The Home Stretch

We made it to Lake Ontario a few days ago and with that the trip begins to wind down. Everywhere we go is now somewhere we've already been.  Even though this signals the end of the adventure I was still quite excited to see my home waters.  So many of my sailing firsts have been on this lake.  First sail on a keelboat.  First championship regatta.  First regatta helming the boat with Dad at crew.  First big lake crossing (on a CL 16 with no radio, no compass, no cell phone - the 80s were a dangerous time, kids). It is also where we left from a year ago (has it really been a whole year?)

Here's a few shots of the past week:

Not having the kids on board means way more space on the BBQ for us.  We've been eating like kings!

  

The southern end of the Rideau canal was particularly weedy.  This bunch ceased our prop completely and required an emergency docking on the side of the canal.

In a crowded lock we picked up a new crew member.  This kid was particulary precocious and took himself of a tour of the boat.

A real life Tom Thompson painting

The sea scouts coming out of a lock.  Kids up to age 17 get to camp, operate motor boats, learn to sail, and get their Pleasrue Craft Operator Cards as well as their VHF radio certificate.  Apparently the course is free - I wonder if in return they have to join the Navy when they turn 18?

The mast went back up in Kingston.  They all had hard hats but they didn't offer me one when they asked me to help!

That's all, folks.  Look for the "We're home" message in a few days after I've had a chance to dry my tears.