SMITH FALLS to PERTH

On Friday morning we departed a cloudy SMITH FALLS on a five hour journey, crossing three locks and two bridges. After about two hours we diverted off the Rideau Canal to proceed up the Tay River Canal for another three hours. The Tay River Canal is notorious for being very narrow and shallow. 

So, "Mates"...at the end of the Tay River we arrived in PERTH, Ontario. It's not Tasmania or Western Austraila although, you should be very proud of your sister city..."Fair Dinkum" :)

The town of Perth was established in 1816 and will celebrate its 200 birthday in two years! Many of the original town immigrants were stonemasons from Scotland. Their skilled stone work can still be seen in the downtown heritage buildings.  

Perth was the site of the last fatal duel in Canada. A Law student was shot and killed in 1833 after fighting over a woman with a former friend. It's also home to Canada's oldest pioneer burial ground at the appropriately named "Last Duel Park". 

We planned on staying here for two nights but extended our stay to three :) We enjoyed the "Dreamy" like River to get here and the town is very nice, with it's beautiful heritage buildings, restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, farmers market, museums, music, parks and theaters.

We especially enjoyed going to the local theater on Friday night.

Departing tomorrow morning...on our way to Kingston (It will take a few days :)... Not sure where our port stop will be tomorrow night - Stay posted ! 

Looper Tip: Our side trip to Perth has been a highlight of the Rideau Canal. It's shallow water, but very well maked.

SMITH FALLS to PERTH

Locks, Bridges and Navigation Buoys. 

Friendly neighbors welcomed us along the "Dreamy" Tay River Canal.

The "Last Duel Park".. Campground, Boat Dock and Burial Ground?

Heritage downtown Perth.

Stone buildings.

Perth...restaurants and a pedestrian friendly cross walk ( very appreciated.. Thanks).

The Perth Brewery.

Unique items at the Perth Farmenr Market: Creps, Pickled Eggs and Mushrooms. 

More unique items....at the Farmers Market (FYI: Caterpillar Soup is a book).

It's truly surreal - Stewart Park.

What's Interesting ...around Perth: Big Ben Statue ( most winning horse of all time in Canada), Curling Club and Crab Apples (They make your lips pucker ... A new friend taught us how to pick them off the tree and eat.)

Fall Colors.

Ok...not sure how to explain but very funny??? Bed races for charity down the Main Street on Sunday. (The Backside girls were NOT the fastest but for sure the best costumes). Afterwards a band to entertain the crowd. 

Yeah - We can make tea ( and dinner) again ... Greg got new propane in Perth :) 

Perth theater.

"The Ideal Husband" XO