night. It was a good day.
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