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| The first of two locks at Merrickville |
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Brian, Linda, & Chris in front of a
Block House (this built at
Merrickville). Four were built on the
Rideau Canal between 1831-1833
to protect the locks & canal from the
Americans. We're here! |
We started the day early after a good nights rest. Some fellow boaters helped us get out of our slip and under way. Chris took the helm (noting the difference between the Rideau Canal and the Chesapeake Bay). We were joined at the locks by two other boaters. We had no problems until the Merrickville locks. Upon entering the first lock the starboard transmission would not shift out of reverse. With some expert piloting by Brian we were able to back out of the lock, tie up blue line of the lock dock, and begin to diagnose the issue. As it turns out the cable bracket holding the shift-control cable to the transmission had come loose (missing a nut), and with a simple zip tie (thanks to Chris’s quick thinking) we were able to navigate to the Ayling’s marina, where the owner provided a replacement lock ring and nut at no charge. Tied-up and “electricity” running (only a 15 & 30-amp shore power available). It was hot and humid after the afternoon sprinkles plus 85° temperature. We went ahead and started the generator so all three of our air conditioners to cool the inside of the boat while we explored the town. The town has character: friendly people, quaint shops, and the sound of jazz echoing through the streets from the canal festival. If you ever come to visit we have two recommendations —
Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Mustard Shop where you will find an amusing assortment of mustards, oil, and sauces for every culinary need, and
Gads Hill Place with friendly staff, good beer, and great food (try the Prime Rib it is amazing). Interesting side note — the pub is named after Charles Dickin’s home in England. Are you hearing the same refrain…”It’s a small world after all”? Okay, maybe that is a spill over from last year’s trip to Disney. The boat was cool when we got back. Then Brian shut down the generator running one air conditioner, the ice maker, and battery charger on the 15-amp circuit. We all got a good night’s sleep.
