Day 55, 7.21.18, Big Rideau Lake

Saturday sunny with a steady wind. Westport is host to a conservation area which includes Foley Mountain. We happen to be anchored at a trailhead. Well, actually it's the swimming area, but it connects to the trail system. After a short row, we're on the beach and exploring trails. Here in the woods the wind is diminished, and the deer flies take advantage and swarm around our heads. 

Half the morning we spend under sail to Upper Rideau Lock. Today marks the beginning of the Quebecois construction holiday, two weeks off in the summer for about a quarter of the population of Quebec. The grounds around the lock host a gathering of about fifty people, plus a resort selling hot dogs and hamburgers and a solo guitarist making music. We join them for lunch, then the wind beckons.

Out on Big Rideau Lake the winds are great for sailing, and the plethora of islands adds interest and challenge to the day. On the Erie, we encountered many cruising sailboats, all bigger than Eclipse, with their mast prone like ours. Here on the Rideau sailboats are very rare. But this being a nice windy saturday, a few day-sailers are also out on the lake.

Colonel John By of the British Royal Engineers was tasked with building the Rideau Canal, and many places bear his name. We take a mooring at Colonel By Island with many other power boats.

The quaint town of Westport, Ontario as seen from the summit of Foley Mountain

Gary points out over the view from the summit of Foley Mountain

Dinner tonight.... Mexican Moussaka!  Layers of Potatoes, refried beans, salsa, onions, garlic, mozzarella cheese and a slew of spices.  Assembled and then baked on the grill.

Dinner is done!!!