July 10-13                                        Morrisburg, Ontario

We left early on another beautiful day to cruise to Crysler Park Marina, located five miles downriver from Morrisburg in a national park.  We were assigned an end slip next to the river and had an unobstructed view of the boats and ships going past.  It was a lovely setting with trees lining the banks, flocks of Canadian geese swimming near us, and well-maintained facilities.  There were no nearby shopping amenities, but we were stocked.

Next to our slip was a large vessel with cobalt blue siding and an ornate wooden canopy-like cabin.  In front was a spacious deck adorned by two massive carved heads of Indian chiefs.  Painted on the stern was the name Le Grand Charroi.  We soon met the owner and her friend who were friendly, funny, and very engaging.  They had recently bought the vessel and were restoring and repairing it.  It would be their summer home.  They had not attempted to take it out into the river for a cruise.  It would surely be a great attraction once they did so!  We had repairs to finish and work to do.  The weather was delightful and we spent the following day on the boat.

 Crysler Farm, once located nearby but now submerged by the building of the St. Lawrence Seaway, was the site of a decisive battle in the War of 1812 between the British and U.S. armies.  The U.S. sought to capture Canadian forts to thwart military assistance to British soldiers in New England.  Although the U.S. outnumbered their foes, the British won the battle and caused the Americans to retreat from Canada.  Today, this battle is re-enacted daily in Upper Canada Village, comprised of numerous buildings and homes from the nineteenth century that were saved from the deluge resulting from the construction of the seaway and its large dams.  We spent a day exploring the site, enjoying the crafts and skills demonstrations, and dining at the Willard Hotel, once a popular inn for travelers.  Dressed in nineteenth century clothing, the waitstaff was very pleasant and the food, simple, basic fare, was delicious.

Rain came in torrents the next day.  It was the ultimate test for the hatch to the bridge which David had recently repaired.  Adding a thick new gasket to seal the hatch had finally eliminated the persistent leaking.