Kingston to Boldt Castle and on to Trenton, Ontario

July 7 - 8, 2002 - Kingston to Boldt Castle and on to Trenton, Ontario

We left Confederation Basin early to get diesel and a pump out at Portsmouth Harbor before setting out for Alexandria Bay to see the Boldt Castle and a little of the Thousand Islands before heading for Trenton. We're on the St. Lawrence River and it sure feels strange to be in big waters after so many days on little canals and cuts. It was a pretty day - warm but not beastly hot like it has been recently. We're actually in 60 feet of water - WOW. Almost like cruising on Lake Michigan. There were all sizes of islands all around - real pretty, and picturesque homes and cottages and boathouses.

We had been warned that this is a very busy place and that the boaters aren't all very experienced, so to beware. Well, boats of all sizes and shapes, plus houseboats and wave runners and go fast boats racing all around us. It was kind of crazy looking as they were going in and out all over the place and we needed to be sure we didn't hit anyone of them. If we had hit one, we would have squashed them. Luckily we dodged them and got to the Boldt Castle about 12:30 and circled the dock at the castle - no spots, except for the tour boats. Finally I managed to reach the dock man by telephone and he told us to tie up to the immigration docks and go through U.S. Customs, kind of crazy because we were going back into Canada the next day. But we did what they now require after 9-11, and they said that if we wanted to see the Castle, we could go across the river to the Boldt Yacht House and dock and that they would pick us up so that we could tour the Castle. I must say the Rendezvous looked great tied up next to that beautiful boathouse. Bill will probably put a picture on the web, so watch for it. The Castle had a very unusual history and was really a sight to see. George Boldt, of Waldorf-Astoria fame, wanted to build an elaborate summer home for his beloved wife, Louise. Unfortunately, she died rather unexpectedly at 42 and he was so upset that he sent all the workers away and never finished the house and never went back. It sat unattended from 1904 until 1977 and continued to deteriorate to a state of disrepair. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority assumed ownership in 1977 and started rehabilitation. It is still under construction and refurbishing is a work in progress. It has 120 rooms, so I can't imagine when or if it will ever be completed. It still is beautiful and you can close your eyes and picture what it would have looked like if completed in its day with the Boldt's entertaining their friends and family.

After our tour was over we cruised over to the River Edge Marina to spend the night. It was a lovely hotel and resort with pool, cable TV. Etc.

Monday, July 8th we left River Edge in Alex Bay for the trip to Picton Harbor Marina. The waterways weren't nearly so busy as the big weekend was over - thank goodness.

It was almost relaxing and I napped and read my book. I haven't been able to do that much recently. The trip was about 55 miles so it took most of the day. After we arrived in Picton, we walked to town to see what was going on. We were in a bookstore when the owner asked if we were going to the concert that night at the theater next door. She gave us some coupons and said she thought we'd enjoy it. We decided to stay in town and go to see the show. It was the Ottawa Swing Kings playing very familiar Benny Goodman. Very good.

Tuesday, July 9th we cruised to Trenton where we will ready the boat etc. for the 240-mile journey down the Trent-Severn Waterway and through 44 more locks. Never a dull moment.