June 10 to 17 Jack and Dillon Join us

Jack (our grandson) and his friend Dillon joined us for a week in Ottawa. Timing was perfect as we developed a leak in our drip less shaft. We found the information and parts on the Internet and Hurst Marine, a major marina and repair facility, was ready when the part arrived. Our concern was the possible two to three delay to get the part through CUSTOMS. Peter Hurst offered us his car, but we rented one to provision for 2 15 year old boys and pick them up from Ottawa's airport. The next night we put the boys to work making dinner, a new experience for Dillon.

Dined at the picnic tables poolside at the marina.

The part came in fedx overnight air, the repairmen were at the boat 2 o'clock and we left the next day dodging kayaks they swarmed like locusts and thoughts they had the rights of a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Jack and Dillon drove much of the way to Merrickville.

Many towns have built up around the lock stations.

Vicky is infatuated with all the large old churches.

Cutter was glad the pet groomer was closed when we arrived. Hanging flower baskets were everywhere.

Locks were everywhere and the boys became proficient at tying up.

We stayed an evening tied to the mooring at the Hartswell lock adjacent to the college.

A hot air balloon flew overhead as Vicky was on the bridge having morning coffee.

Approaching the lock

Dillon, Cutter and Jack taking a break from a hectic day.

A toured Parliament Hill.

Bridges are as much a part of the trip as locks.

A tour bus caught Vicky's eye

One of the lock attendants took our photo.

A view of Ottawa from the water.

Jack,Dillon and John swimming in the Ottawa River, Cutter and Vicky were smart enough to know it was cold and stayed on the boat. When the swim was over, the port engine failed to start. Our steering is based on both engines. We limped to the locks.

At two o'clock we arrived at the Ottawa staircase , a series of 9 locks totaling 79 feet, which had to be traversed to get to Dows Lake where the next mechanic would meet us at 6. pm. The fantastic lock crew helped us through, even when the heavy rains started. At 4 pm when we completed the lock adventure and we realized the swing bridge ahead would not open until 5:30 after commuter traffic. We finally arrived at Dow's Lake 15 minutes before the mechanic.

Perfect scheduling as this is the closest marina to the airport. The boys will leave tomorrow as we wait for the starter to be rebuilt.