Merrickville, On

Cooking dinner, easier on the dock, saves heating up the boat, also saves using all the power in our batteries when we are not plugged in.

Several downed trees along the water heading toward Merrickville, even one cottage which looked like a tree had come down on the roof. Wonder if this is the result of some of the winds we had earlier in the spring.

Passed this weed whacker along the water today, heading to the next lock to clean weeds in a section of the waterway.

At one lock as we were leaving Ottawa the lockmaster asked that we be especially careful around the canoes. He said they are just repairing relations with the people running the camps.

Early this morning tied to the dock at Burretts Rapids

 Left Burretts Rapids with the first lock up this morning. We had heard that the docks at Merrickville were full last night and so wanted to get here early to get a spot. When we arrived below the locks just after 11 there was a spot above the 3 locks, but they do not reserve spots. By the time we had come up through the locks the spots were taken. The lockmaster told us we could tie above the falls to the railing, and so that is where we are. No power, but we can live with that. Went out for lunch and a tour around the town, poked our noses into many of the small shops and galleries. Some art galleries closed today, a well-kown artist in town has died and many were attending his funeral. Cooked dinner at the boat tonight. Plan to move on to Smith's Falls in the morning. Hopefully we will get a spot there. The system seems to have gotten busy all of a sudden.

common sight at the locks, one guy turning the handle with one hand holding a phone to his ear. They are in constant communication with the other locks.