July 14-15                            Cornwall, Ontario

We arose early for departure shortly after 7:00 AM.  We had been told pleasure craft were admitted to Eisenhower Lock at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.  There was no information available on the assigned telephone number, the internet, nor in any of my books as to an exact schedule. We arrived at the entrance to the lock at 9:00 AM and followed check-in instructions.  We had to dock the boat in an assigned area (without help), walk on a swaying pontoon, and climb the stairs to a call station.  We were told we would have a very brief wait as the lock would soon be opening to emit upriver boats.  I quickly re-boarded and we returned to the lock entrance area.

After entering the lock, we found a completely different docking procedure.  With assistance (thankfully), we tied to bits that lowered as the water receded more than 35 feet.  The turbulence was considerable and I found it very difficult to maintain control of the lines and keep the fenders in place to protect the sides of the boat. 

Only a short distance from  Eisenhower Lock, we entered Snell Lock (there was no preliminary check-in) and encountered a similar situation.   Both locks are massive as they were built to accommodate the large commercial tankers that come through enroute to the Great Lakes or the Atlantic.  We were alone in both locks so we were spared the anxiety of possibly hitting another vessel if our lines (or theirs) became too loose.

David and I agreed the check-in procedure for the locks is highly inefficient and very dangerous.  All information needed could be transmitted by electrical signs (already in place) or by speakers.  We were fortunate there was no wind when we had to dock.  The pontoon was quite unsteady and would have been exceedingly dangerous in a good wind.  I would have had to go on my hands and knees to keep my balance!

Before leaving Crysler Park, I had consulted with another boater about the route to Cornwall, our next stop.  Comparing charts, he and I agreed we could take the shortcut through Polly’s Gut (a disgusting name!) without difficulty.  One of my books mentioned a 24’ bridge in the area but neither of us could find such a barrier on our charts. There was a very high International Seaway Bridge noted but nothing else.  I called the marina in Cornwall, described my intentions, and asked if the bridge was a problem.  I was assured it was not.  WRONG!!!!  After exiting Snell Lock, we turned into Polly’s Gut and encountered the strongest eddies we have experienced.  Fortunately, the depth was sufficient and we were able to avoid most of them.  After several miles, we were ready to make a starboard turn to Cornwall when we saw the International Seaway Bridge and hiding behind it was the lower span we had hoped to avoid.  We could do nothing but reverse and go to Cornwall via the longer route.

Cornwall Marina is a beautiful place.  Located in a spacious park near the downtown area, we had lovely views in all directions.  After a good rest, we ventured about six blocks to the nearby mall (a small but active place), shopped a little, and walked several more blocks to a recommended restaurant.  Schnitzels was a casual place with a good menu.  We dined on an outside patio and enjoyed veal Marsala that was truly outstanding.

Tuesday morning brought more rain but the sky was clearing by noon.  Before leaving Crysler Marina, we had contacted a repair person in Cornwall to look at our persistent refrigerator problem.  Despite all our efforts, it continued to freeze everything inside.  Brian arrived as scheduled and within thirty minutes had solved the problem.  Now we could return to the grocery store in the mall and buy vegetables and fruits. 

We loved Cornwall.  The downtown area was charming, the marina was wonderful, and the people were friendly and very helpful.  We enjoyed sitting on our deck and watching the flocks of geese gather on the adjacent hill.  Robins were everywhere.  We see them so briefly in Texas s they migrate through our area.  They prove their intelligence by flying on to cooler climes!