Visitors from the north

A couple of weeks earlier we got news that our good friends and sailing/boat project mentors, Paul & Julie, wanted to come sailing with us in the Thousand Islands. We sorted out the details and arranged to meet them in Gananoque. We arrived in the area a few days ahead of time, read some books, and became a bit of a tourist attraction for the local sightseeing boats. We arranged for a slip at the municipal marina and pulled in the night before.

After connecting we went out for dinner in the big town, did a resupply and were off the following day. Our first night was spent at the same nearby anchorage we’d already been at. Then we headed downstream to explore more of the islands.

Luckily for our northern friends the weather had cooled off considerably from the brutal heat and humidity we’d been getting most of the summer. Despite assurance that it was now chilly, much time was spent swimming and staying in the shade.

We sailed, drifted and motored our way down the river, visiting the Admiralty Islands, the Fleet Islands, the Navy Islands and the Raft Narrows Islands. We anchored or moored out for five nights, and enjoyed good company and great food. P & J, being the adventurous ones, were often off exploring the area via dingy.

Of course Paul being Paul, we got the spinnaker up as soon as we could. AND we had to undertake at least one boat project. Thanks to him we now have a functioning new Garmin chartplotter . And if I’d let him, we’d also have our radar running. Paul also spent time trying (perhaps fruitlessly) to explain electrical theory to us.

We drank a little too much, and ate way better than our norm. But sadly the week went by all too quickly. Soon we were back at Gananoque for one final night on the boat. We were treated to a yummy dinner at the Socialist Pig, did another small restock, then said our goodbyes.

Thanks Julie & Paul. It was so great to see you both.