We got up early to make it through the last lock on the Oswego River just before the lake at 7:00. Our goal is today to cross the northeast section of Lake Ontario from Oswego to Cape Vincent, NY just up the St Lawrence Seaway. It is a 42.8 nm trip. The depths in this section of Lake Ontario vary from 50-425 feet.
Our weather is wonderful for the crossing- sunny, no chance of rain and wind out of the west 5mph. Couldn’t have a better day to cross the lake!
We are traveling across the lake with two other boats,Neverland and New Beginnings. Is nice to have a bit of company on the bigger crossings.
After three hours of travel at 8 knots, we could clearly see the islands we need to pass to before we turn into the St Lawrence Seaway.
We passed Gallo Island with its lighthouse and abandoned building on the south shore. Gallo Island is heavily forested and has a gradual rise to the rocky bluff on the northwest side of the island, which rises at least 120 feet above the lake.
As we pass Gallo Island, we have 14 Nm more to go. On the way we pass Grenadier Island which is flatter, but forested like Gallo Island. We also saw freighter leaving the St Lawrence heading south through the lake and the many wind turbines on Wolfe Island, Canada.
Getting closer, we turn to leave Lake Ontario and enter the St Lawrence. The shore line is dotted with summer cottages. We pulled into the Fisheries Free Dock and tied up for the night in the quaint town of Cape Vincent. Will stay here tomorrow til the rain leaves the area and then continue our exploration of the Thousand Island in the St Lawrence Seaway.
Once we got settled, Bill dove on the boat to check out the props as the water was crystal clear, though a bit cold. Many of the residents were swimming in the waters off our dock area. One family took turns jumping off the dock and you could tell they enjoyed themselves by the kids squeals of delight. After gleaning local knowledge from the local swimmers, we headed into town to explore. We walked through Cape Vincent Fisheries, Tom’s Junk store, the local grocery store and visited a gift shop, before coming to the library to “borrow” their internet. The homes downtown are mostly late 1880’s to early 1900’s with many old store fronts still selling their wares. Would definitely say this town is built around the summer residents.
Today is our 46th wedding anniversary, Bill and I traded cards and ate chocolate kisses and will splurge to go out to a local restaurant for dinner. We ate at the Roxy Hotel established in 1894. Lots of wood and Tiffany lamps. Was fun.
July 18-19
We stayed in Cape Vincent through a rainy July 18 where we did boat stuff and planned for the Ten Thousand Island and Rideau Canal legs of our trips. A lot to see so it is hard to choose what we get to see and what we have to pass up. We have met a few locals who have been quite helpful with letting us know which spots not to miss.
On the 19th, we did boat chores and walked around town. Was impressed by how friendly the towns people were. On our way back to the boat we indulged in ice cream!
Here are some shots of our dock and sunset and the display at the fisheries.
The water is so clear here due to the zebra mussels, an invasive species. They are not healthy for the area because they eat up the food supply for many native water cleaning species.
Freighter going up the St Lawrence We saw at least 8 of these go by during our stay.