Brockville to Crysler Park

Leaving Brockville yesterday it was immediately clear we were once again in the main shipping channel as this ship passed by as we exited the marina. We met several others during the day.

With a favourable current, we made very good time. The whole trip from Brockville to Crysler Park Marina, including a stop at the Iroquois Marina and a the Iroquois Lock only took about 5 hours for the 35NM trip. Unfortunately the 8 knot breeze was from the Northeast and so we were motoring once again.

As we left Brockville, Jay went below to make coffee and the 10lb propane tank ran out. Although we have a backup 5lb tank, we decided to get propane at the next available marina. As luck would have it, there is a narrow canal on the west side of the entrance to the Iroquois Lock which leads into a small marina. The depths in the channel are 6 to 10 feet according to the Ports book, so we ventured in. Several times I felt I could touch the trees on the bank if I reached out as we navigated this narrow passage. But we arrived safely at the small marina which offered propane, pump outs and diesel.

 

 

 

Leaving Iroquois Marine we motored back out to the main channel without incident. We arrived just as three pleasure craft were exiting the lock. We had prepaid our lock fees online ($25) and had printed the receipt while in Brockville, but we were ready to pull over to the pleasure craft dock to report and get instructions on when we could enter. However as we approached, the lockmaster turned the lights green for us to enter immediately.

The difference was only a drop of 5 inches, but you still need to draw up alongside where the lockmaster hands you lines. Life vests must be worn in the locks. Within a few minutes, we were safely through the lock and on our way again. This is the first of 7 locks we will pass through on our way back to PEI.

Small vessels do not need to pass through the lock as when the gates are open they can pass through.

 

We arrived at Crysler Park Marina early afternoon. Coin laundry is available for $1 for a wash and $1 for a dry, so we took advantage.

 

Complimentary passes for marina guests are available for Upper Canada Village so today we took the miniature train which loops between the Marina and the Village and spent several hours exploring this 1866 village. The marina staff will arrange transportation to nearby Morrisburg for provisioning if need be, but we are fully stocked. Having said that, we couldn't resist buying some cheese and homemade bread made at the Village. The flour is milled on site and the cheese is made on site. As I write this, the scent of fresh bread fills the cabin. Yum!