Smiths Falls

Monday, July 20

It was a little cool this morning but warmed up quickly as the sun rose and we had another fine weather day. We did some chores including filling the water tank and a little after nine we were underway. Diana took this picture as we left of the Galley where we had lunch yesterday.
We followed an alternate route back to the main route on Big Rideau Lake and continued on. This nice home was on the shore as we past close by. We saw the deepest water we have been in since Lake Michigan on the east end of Big Rideau, over 300 feet.

We reached the end of the channel that would take us to Lower Rideau Lake. This is now getting into some low land and the later exiting Lower Rideau there is a very twisted channel through marsh land.

We followed the boats we had locked with into the next section.

Soon we were approaching Smith Falls, our destination for the day; it is the midpoint of the Rideau system. Originally there was a detached lock and a quarter mile later a flight of three. In the 1970 a swing bridge over the flight was replaced by a new larger bridge and a new single chamber lock was build next to the flight to replace it. The flight of three is still there but not operational.

The approached to the entire area is marked by this permanently open railroad bridge. It is the last of its type standing in Canada. We locked through the detached single lock and headed into the very busy quarter mile between locks. In addition to tying on the lock wall the town has finger docks available for overnight mooring with power and showers. It is associated with a camp ground also in the park.

The park does not take reservations it is first come, and they were full. We went across the way and tied to the approach wall right next to a lovely city park.

Smith Falls is the site of the Rideau Canal home office and they have a museum attached. We walked over and toured the museum, it is very interesting. On top of the museum is an observation tower over looking most of Smith Falls, Diana took this picture of the area. Memories is just visible center right.

After the museum we walked to the grocery store. It was a healthy walked to the store and even longer back with four bags of groceries.

Another excellent day.