Mile 1412: Niagara on the Lake

 

Got up a little late, but had to get blocks and cubes to keep the cooler under control.  We then headed for the canal entrance.  Immediately I noticed that engine sounded wrong ... intake must be plugged again even though I checked the strainer.  We motored slowly to the fee dock.  Linda paid our fees while I cleaned out the intake seacock (got to install a larger one!).   Linda was told we needed to hop to it to join a group already in the locks or end up having to wait for the next group.  I quickly reconnected the cooling water intake, popped the dinghy of deck and we headed right into the canal.  The bridge opened for us as we arrived, and we continued along without delays.  At the second or lock, we joined the other boats waiting for us.  A Coast Guard boat, and a very large motor boat.

We passed one up bound freighter (Algoma Transfer) in the process.  We had checked the AIS tracking website in the morning, and it showed virtually no traffic.

Except for a 15 minute period when the lock operators told us to tie up and wait, we has no delays.  Every bridge was open as we passed under, and all locks were green lighted and we motored right in.  Started at 10:30, and out the other end by by 4:30.  6 hours must be about the fastest you can transit the locks.  Not bad.

The weather was a combination of cool rain, mist, and some clear periods.  By the time we exited, it was quite pleasant out.

Once out of the piers, we took a quick right and checked out St Catherine's Marine ... didn't look so hot, so we went to NOLSC and found a slip there with much nicer accommodations and a hop away from the town.  Dinner out tonight!

A nasty electrical storm passed by during the night requiring battening down everything to keep dry.

Chris