Current update on Lake Ontario

When we crossed Lake Ontario a few days ago, we were of course subject to the current near the outflow of the lake into the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River.  You might call this the St. Lawrence Leeway ...

Water Levels

Well, we guessed right that the Mississippi River would probably be too dry for us to do the loop in the normal direction, leaving Lake City in the next few weeks and heading south via the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tenn-Tom waterways to the gulf.  Good thing we went north instead and out via the Great Lakes.

But all is not well up here either.
See:
http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/08/24/where-the-water-went-georgian-bay-and-the-future-of-the-great-lakes/?utm_source=_BQN7uCB8tlmPN-&utm_content=ml24&utm_medium=email

We have had our problems with low water levels, getting hung up and towed off twice on the Trent-Severn waterway - and rushing through to get out of there before the water level dropped so low that our 4'9" draft boat would be stuck there forever.  Figure we are okay now that we are on the Erie Canal, although the ICW may also be if-fy in places.

It was great to get to the lower end of the T-S Waterway, and actually be cruising in 7 feet of water.  Can you imagine over 400-500 feet today across Lake Ontario?

We're off the Great Lakes

We made it across from the Bay of Quinte in Canada to Oswego, New York, today.  45 miles, but it was not pretty. for the 7 hour crossing, we had over 4 hours of heavy pounding - taking water over the bow. the mast supports (holding the mast down on the deck) held together, but just barely. I had to take the dock lines and tie the mast down tighter (in spite of haveing added additional lines several days ago) - and let me tell you, it ain't no fun on the foredeck in pounding seas. our harnesses, tethers and jacklines just paid for themselves (no, I didn't go overboard, but would not have gone forward without them). tomorrow, after some sleep and when it cools off, I'll inspect the rig and improve what needs it. should be good enough for the Erie Canal now, though.

got a slip in a marina; immediately hit the nearest bar for burgers and beer.  and now for some sleep. and more beer. Erie Canal starts tomorrow.  Calm water at last!

Crossing Lake Ontario - Today

It's forty miles to Os-Whee-Go,

Forget it I never shall.

What a wonderful time we'll have tonight

On the Ear-Eye-E Canal-al-al,

On the EAR_EYE_E CANAL !

Oh, the Ear-Eye-E was a-risen

And the gin is a get-in low

And I scarcely think we will get a drink

'Till we get to Os-Whee-Go Oh Oh,

'Till we get to Os-Whee-Go

[Headed out for the crossing this morning]

Fall is here!

Oh, no!  Looked at the calendar on August 15^th and said….oh no! Yet saying 30 degrees Celsius this weekend.

The weather changed over a couple of days ago.  Very pleasant days, very windy, very changeable; cool evenings.  Really feels like the first burst of fall weather now.  We wanted to get across Lake Ontario before this weather hit, enjoying a crossing with light or no winds. Oh, well …

Have been told my [Ilona's] lime-green jacket can be seen for clicks as we approach locks.

Lake Ontario !

August 2 through 22^nd. We did it. We are now finished with the Trent-Severn Waterway, at Trenton, Ontario.  Forty-three locks, 240 miles.  Eleven nights of camping on lock walls, one week away in Mississauga with Naomi, Clayton & Stephanie (boat in a marina for the week), two nights at the Peterborough Marina.  Ran aground twice, requiring getting towed off.  Left Georgian Bay on Lake Huron, arrived in the Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario.

Now to get across Lake Ontario to Oswego, New York, where we pick up the Erie Canal.  If we follow the Bay of Quinte east (inland route along the northeast shore of Lake Ontario), we will work it down to a mere 40-mile crossing.  We did 40 miles across upper Georgian Bay, facing 15-knot winds and moderately large waves. We also did 10 miles of Lake Simcoe with some winds and outrageous waves – so this should also be just another semi-tough day. Of course, the Fall winds are here now. Oh, well ...

We are having dinner tonight with Annie Nundahl and her husband-to-be; she saw what we are up to on Facebook, and we go right by their place.

Oil change, finally.

We finally got to a marina that had a mechanic who knew what he was doing and had the right equipment to change our diesel engine oil & filter – and at a reasonable price.  Still need to buy a good pump to suck out the old oil through the dipstick. [I was going to say most pumps really suck, but that would not exactly be accurate…]

Most of the Waterway is pretty isolated; figure it's like shopping or getting services in the rural Yoop (U.P.) of Michigan.  Where is there a West Marine when you really need one?  We can e-mail order stuff and have it sent ahead, but want to see what we are buying and if it will fit. (Similarly, we need a bombproof Rocna 33# anchor. Someday.)