July 6, 2012

We awoke to an overcast cool day and after an early breakfast at the Main Street Family Restaurant, headed south to Smiths Falls.  We went through 6 locks, the last one being a large combination of 3 locks in Smiths Falls with an elevation of 26 feet.  By this time the sun had come out and we were once again in shorts.  We arrived at Victoria Park around noon and were happy to get a slip.  The rate is 50 cents a foot -- unheard of!  This is a combination RV Campground and Marina with a beautiful park, laundry facilities, a wading pool for the kids and easy access to many stores, including a Wal-Mart Super Centre.

Our friends, Kara and John (whom we met in Montreal and have caught up with a few times in our travels) were here also.  Kara is still ill.  She suffered heat stroke in Ottawa and is slowly recovering.  John loaned Jack and Reese fishing rods and they were busy for hours catching fish off the dock...perhaps 20 fish, using hot dogs for bait. 

Betsy, the cherubs and I went to the Smiths Falls Museum a short distance from the Park.  It is on four levels and quite interesting.  We had been looking for a gift shop and were sent there.  The gift shop is closed now, but the woman in the museum gave the kids each two pins one is a replica of the hand cranks they use on the locks and the other is a Canadian pin with a beaver on it.  She invited us to watch a 10 minute film about Colonel By and how he built the Rideau Canal.  She invited Jack and Reese to go on a scavenger hunt after we watched the movie.  It took us to all four levels of the museum and the kids had to search for various items on the list.  They had a great time.  She invited them to come back tomorrow for an even more challenging scavenger hunt and they were so excited.  Betsy, Reese and I went to a small grocery store nearby and Ralph and Jack were on the dock fishing and talking to other boaters.  We were all very tired and by bedtime it was still nearly 90 degrees -- we were glad to be in the marina with the AC on!

We’re having difficulty sustaining internet connectivity here in Victoria Park.  I am, therefore, unable to post photos, as I get disconnected.  I’ll post them when I am able.  :(