Mon, Tues -July 31 and Aug 1 -Smith Falls to Westport

Mon, Tues -July 31 and Aug 1 -Smith Falls to Westport    

Today was a longer mileage day (27 miles) with only 3 locks and we ended the day in Westport.  The ride was through narrow areas as well as open lake areas on the Rideau river and the Rideau Lake.  The path twists and turns thru the lakes and we follow the red and green markers very carefully.  As we get into the wider lake areas, the depth increases, sometimes over 100 ft deep and the path is relaxing.  Along the way, many fishermen are testing their luck as we see and hear loons and their mates.  The big Rideau Lake is beautiful:  shoreline dotted with cottages, small islands with quaint private homes, tall evergreens reaching into the skies, canoes and kayaks skimming the smooth waters in a peaceful, scenic atmosphere.  This exceeds our preconceived image of boating on Canadian inland waters.  We moor in a marina in Westport, plug into electric and the boat's generator can rest for a few days.  In-between raindrops we walk into town and dine at a local restaurant, the Tangles Garden Cafe.  A relaxed evening finishes our day.

There is a lookout on Foley Mountain and Tom and I started our day with a bike ride - straight up a steep hill - pushing our bikes.  We got to the park on the mountain and enjoyed a ride in the shade on a winding road only to discover that we rode too far, went down and then up a very steep hill (pushing our bikes up again).  We retraced our steps and finally found the lookout which provided a lovely overlook of the town, water and area.   The ride, or should I say, coast down the mountain went smoothly and fast and we arrived safely.  We explored the town a little by bike and then stopped at Steve's restaurant which was a family style restaurant but also served Greek food.  Tom enjoyed lunch and talking with the cook and waitress.  The remainder of the day was spent shopping, both together and separately.  Tom prepared nachos for dinner again and the day was closed with a stop at the ice cream shop.  The flavors of Moose Tracks and Pralines and Creme were shared and enjoyed.

One of Colletta's favorites, a Loon calling

Riding to Foley's Mountain the highway to heaven
Very steep

Right past this sign is the turn off for the lookout that we missed and proceeded
to ride all the way to the end of  the park's road only to have to go back
up another incredibly steep hill to get back to here. What a work out!

From the Lookout over the town of Westport.
Get a little town with good stores, restaurants, and
ice cream

Another view of Westport without the cute young lady to distract
you

Hey, you ride 10 miles straight up a hill you had better see some
unusual birds. Look close to the right of the tree on a branch.

Back in the kitchen again. Turned out we had some of
the same purveyors .Stanislaus Tomato products

This is for Colletta's dad, Wally. The guy definitely needs
some air shocks in the rear.

Exiting Westport Marina. A nice place to stay