Leaving the Erie Canal, we entered the Oswego Canal which took us to Lake Ontario. There were only 7 locks on this stretch of water.
Here we are-docked in Oswego, looking out to Lake Ontario. We should be able to leave in the morning to cross to Sackett's Harbor. This will be about a 35 mile run on the lake.
Here, we pass Tibbett's Lighthouse before we round the corner to Sackett's Harbor. This was a very nice town with a nice waterfront park. Unfortunately, to get a prescription filled, we had to get it delivered from Watertown, which was 7 miles away.
The next day, we headed for Cape Vincent where we planned to stay a couple days at the free docks. It was time for getting something done to the tops of our heads. Hair cuts were long overdue.
This is the beginning of the 1000 Islands and the St. Lawrence River.
Further into the 1000 Islands, we passed this International Bridge which connects the US and Canada. It spans a couple of islands. The scenery was beautiful and there really are many, many islands. I read the exact number somewhere, but have forgotten.
The criteria to classify an island is that it must have a tree on it and it must be above the water 365 days a year. Many of those islands, no matter how small, had a cottage on it.
This is another cottage---notice the clock tower.
There were all sizes of homes. This area was "discovered" in the early 1900's by the "new money" people from New York City. They built summer cottages and hunting lodges here.
This is another pretty island---and cottage--there were so many, it's not possible to show them all.
We stopped in Alexandria Bay, hoping to pick up some fresh vegetables at the Farmer's Market. Not much at the market, so Darrell, Beth, and Bob took the dinghy to the grocery store. Unfortunately, the engine stopped on the way back and had to get a tow back. Interestingly, the 4 guys in the boat were all taking care of their kids that day!
Here is the town dock in Alexandria Bay. This was the place to be and to be seen. I should also add, it was BUSY--we docked only a few hours to get our errands done before we headed for our anchorage.......
Here is another "cottage" on an island. They really like clock towers and turrets...
On July 4, we decided to tour Boldt Castle and then anchor near the boathouse for the fireworks display. So, on the way to the boathouse, we passed this little cottage on this little island. The
Boldt Boathouse is in the background.
Here is a view of the children's playhouse on the estate....
The Boldt Castle was built in the early 1900's by the Waldorf Astoria Hotel businessman as a tribute to his wife. It is on Heart Island and he actually blasted the island in order to shape it into a heart form. The original building was torn down, and the castle construction begun. In the meantime, they spent summers in another cottage. Sadly, the castle was never finished because all construction was stopped when Mrs. Boldt suddenly died. He never returned. Over the years, it deteriorated, was vandalized until it was taken over by the 1000 Islands Group which is now in the process of restoring the castle to its original state using the original architectural plans. The first floor is finished, the pump house restored and other floors and parts are in various stages of restoration.
Castle entrance arch is completed.
Here is the grand staircase. There is a beautiful stained glass dome above, shown later.
This is the parlor.
On the huge porch, there is this fireplace. Weddings are often performed on the grounds and usually in the gazebo. But, if the weather is inclement, the wedding is performed here.
The dining room with furniture from the Boldt family cottage.
Above the grand staircase is this beautiful stained glass dome.
The library--pretty much as it was.
From the upstairs we had this wonderful view of the lighthouse and the mainland.
This estate on Heart Island, carries the theme of the heart throughout with the symbol on the masonry and ironwork, etc.
Bob poses in front of the fireplace at the foot of the grand staircase. Does he look like a natural there?
If you enlarge the picture, you wll see the heart symbol in the ironwork...
This is a photo of a photograph of the boathouse
.
. Note how the door was designed so that the sailboat could go in--mast and all.
A view of the entrance from inside the grounds...these deer are also known as harts.
This is the pump house with its electrical system for the castle.
The main floor is completed redone and houses historical photographs of not only the grounds but life in the 1000 Islands.
Finally, we finish the tour and return to the anchorage for dinner and the fireworks. A view of the castle and the grounds was the backdrop for the evening...
Fireworks reflecting on the water..... and a happy crew....
The next day, we decided to visit the Singer Castle about 10 miles further up the river. We passed Sister Island Lighthouse on the way.
As we approached Singer Castle, we met this salty. It seemed to dwarf the island......
This castle was built as a hunting lodge for the owner of the Singer Sewing Machine company. It had been occupied by family until 2003 when it was sold first to a religious group, now recently taken over by German investors. It is located on Dark Island also known at Jarstad Island on the charts.
The next day we departed our anchorage to cross into Canada and go through customs. At first we thought we would anchor somewhere near Admiralty Islands, but because we were so close to Kingston, we headed for the Confederate Marina there.
Canadians also had their cottages on the islands....
This is the Skydeck on Hill Island, Ontario. It is located near the International Bridge and offers a great view of the Islands and the St. Lawrence River.
Finally, another charming cottage.
