We left the Trent -Sevren Waterway, crossing over the Bay of Quinte, and headed down the Murray Canal.  Boat traffic on the canal is monitored closely and there is a swing bridge on each end.  Because it was windy - we called ahead to have the bridge opened, only to be told that "it will be 20 minutes because the guy is at lunch".  So - along with a couple of other boats, we floated waiting for lunch to end.  At the other end of the canal, when the bridge opened, we were told in what order we could pass through - because a man was waiting with his pole to collect $5 from each boat.

We traveled the coast of Lake Ontario - to Toronto.  It was fun to watch the skyline take shape as we cruised in.  We found a great place for the boat at the Toronto Islands in the Inner Harbor.  It was on a wall next to a park and we had a stunning view of the skyline from our aft deck - especially pretty at night!

We took a ferry into the city and spent a day walking and exploring.  The next day we biked around the group of islands - collectively called the Toronto Islands -  all connected by bridges, and stopped to swim in Lake Ontario.  Center Island has a botanical garden, wading pools, amusement park for kids, boat and bike rentals, restaurants, bars, etc.  There were several beaches - including a "clothes optional" one. 

Although we loved Toronto - with a good weather forecast we decided to make our crossing to Port Weller which is next to the Welland Canal.  From the marina, we biked to Niagara Falls.  We had to cross through "Niagara on the Lake", which was Canadian version of Napa Valley, with mile after mile of wineries, and groves of peaches, and plums.  Then began the 300' climb up the Niagara escarpment.  It was a very hot and humid day.  The beginning of the bike trail was very pleasant through parks and along the Niagara River, but before long - the trail led to busy streets - or bumpy sidewalks crossing back and forth across the busy streets.  We weren't sure we could make it - but we FINALLY did.

The falls were impressive, but the surrounding area was very commercialized with souvenir shops, fast food, casino, motels, etc. which distracted from the natural beauty.  We grabbed a beer - and then a cab - to get us back to the marina ;)

I would have liked to spend another day at Niagara on the Lake, but we had already arranged for a deck hand for the Welland Canal - so had to leave the next day,

The Welland Canal - 26 nautical miles - 3 bridges & 8 locks.  The canal has dual locks so there is upbound as well as downbound traffic.  Locks 1, 2, 3 and 7 were single with 45 foot lifts.  Locks 4,5,6 was a "flight" of locks - leaving one, you enter the next.  The primary purpose of the Welland Canal is to accomodate commercial traffic.  Pleasure craft must be at least 20 feet long, and weigh 1 ton.  Those locking down can do so with 2 adults on board, but if you plan to lock-up (as we did) 3 adults were required - so we had to hire a deck hand.  "Norm" met us at the entrance at 7am, and we called in - to announce our desire to transit the canal.  We had been told that we could wait 2-8 hours, and sometimes pleasure craft have to come back the next day - if the commercial traffic is heavy.  Unlike the other locks we have gone through - this 766 foot lock was not going to fill up with 21 million gallons of water for one or two pleasure boats!  There was a 32 foot sailboat waiting with us.  We got lucky, because after one hour - our "lock mate" for the day showed up - - a 200 foot yacht called "Rock.it"  (rumor was that it belonged to the owner of Jimmy John's)  

After our hour of waiting, it took us 9.5 hours to move through the locks.  We could not have done it without Norm - as Walt had to stay at the helm with the engine running to maintain position, and we needed to constantly work the lines to stay by the wall.  The turbulance was bad and required constant attention to bow and stern lines - even though the yacht had requested a "slow fill".  We managed fine because of our thrusters, but the sailboat was really tossed around and the line handlers were holding on for dear life!

 Norm jumped off after the 7th lock - as the 8th lock only lifted 4 feet and we did not have to catch a line because by the time we crossed the lock - it was full and the gate opened.

We spent a night at a marina in Port Colborne, but then decided to move back to the canal and watch some of the traffic.  Walt started a conversation with one of the pilots - and the next thing I knew - he was making runs with them.

Unless a captain has experience going through the locks "x" number of times - they are required to have a pilot aboard - both locking up and locking down.  So there is a "pilot boat" at each end of the canal - and they pull alongside the large vessels, jump aboard, guide the captain through the canal, then jump back on their boat at the end. 

Today - we are back in the USA!!  Cleared customs in Dunkirk, New York.  Canada was great and the people were friendly - but it's good to be home!