Day 57: 7.23.18 - Tornado! Big Rideau Lake to Smith's Falls

Tornado forming about three miles behind us as we try to navigate Eclipse out of the way!

The forecast for today called for clouds and showers but the morning proved to be filled with sunshine and a fresh southeasterly breeze. Yesterday's “relaxation day” on Colonel By Island was a well needed interlude in the constancy of our trip. One day off was enough however and we were ready to hoist the sails and head off into Big Rideau Lake.

We sailed through Big Rideau and into Lower Rideau lake. Because of a low clearance bridge, our travel by sail were limited now to these two remaining lakes in the chain. Arriving at the foot of Lower Rideau Lake and the bridge by noon, we decided to sail a bit more before dropping the mast and proceeding under the bridge. This would be the last time we would sail until we reach the Ottawa River.

Another hour of sailing and we pulled Eclipse into a cove near the bridge and then dropper her sails and lowered the mast. Eclipse was back into her “powerboat” mode. As we passed under the bridge and crossed the next lake, we saw a series of rain showers in the near distance behind. Although they were moving cross-wise to our direction and we were, albeit slowly, putting distance between us and them, it became apparent quickly that what was forming in the skies was a formidable force to be reckoned with. No more than 20 minutes more passed and those showers were now a conglomerated heap of blackness. Sheets of rain and lightning could be seen and....what's this? ROTATION! A tornado was forming in one of the clouds. Although it did not touch down, we added another knot of speed to our little engine to get us off the lake just in case this now monster storm decided to make an uninvited visit upon us! It was later learned that the weather service of Canada was spotting rotation within that same storm.  We kept that storm behind us.....just!

That's a big storm brewing!

It was another two miles or so until we reached the next lock where we tied up ahead of yet another storm....only this time it was just rain and not as large a beast. I took the opportunity to take a shower in the rain shower out in the cockpit. Soap, shampoo and plenty of water. It was very refreshing indeed!

Through this lock, we traveled another mile or so to reach the town of Smith's Falls. We tied up to the lock walls just outside of town and walked over to the grocery store for some provisions and to a farm stand to get some of the first of the season's fresh corn!

Lo and behold at the Smiths Falls Lock, another MacGregor 26! Named Lost Scott.