2001-08-10: Our Site
Here we are in the city of Kingston campground. We have all the amenities we need (including the internet) and we're close to the water. To make life ideal, the temperature and humidity have finally gone down to the 80's.
2001-08-10: Free Ferry
As we day-tripped along Route 33 from Kingston to Picton, the road abruptly ended and we drove onto a ferry to the other side. The ferry held about 20 cars and took about 15-20 minutes to cross to the other side. The most amazing thing was that there was no charge! We decided that since the highway continued on the other side that they just consider this a continuation of the highway.
2001-08-10: Ferry From Afar
A view of the ferry from Lake On The Mountain on the other side of Route 33.
2001-08-11: Lake Ontario
The lake from the campground.
2001-08-11: City Hall
Kingston is located where Lake Ontario begins to flow into the St. Lawrence Seaway which eventually empties into the Atlantic. It is a city rich in history with many buildings constructed of local rock (limestone). The city hall is a grand old building which is host to Canada's oldest farmers market. We went to the market and found a real farmers market with wonderful produce.
2001-08-12: Kingston Mill Locks
The Rideau Canal between Kingston and Ottawa has 49 locks. It was completed in 1832 and was a secure water route for troops and supplies from Montreal to reach the settlements of Upper Canada. Today the canal provides a way for pleasure craft to make the ascent of the Catarqui River system. It was so interesting to watch the canal master load boats of all sizes into the first of the four locks at Kingston Mills which is just north of the Kingston. Here you see the first boat, a rented house boat entering the lock.
2001-08-12: Next Boats
The lock is loaded with bigger boats first followed by the smaller ones. It was an interesting procedure.
2001-08-12: Hand Crank It Closed
Once the boats are in, the lock is closed by hand cranks on each side. The valve is opened which then fills the lock to the water level of the next lock. This procedure was followed at each of the four. It took about 15 minutes to fill each lock so the boats were through in about an hour or so.