Smiths Falls

Leisurely morning today. Walked up the street looking for a place to get breakfast, two different people along the street recommended Freddie's, so we tried it. Quite good, and good prices as well. We had read that there was a farmer's market in Smiths Falls on Saturdays, and the lady here had told us where it was, so we went after breakfast. We were somewhat surprised to find that it consisted of 3 booths, one with baking, one with baking and jewellry, and a third with what looked like garage sale type items. No farmer's produce at all. Then we walked out the other end of town to Walmart, Canadian Tire and grocery store. Out there, several people have booths set up along the highway with fresh produce. We're not sure what is going on.
We are enjoying introducing Nancy and Eddie to Canadian things. Nancy tried a nanaimo bar yesterday, had never seen one before. They have now been to a Canadian Tire store, a Giant Tiger, a Your Independent Grocery store, and a Loblaws, and of course the LCBO and Beer store. Eddie has tried several types of beer that he hasn't seen in the US.
Wayne washed the boat and did a few repairs while Eddie, Nancy and I walked up to the Rideau Canal intrepretative and information centre. It is quite good, lots of info on the canal and how and why it was built. The decision was made to build the canal by the Privy council in England after the war of 1812 so that there would be a secure route to move people and goods if the Americans ever blocked the St. Lawrence. Colonel By, an engineer with the army, got the job of actually building the canal, and his work is still seen as a marvel of great engineering. When the canal was completed, he was recalled to England and reprimanded for going over budget; he never received any honours for this work while he was living.
Had a light dinner on the boat, it is very warm. The lady here at the park said that Smiths Falls is at drought level 2, they will re-evaluate on Monday and if they go to level 3, then the wading pool in the park will not be filled, the splash pad at another park won't operate, and several other restrictions will be put in place. The wading pool here is very well used, many children enjoying the water all day.
Met a couple from New Jersey on a boat here, Clark and Evelyn, they are thinking about doing the loop in a couple of years. We spend a pleasant evening talking about the loop.

Good sign

A quilt on display in the information centre, made by the quilter's guild to commemorate the 150th annviersary of the building of the canal.

A very talented woman embroidered 25 of these panels depicting various aspects of Canada and the history of Canada. The panels are seen as a great example of folk art, and are hanging in the information centre.

Plan to move on to Perth tomorrow, weather permitting.

The entire farmer's market