Canada! Kingston, ON, Cobourg, ON — INDEPENDENCE CHRONICLES

We depart Thousand Islands, Clayton, NY on a the first day of summer, met by a mix of cloud and sun. Larry takes us on a horseshoe-shaped cruise past the many beautiful islands, lighthouses, bridges, the old Boldt Castle and through skinny channels leading to the Canadian side of the Thousand Islands. We are able to register via mobile phone with Canadian immigration (thank you Owen) and get a virtual stamp in our pass ports. Our first port of call in Canada is Kingston, Ontario (38NM). We are unable to stay at the municipal marina as they are also dealing with high water issues so we anchor in a gorgeous little bay and get the tender in the water to see Kingston. What a vibrant city filled with university students and plenty of others enjoying this gorgeous first day of summer. The next day we make a smooth trip on Lake Ontario to Cobourg (56NM). Great weather and a pretty place to stop for the evening. Cobourg was founded in 1817 and was a successful port town which expanded to build an ill-fated railroad. As one historical placard read, ‘…the 1852-1898 Cobourg and Peterborough Railway like many others of this period suffered from excessive optimism, land speculation and faulty engineering…’ and contributed to the financial hardships of Cobourg during the late 1800’s. Climbing out of this financial hole by way of industry during the early 1900’s, Cobourg was especially known for building electric railway cars for Toronto and Montreal. We depart Cobourg for Toronto in the morning and are excited to spend some time in the big city.

Boldt Castle in the St. Lawrence River built in the 1900’s. Originally owned by George Boldt. Built for his wife who died before the castles completion in 1904 the property stood unfinished until purchased for $1.00 in 1977 by the Thousand Islands B… — Boldt Castle in the St. Lawrence River built in the 1900’s. Originally owned by George Boldt. Built for his wife who died before the castles completion in 1904 the property stood unfinished until purchased for $1.00 in 1977 by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority who renovated it for $15 million.

Entering International waters as we pass under the Canadian side of the Thousand Islands Bridge

Hoisting our International Canadian Courtesy flag. Photo Owen Doherty

Anchored at Kingston, ON. Maggie and Owen on the tender heading to the city.

A busy first day of summer on a roof-top restaurant over looking the Kingston City Hall

Interesting architecture everywhere in Kingston

Celebrating Summer Solstice with a swim. Photo Larry McCullough

The first summer sunset at anchor in Kingston, ON

The Cobourg Victoria Hall built in 1860 took 75 years to payoff the debt incurred from its construction.

Canada flags fly everywhere in every city and town…big or small. So nice to see such pride of country.