Making Our Way to Gananoque

Day 50  |  Brockville to Gananoque  |  4.5 Hours  |  28 Miles

The wind that had been blowing in excess of 25 knots as we anchored stopped shortly after sunset and the current slacked as well. Without those forces of nature to keep Crossroads in line, she decided that she would go for a stroll throughout the night. The anchor remained firmly set, but we floated over the chain and wandered around the swing area making for a restless night for the crew. We woke up this morning thankful to spot the two boats and both shores in their same relative positions although we were pointing in the opposite direction.

The anchor was lifted and we were off to wend our way through the 1000 Islands. The scenery was magnificent and we slowed down to about half of our cruising speed to make sure we didn't miss anything. Elaborate houses lined the steep banks with massive staircases leading down to boat houses. There were mansions with elaborate landscaping, houses occupying entire tiny islands, and equally exquisite watercraft. Our slow boat speed was a blessing as the channels are tiny, intricate, winding, and full of eddies that would twist Crossroads' path without warning.

We purposely did not spend too much time in the 1000 Islands today (we saw about 463 of them) as we have elected to take a 5-hour sightseeing tour of the islands and Boldt Castle tomorrow. After a few long days, we were anxious to arrive in Gananoque. On cue, the wind picked up in excess of 20-knots as we entered the marina, but we did a good job getting tied up in the slip. We walked into town and checked out where the tour dock is, went through a town park with cool metal sculptures, and found a market where we picked up a few things. Once back onboard, I took my book to Fiberglass Beach and enjoyed the view from the bow before dozing off for a nap.

For dinner we walked back into town to the Purple House Cafe, a spot that had caught my eye with its purple clematis on our earlier walk. A small wood-fired pizza oven sits in a small courtyard, surrounded by picnic tables. We ordered the shrimp pizza and it was amazing.

Tomorrow we will check back into the United States briefly as we visit Boldt Castle. Our passports are out and ready for the morning.