July 8 Gananogue to Kingston

July 8

We took the “Bateau Channel” or the small boat channel from Gananoque to Kingston.   I’m not sure if the weather was truly perfect or being in the more protected waters of this channel helped but it was just another glorious day of cruising. We’re getting a bit spoiled.  Blue skies, sunny, mid 70’s, moderate humidity, very light breeze. 

Crossing the Bateau Channel - trying a new configuration with both kayaks on front

We only covered 19 miles and kept to a very leisurely pace for a planned 1PM arrival to Confederation Basin Marina – the Kingston city marina right downtown.  Scenery remains pretty standard now – clear water, rock islands and shoals, plenty of trees and houses of all sizes.

 Most interesting thing we came across were several ferry crossings.   Each ferry a different size – smallest one only taking 2 cars, but each operated the same.  Attached to a cable that crosses the water and they are pulled across on it. Made me a little nervous crossing over them but no issues.

The smallest of 3 ferries on this route.  Just 2 cars per trip. 

  As we were approaching but still about 30 minutes away we got passed by 5 cruiser style boats we assumed were heading to the marina.  I also saw a large catamaran well ahead of me.  This was concerning me as the marina is on a first come basis and has limited transient dockage since high water has part of their fixed docks underwater.  Even worse was 2 more trawlers arriving from the opposite direction just ahead of me.  Thankfully, they still had room for us after all those boats got settled in and we actually would up with a pretty decent slip and another successful and stress free dockage.  Martha and I have become more diligent about using our “marriage saver” headsets during locking and docking to make communication easier and it really seems to help as we can talk in normal tones instead of yelling at each other simply to be heard.

Pirate ship??

It’s the last relatively large city we’ll see in Canada, so we’ll spend a few nights here.  It’s got a lot of history.  Founded in 1673 as Fort Frontenec as a French fur trading post it was also a strategic location at the junction where the Rideau River enters the St. Lawrence River. There are several old forts along the waterfront testifying to it’s military importance and the city is still home to the Canadian Royal Military College and several other universities.  Back in 1841 this was Canada’s first capital before it was moved further inland. It’s called the “Limestone City” because many of the older building were constructed using a locally mined limestone which gives the city center a cohesive look and maintains it’s overall character. It’s a foodie town with too many restaurants to choose from.  There’s also 3 breweries within easy walking distance of the marina.

Limestone City Hall building

This is the city we came to two years ago so I could jump aboard a boat and crew for a guy going through the Trent Severn Waterway.   During that stopover we didn’t have a chance to explore the city very much so we’re looking forward to another day of touring, eating, drinking and listening to several live musicians tomorrow.  There are 9 looper boats here if I counted them all so I’m sure we’ll have some sort of get together.

Sunset behind the city hall building

Journey for July 8