This is the July 4, 2012 posting.  Happy Birthday, America!!  We spent July 4 traveling from Ottawa 40 miles down the Rideau Canal to Burritts Rapids -- we went through nine locks.  Betsy was pressed into service in the locks and after the first few, disappeared.  She slithered away to have a nice nappie and slept several hours, having had no sleep the previous two nights.  We gave the cameras to the kids and they took some pictures. 


It was HOT!  In our travels we ran into a torrential rain storm which was rather refreshing and we thought for sure we'd see a rainbow, but it was not to be.  However, we did run into "Ice Cream Float" -- which is a pontoon boat cruising around the canal that sells ice cream.  Woo Hoo!!  What a great afternoon treat on a hot day!

We tied up for the night at Burritts Rapids Lock 17 -- had dinner at the Lock 17 Bistro which was really good and we took a little walk on the Tip to Tip Trail after dinner.  We're grateful for electricity and water at the locks in the canal -- and very glad to have the AC on.

Here are some photos of July 4:

Betsy locking through her first lock at Hartswell on the Rideau Canal

In Canada kids don't have to wear life jackets on board, but they are not permitted on deck during locking through.

Jack and Reese are well behaved and are a pleasure to be around.

Betsy got some great photos on the way

The cherubs took this photo of me locking through on the bow

Ice Cream Float - is this the best idea or what??

Mmmmm....delicious!!!

PopPop was available to help with drippy cones!!!