BURRITTS RAPIDS to MERRICKVILLE & SMITH FALLS

The last two days we continued up the beautiful Rideau Canal. On Wednesday, we traveled from BURRITTS RAPIDS to MERRICKSVILLE in three hours under sunny and warm conditions. We cleared seven locks and three swing bridges by ourselves. On Thursday we traveled from MERRICKSVILLE to SMITH FALLS in 4 hours under dark clouds and a pending rain storm. We traveled with two other boats our size, clearing seven locks and 2 swing bridges.

The Rideau Canal took thousands of workers six years to build, with the construction being supervised by British Lieutenant-Colonial John By of the Royal Engineers. The route he followed for building the canal follows what was used from the beginning of recorded history by the Indians. 

All we can say is...Thanks...For the vision, dedication and sacrifice of those constructing the Rideau Canal. It is gorgeous to travel on and it is enjoyable in any weather condition!

The "Big Picture" of where we are. The Rideau Canal is the yellow line.

Wednesday: BURRITTS RAPIDS to MERRICKVILLE - Red Line.

Thursday: MERRICKVILLE to SMITH FALLS - Green Line.

Thistle on the "Blue Line" at 9 am, ready for a day of crossing locks and passing bridges :)

The Rideau Canal Locks are still hand cranked to this day...all sizes of boats pass through the locks...(even canoes :)

At the Lock House with Captain Greg.

Downtown MERRICKVILLE, a local art and crafts colony.

MERRICKVILLE Blockhouse.

Thistle on the mooring wall in MERRICKVILLE, we had a view of the Old Mill Ruins.

Thursday all the Locks were full with these three boats.

Flowers at each Lock.

Locking essentials: Gloves, Knife (in case your line gets stuck), Pole, Line, and Good Humor!

We arrived in Smith Falls just befor the rain.

Thistle is on the canal across the street from the Kilt and Castle Restaurant, and we are able to use their wifi, after buying a beer to get their password. Thanks! ( We are able to write this blog.)

Smith Falls.

Smith Falls Centennial Park and Thistle on the mooring wall in the Park.

Good Night Smith Falls...:)