Tuesday, May 22

Internet cafe - Merrickville, Ontario

Glass-like water reflection - Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal opened in 1832 and today is considered a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 
Conceived as a war-time supply route (War of 1812), it served as a major artery for regional commerce for several decades.  Today  only pleasure boats pass through this series of beautiful lakes and rivers connected by hand operated locks that remain true to their original design.  It is easy to see how these locks would have been perceived as engineering marvels in their day.
We left the urban setting of the nation's capital for rural Ontario.  Farms, pastures and forests line the marshland shores.  The mirror like water surface of the canal provides a stunning reflection of the clouds and lush green foliage. 
We have the canal to ourselves and as we approach each lock the gates are open and the lock tenders are awaiting our arrival.  Almost as good as traveling by private jet! 

Rural Ontario

With lots of go-slow and ten locks we only went about forty miles before tying up to the blue dock in Merrickville, Ontario.