Greek's Folly on the Great Loop: Thurs, Fri July 20-21 Petrie Island to Ottawa CA

Thurs, Fri July 20-21 Petrie Island to Ottawa CA

Left the anchorage at 0700 sharp in hopes of getting to Ottawa Steps of 8 (locks 1-8) for the first ride up. The step locks are a set of 8 locks where you drive the boat from one lock directly into the next lock, the two locks share a common set of lock doors. There are 8 of these in a row which takes about 1 1/2 hours to go thru all 8. It is a tiring process because we are always handling lines, fending off the walls, and adjusting fenders as we rise up 85 total feet. The locks are in downtown Ottawa so there is always an audience of people watching the boats progress, asking questions, smiling and clapping, waving and just being friendly. Upon arriving at the lock, there were 5 boats ahead of us - now what?? The lock master decided to lock up the 5 boats together, then the 2 of us, 2 locks behind them also going up. What this did for us was to eliminate a possible 3 hour wait. We were pleased to follow his plan. We eventually get thru the locks, are lucky enough to find a place along the wall and tied up in downtown Ottawa. We are tired. We have lunch and relax for awhile before we start exploring. Fellow boaters (Dirk and Pat from Wandering Star) walk by and give us advice on sightseeing. We walk to Parliament hill and stop at the information center. They are extremely helpful and make many suggestions. We go retrieve our bikes and ride across the bridge to the Museum of Canadian History. The museums are free on Thursday so we, along with many others, take advantage of this. We wandered around, were educated the Canadian way, enjoyed the view from the top of the hill, and rode back in time to enjoy the light show displayed right on the Parliament building. The show Luminairs, is displayed every evening and people sit in bleachers, on the lawn, along the curbs and in their chairs enjoying the show. It is wonderful to be here!!!

Friday starts early for Tom. By 0650 he is sitting in front of the information center waiting in line to get tickets for a guided tour of the Parliament building. The tickets are free but they are usually gone by 1000, within an hour of opening. Colletta rides up to meet him by 0800 only to find him chatting with new friends and enjoying the whole experience. Being third in line, he gets the tickets of his choice- English speaking tour- and we head across the street to the Parliament lawn for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. There is really no guard on duty at the Parliament but the traditional ceremony takes place everyday at 1000 with music and military marching and formations. We enjoy our 1100 tour of the Parliament building and learn more of the history and deep tradition of the Canadian government. We bike again across the bridge to walk thru a sculptor garden. It is beautiful and intriguing, the many shapes and figurines. On the way back to the boat we explore the Byward market and enjoy a pastry, then back to the Parliament lawn for the musical show Fortissimo. 4 bands marched in formation and performed - the Canadian Honor Guard, an American band called the Chosen Few-retired Marine Corp soldiers, a German drum and drill team, and the Canadian Air force band. It was wonderful - music was great with all the brass instruments, and even bagpipes. Best of all was the 3 national anthems played with pride and respect. Wonderful day in a great city.