The Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is the oldest canal system in North America. Built by the British in the early 1800's to avoid those pesky Americans from harassing them on the St. Lawrence, the Rideau Canal starts in Kingston, Ontario, and meanders through rivers, lakes, and canals as it rises 164 feet with 14 locks to the Upper Rideau Lake before descending 273 feet with 33 locks to the city of Ottawa on the Ottawa River.  The canal is maintained by Parks Canada. All the lock stations have areas to tie off the boat, restrooms, and some have showers and electricity to plug in the boat. 

There's a rhythm to moving through the locks. As we exit one lock, the lockmaster will call ahead to the next lock to alert them.  Generally, the next lock is waiting for us with the lock door open, and we simply motor in and tie off.  When it worked smoothly, we were able to travel forty miles with 6 locks on an average day.

Update on Millie: When people hear that we're going on Egret for a month and a half, there's usually great concern for Chrisy, but there's also great concern for Millie.  Let me say that Millie is thriving. Although she's not a big fan of traveling at 20 knots,  as soon as we shut the engine off, she grabs a toy and insists on some playtime.  She loves her walks through new communities and enjoys meeting new friends along the way.  She also likes greeting everyone who walks past Egret on the dock.  

Millie with her pack

Chrisy "in" Kingston at the start of the Rideau.

The Rideau is a system of rivers, canals, and lakes. Here's a typical river on our way to Smith's Falls.

The lock system in the Rideau is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Most of the locks are operated manually, rain or shine. 

Locks aren't the only obstacle; occasionally, we come across a swing bridge - again, manually operated.

On anchor at our Flourtown neighbor's house.

An intrepid family we met along the Rideau. You would never know that she is very pregnant, and they endured a pretty nasty rainstorm the night before.

Entering Ottawa

The Rideau wraps up with a flight of 8 locks that's very popular with tourists.