Day 270-271 – 6/30/24-7/1/24

Starting location: Tied to wall after Black Rapids Lock (#13) on Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada

Weather: 60 am, 75 pm, mostly sunny – Sunday 6/30. 60 am, 78 pm, mostly sunny- Monday 7/1.

Ending location: Tied to wall after lock at Merrickville (Locks #21-23), Ontario, Canada

Statute miles: 37, then 0 until departure

General summary: An update on our gelcoat damage… Still no leak. After obtaining many recommendations, including from the manufacturer of C-Dory boats, we felt confident we could patch the area, which should last until our return, and get the damage professionally fixed at home. We wanted the area to be as dry as possible beforehand, so put as much weight (ballast) as possible on the port side to lift the starboard side out of the water overnight. The next morning, after a few hours of sunlight to absorb any overnight condensation, Tom mixed the putty and placed the patch. It dried completely in an hour and then we could re-distribute the weight and motor on.

Went through several locks again and ended at the town of Merrickville. Decided to stay two nights as places were getting crowded for the holiday. Walked into town and had dinner.

The next day we got to experience rural Canada’s celebration of Canada Day. Most people wore something red and Canada’s flag was everywhere 🇨🇦. There was a parade and street fair. We had delicious locally made ice cream. The mayor spoke in the park that evening. Locals shot off fireworks for about 30 minutes.