6 - Kingston to Gananoque – Follow the Leader

Kingston to Gananoque – Follow the Leader
We slept in a bit, prepped the boat, took a shower and got ready to leave Kingston. As we were starting our engine, the Canadian Border Patrol paid us a visit. We learned we are supposed to put the check in number in the window of our boat closest to the boarding area. They were stern, but pretty nice about it so no big deal. Notes for next time!

We headed north east up the St. Lawrence River. Sailing was easy; again wind at our backs and sailing on only the Genoa. We noticed a very pretty yellow and orange spinnaker on a sail boat sailing in the same direction. We took some pictures. We passed them and later they passed us. We had a chance to hail them, say hello and ask them the type of boat they were sailing. He told us a Union 36. Very pretty boat with classic lines and a big bow sprit out in front (Basically a long pole sticking out the front that they mount additional sails.) Wayne asked them where they were going and they said they were also going to Gananoque. We said it was our first time there, and they said they would see us there.

The wind was picking up as we had expected about the time we got to the Admiralty Islands which we either had to go through or around to get to Gananoque. We were glad to get out of the main lake and into more a sheltered area. We rolled up our sail and followed the Union 36 through some very picturesque islands winding in and through some very close islands and rocks. We saw a very nice place several boats were anchored in a small cove behind Aubrey Island. We will have to come back and anchor here one of these days!

After several twists and turns we noticed the union 36 had someone on deck we guessed to watch for rocks, so Brenda went forward to check it out. It was absolutely gorgeous in there! Right out of a picture post card. We never could have attempted it if we had not had our guide in front of us. Wayne did a great job maneuvering the boat through some very tight channels (I think he has a few more gray hairs though!). We exited the channel and there was Gananoque!

We made our way to the dock and a very nice gentleman from Ottawa assisted us in docking. It was quite windy and a challenge docking. Wayne did a great job of getting us in. After we were all tied up and settled, we assisted several other boats in docking. Everyone was very happy to have some help given the windy conditions.

We took a walk and checked out the public beach which is very close by. There is also a public dock for daytime tie up, and a group of shops and a marine museum just past the beach. Later we walked up to King Street (Main) and had supper in the “Old English Pub”. Very interesting décor and the food was fantastic! Wayne had Sheppard’s pie with lamb, and Brenda had Guinness marinated steak pie. We split a seafood chowder which was excellent as well. Very highly recommend checking it out if you are in the area.

We are supposed to get rain tonight and more tomorrow morning, so we will have some time to relax and see some more of the town tomorrow afternoon. Our next stop will be Cape Vincent to check in with US Customs.