Taking Time to Chill and Relax

We've had a relaxing few days.  On Sunday (June 29) we cruised the 40 miles on the Bay of Quinte between Picton and Trenton. We didn't see nearly as many boats on the water as we thought we would given that: (1) it was Sunday and (2) it was part of a long holiday weekend.  We didn't mind, it was just a little unexpected.

One of the few boats joining us on the Bay of Quinte

We arrived mid-afternoon at Fraser Park Marina in Trenton. The staff here is simply awesome-Craig, the dock master, is a whiz at getting boats fitted into spaces you wouldn't think were possible.  And he has to be one of the friendliest and most accommodating people we have met on this trip.  Lon mentioned yesterday that we were in need of some line for one of our fenders.  Craig called his supplier, left a message, and within a couple of hours we had the line. Amazing! Today I needed some Canadian stamps in order to send a letter to the States. They gave me the stamps and wouldn't allow me to pay for them. But most incredible of all is that the marina has half a dozen flavors of Kawartha ice cream on site and the $3 cone is more ice cream than anyone needs at one time--but that hasn't stopped us from getting our daily fix. Lon is particularly partial to the "moose tracks."

Fraser Park gate-WWI memorial on one side,
WWII memorial on the other side

 

CARIB II (second from left) at dock in Trenton

Marina/ice cream parlor-
quite a combination

Today, July 1, is Canada Day. Frequently referred to as "Canada's birthday," the day marks the joining of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada into a federation of four provinces (the Province of Canada being divided into Ontario and Quebec) on July 1, 1867. It turns out that--at least in Trenton, Ontario--Canadians celebrate Canada Day much the same way that many Americans celebrate the 4th of July. There is a big party in the local park, replete with pony rides, children's playground, live music, bingo, lots of food vendors, and community-oriented exhibitors. Later this evening CARIB II and our dock neighbor will provide the front row seats for the fireworks.

Red shirts everywhere.  This is either a Canada Day celebration or a
Target employee picnic.

We took advantage of the time here to get our permit to use the Canadian lock system, shop for a few groceries and a couple of items we needed for the boat, and of course, spend time visiting with the other Loopers who are in the marina. Lon spent much of today cleaning the boat. The water is very warm here, and relatively clear, so he donned his snorkling gear and did a quick check of the hull to make sure our sacrificial zincs are still in good condition and that the rudder and prop are OK.

Lon under the swim platform

Tomorrow morning we hope to be passing under the bridge in Trenton on our way to Lock 1 and the start of the Trent-Severn Waterway.