St. Lawrence Seaway

[ris]

Well all three Macs are all on different loops at this point. We left Seeker when we went north on the Oswego to enter Lake Ontario. Seeker (Lee on 26 M) continued on the Erie toward Buffalo NY with plans to cross Lake Erie and go to Cleveland. Chinook is still on Lake Champlain headed toward Canada or he might already be there. We (RIS on the Jill Kristy) have crossed Lake Ontario and entered the St. Lawrence Seaway headed for Boldt Castle and a week or so in the 1000 Islands. I must tell you this has been one of the most wonderful time as a couple. We just continue to meet really great people. We rafted up last night in Henderson Bay with a couple on a 34 ft American Tug, had drinks, supper and watched the day end in a beautiful place. We plan to do this trip on $15000 or less. Hopefully less just in case you were wondering. You can do it a lot cheaper by cutting down on the eating out and spending less time in Marinas. But you meet more people in Marinas. When we finish we will let you know what our total was just in case you plan to do the loop some day. The Erie canal was fun and there are lots of free docks and lock walls you can spend the night on. Some of the free docks even have power. It is easy to find places to stay for $1 a foot per night. We even made a side trip in a rental car to Niagara falls and Niagara on the Lake. Just leave your mast at home and enjoy a week or two on the Erie.

We have been having so much fun that we have not posted often, will try to do it more often. Our blog is thejillkristy.wordpress.com
We have come to love our Mac more and more as this trip goes on.

[Herschel]

Good to hear from you. You guys are doing a great job. Hearts are a little heavy here in Orlando as you might expect. Take care.

[Jimmyt]

Keep it coming. I'm really enjoying your blog!

[Chinook]

Hi Richard and Jill,

Good to see your great update. We are in Plattsburgh NY, on Lake Champlain right now, planning on crossing into Canada tomorrow morning, then down the Chamblis Canal and locks to the St. Lawerance over the next day or two. We'll be following along in your wake, at least a few weeks behind you, so leave a few breadcrumbs for us along the way.

Fair winds from Mike and Sandy

[Starscream]

We (RIS on the Jill Kristy) have crossed Lake Ontario and entered the St. Lawrence Seaway headed for Boldt Castle and a week or so in the 1000 Islands.
.

Boldt Castle is beautiful. Try to do it on a weekday to avoid the kabillion tourists. There are US Customs facilities on the island so you can check back in to the US if you have been in Kingston or Gananoque.
Since you're there, you could also visit Singer Castle on Jordstadt Island (also called Dark Island) just a few miles downriver. It's a different experience than the super-touristy Boldt Castle.

Just across the river from Boldt Castle is the little town of Alexandria Bay. It's worth a visit just to walk up and down the main street. A little touristy too, but nice. We occasionally treat ourselves to a night at the Riveredge Hotel: it has docking facilities, a pool, and A/C which can be a welcome relief.

If you are looking for a good anchorage and a beach, one of the best ones is at Grenadier Island in Canadian waters: it has a big sandy bay to anchor out in, docks, a small beach and hiking trails. If you can, check out the Lake of the Isles, too.

[ris]

We anchored out last night (Thursday ) in lake of the isles doing the boldt castle today. Will check out the other Anchorage when we head into Canada on Monday . Thanks for the info starscream.

[K9Kampers]

As you make your way down the SLR, consider stopping in at Clayton, NY to visit the Antique Boat Museum!

[ris]

We did stop at the boat museum and we agree it was worth the visit. I liked the canoes and sailing canoes the most.

[dlandersson]

Any follow-ups? Marina's open in 6 weeks up north.

We did stop at the boat museum and we agree it was worth the visit. I liked the canoes and sailing canoes the most.