Mike's Tour of a Portion of the Rideau River System
Recently, my wife Lisa and daughter Karen took a tour of the generating station on the Ottawa River to the east of Hawksbury at Carillon.
While there, they met a couple from the United States on a cabin cruiser waiting to go through the lock there which was broken for a few hours. This couple is in the process of completing their second journey on what is known as "The Great Loop" which I will get into greater detail with you later in the blog.
Our family decided to meet up with the couple as they traversed the Rideau River System.
We left Alta Vista around 8:00 AM and arrived the Kilmarnock Lock between Merrickville and Smiths Falls not quite an hour later.
To enlarge any images simply click on them. To return to the default look of the page click outside the image.
I am always impressed with the ingenuity of the planners and designers of the Rideau River system working in the early 1800's.
Traffic crosses the swing bridge at this location before the bridge swings open for the passage of a vessel or two.
Karen has the puppy dogs on the other side of the lock.
This vessel arrived from the north.
No traffic plies the road at this point.
The construction of the canal and lock system began in 1826 and was virtually completed by 1831 thanks to the efforts of Lt. Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers and his team of dedicated workers.
This photo was snipped from a video of the bridge traffic.
Bridge video at Kilmarnock Lock. Watch as the gates to the lock close in the distance.
To engage the video simply click on the white arrow in the centre of the image two times.
Many of the employees working the locks are university students. This is one heckuva summer job "gig" in my books!
More lock video. These young lads and lasses certainly get a good physical workout!
The gates open. Note the exquisite stone masonry work along the side of the lock.
Gate video. It's amazing how two people can open these heavy gates all on their own!
The boat from an earlier image arrives with friendly folks aboard.
Video of the boat's arrival.
Boaters and lockmasters enjoy friendly conversations.
More video from the lock. The lady asks if the lock station has power for the vessels should they dock overnight...and they do.
We are back in our RAV4. We could cross the bridge and ride along the other side of the river but we choose to back up and head into Smiths Falls from the western side of the system.
Bridge video taken from our vehicle. Note the bridge returning to its closed location as we back up to turn around.
We drive closer to Smiths Falls where we locate another lock below the bridge to the left where you see an 18-wheeler passing over the span.
A couple of boats await permission to enter the lock to continue their journey north to Ottawa.
Boats of all sizes and shapes are found along the waterways. The Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America.
Lisa and Karen engage the friendly lockmaster in conversation as the dogs find something of interest off in the distance.
Both the lock gates and the bridge span are moveable.
This is the location of the Old Slys Locks not far from Smiths Falls. Old Slys is a double lock named for an early settler in the region, William Sly, who settled there in 1798.
This is the location of locks 26 and 27 of the 45 total locks which make up the system.
I love this shot of two transportation systems - water and rail! The railway bridge was built in 1858 by the Brockville and Ottawa Railway. It placed Smiths Falls on the map as an important railroad town. Many thought the advent of the railroad would spell the end of the canal system but history proved them wrong. Bulk good commercial navigation on the Rideau Canal system proved to be cheaper moved by barge on water than by rail in earlier times.
Yes, the locks can be rather deep...although they really don't take too much time to fill with water. The work in building the canal system was done by hand.
The entire concrete bridge span spins slowly. Hundreds of Irish, French, French Canadian, Scottish and British labourers worked on the canal.
Bridge spin video work.
These lads can now exit the lock and get underway towards Smiths Falls. Labourers from Ireland and Canada (French speaking) toiled day after day. Stone masons, blacksmiths and carpenters came from Scotland and French speaking Canada to work on the future waterway. Sappers and miners from Britain lent a hand as well.
Video of the lads getting underway.
With the lock empty of southern traffic, this northbound vessel can safely enter the lock. The early workers battled mosquito infested ponds and lakes in toiling over the five to six years it took to complete the system.
More lock video of boat movements.
That second vessel that had been waiting patiently now enters the lock. It is estimated that over 1000 men and family members died of malaria, other diseases and work-related injuries during the period of construction.
Further video reviews of the entry of the boats.
The vessel on the left is privately owned. The vessel on the right is a rental. Yes, if you simply have a driver's license you can rent boats out of Ottawa and out of Smiths Falls from a company known as "Le Boat".
The couple renting this vessel from "Le Boat" company paid for a two-week rental. They are from the States and have their own vessel which they have sailed "all over" but they decided to drive up to Ottawa from their home in the southern USA "sans vessel" and simply rent this one for the 14 days.
Continued video of the boat movements. The roadway bridge has closed and road traffic can pass over the lock.
The life preserver is very important. We learned that in Ottawa this past weekend a two-year old toddler fell into one of the locks in or near Ottawa and had to be rescued! Our American friends were quite surprised to see the ease of access the general public has around the lock system.
Railfan Mike snaps an image of the train bridge! It was still cheaper to ship wood, coal, grain and other bulk commodities through the Rideau Canal and River system than by rail in earlier times. In fact, coal which originated in the United States made its way north to Ottawa by barge keeping the system in full operation for years and years.
Penny and Lilly are enjoying the coolness of the grass in the shade.
Travelling companions in the RAV4!
Sharing a window!
"I'll look for boat coming from the north and you check them out from the south!" Lilly says to Penny.
When the lockmasters begin spinning the gears, even before the lock doors open there is a rush of water into the lower section!
Water rush video excitement!
Some of the water overflows the lower area. There's the railway bridge again. It was only with the advent of asphalt road trucking along the rural highways that spelled the end of commercial barging along the system in the early 20th century.
More water video work.
"Open the dam doors will ya!" Mike thinks to himself chuckling from the remembrance of an old Chevy Chase Holiday Road film!
The folks aboard this vessel continue to find lower water levels. To ensure passage through the locks, boaters must arrive at least one hour before closing time.
Video of their arrival at the lower level.
Aha! They've made their escape! The 45 locks in the system are amassed in 23 locations known as lock stations.
Escape video footage!
Another look at the rented boat. Boats can be rented at the Dow's Lake Pavilion in Ottawa or at the lock station in Smiths Falls.
Video of another vessel release! The lockmaster recommends the crew call ahead to ensure a docking berth with electricity is available when they reach Merrickville.
Karen observes the exit of the boats.
The machinery involved includes this lock gear.
Great folks man the locks. They are employed by Parks Canada.
Patient puppies.
Southbounds arriving from the north. The total length of the system is 202 kms.
Love the stonework in the railroad bridge abutments.
The parade continues. If you visit any of the lock stations throughout the high summer vacation season you are sure to find boats requiring passage through the locks within a short time of your arrival.
Incoming boats as seen on video reels.
Three more to go! Following the War of 1812, the waterway system was devised as a safe alternate route between Montreal and Kingston.
Keep those videos coming!
A green hulled vessel. Boats of all sizes, shapes and design ply the river system.
Slow going and looking good!
It's fun to watch the videos. This vessel flies both Canadian and American flags.
Four boats now in the lock. From Ottawa to the Rideau Lakes, the system lifts boats a total of 83 meters (272 feet). From the Rideau Lakes to Kingston on Lake Ontario, boats drop a total of 50 meters (164 feet).
Our friends' vessel arrives making five!
Five boat video where I meet Dana for the first time!
Tying up on the far side. The final cost to build the canal was over 800 000 pounds British with cost overruns appearing due to the harsh conditions the workers faced.
On the rise. Following the construction of the canal, Colonel John By was summoned back to London and was retired.
Looking good. Due to these cost overruns, Colonel By never received the accolades which he should have in recognition of this tremendous achievement.
Our friends Dana and Dennis fly their yellow AGLCA flag signifying their second trip around the Great Loop. A white flag was flown on their first excursion.
AGLCA stands for "America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association".
Here is a map of the "Great Loop" our friends have already done once.
This is an image of the flag they fly on the bow of their vessel.
The upper lock door opens...
...and the vessels begin their departure.
Departure video.
A look back. Since the completion of the canal system, Canada and the United States have remained good friends and good neighbours.
The Coventina is a lovely looking vessel. Many of those who traverse the canal system visit from all over the United States, Canada and various other parts of the world.
More lock videos from a gorgeous sunny summer's morning.
Our friends' vessel is named "Pharm Life" as both Dennis and Dana were pharmacists and Dana grew up on a farm near Dodge City, Kansas.
Video of their vessel.
One more lock to go in this area. Due to the significant rapids along the St. Lawrence River, the canal became an important shipping route for heavy goods in the 1800's.
The five boats wait patiently as the water level rises.
Dana and Dennis have their lovely American flag flying proudly at the stern of their vessel.
The lock walls are sloped ever so slightly. Following the evident successes of the Rideau Canal system another important canal system was considered in Ontario.
Everyone enjoys the sun. The Trent-Severn Waterway eventually emerged as a plan and a successful transportation system opening in 1923.
Higher still! The Trent-Severn system is 386 kms (240 miles) long and joins Lake Ontario with Georgian Bay.
There's Dana!
Yet another escape is underway!
Escape video work.
The Pharm Life gets underway once more.
Continued video footage as the southerly parade moves on.
With the five vessels continuing their southbound journey along the Rideau a northbound vessel is now cleared to enter the lock.
Exit and entry video tape.
That's one hefty bridge that is able to move. Following the later arrival of more railway routes to Ottawa, most freight began to be handled by rail (and trucking) and the Rideau System became a route used mainly by pleasure craft.
Slow bridge movement as captured on video tape.
We find ourselves waterside in Smiths Falls. And...speaking of pleasure craft...its the tourists who bring many dollars to the various towns and locations found en route.
We spot a familiar vessel. Yes, our family enjoys visiting this fascinating vessel whenever she plies the system.
The Kawartha Voyageur is anchored here awaiting a noon transit of the locks at this point.
The water tower in Smiths Falls.
At Smiths Falls, lock 29A (also known as Smiths Falls Combined) is the new hydraulic lock replacing the now retired triple flight of locks 28, 28, 30.
Tourists on the large vessel hang out on the bow. The vessel traverses both the Trent-Severn System and the Rideau Canal system with the waterways in between.
Still more boats await their turn to proceed.
It's a gorgeous location. To learn more about the Kawartha Voyageur and her destinations check out the website by copying and pasting the link below into your computer's browser.
https://ontariowaterwaycruises.com/cruises/kawartha/
Rather than being hand-cranked, the locks here in Smiths Falls are hydraulic driven.
It's a rather deep lock.
I'm enjoying the views. By 1849 the rapids of the St. Lawrence were tamed when ships could utilize the new locks found along that system taking further traffic away from the Rideau River system.
Smiths Falls video.
Getting up there! On June 27, 2007 the Rideau Canal system became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
She's a crowded lock but totally efficient!
The station here resembles a railroad design.
Lovely.
The falls are found beyond the concrete walls and bridge.
A closer examination of the water.
Closer still.
Lisa and puppies...a trio of pretty friends!
"Hey, can we go aboard the Kawartha Voyageur for lunch?" the dogs ask.
She'll be underway in short order.
A glimpse around the park.
I'll take one of those...
...or perhaps this one!
Loving it!
Hehehe!
I discovered this cool looking vessel.
And this one!
Lovely!
Looking good!
The old canal where the original route existed.
A view from the other side.
The Kawartha Voyageur is too large for the lock system. In order to navigate the locks the bow lifts up via the use of hydraulics and tucks into the front face of the vessel to essentially shorten the ship.
The vessel is too tall to navigate under some of the bridges along the route of the Rideau System. To get around this issue, the captain's bridge lowers on hydraulics as does the roof of the upper deck where passengers sit outside.
Remember those boat rentals? Here is the location in Smiths Falls where you can rent the vessels.
I found many of these stone plaques in the ground near the walkway.
Oooh! Check out this puppy!
Number 443.
She's a Harvard.
The Harvard aircraft was used as a trainer.
My research tells me the North American Harvard first appeared in 1937 in response to a US Air Corps proposal for an advanced trainer.
The first of 50 Harvard Mk1's ordered by the Canadian Government were delivered to RCAF Sea Island, BC in July 1939.
Canadian built Harvards started being produced in 1941.
Check out the landing gear.
A lovely dedication.
"Basic trainer for thousands who learned to fly in defense of their country." the plaque reads.
2800 of these aircraft were built between 1940 and 1945.
Over twenty thousand Harvards in total were built and many continue to fly in private collections worldwide.
A look back at Smiths Falls.
Click on the image to enlarge.
Six ladies assemble waterside.
Dennis and Dana's "Great Loop" flag.
Their friends Michael and Linda met them in Smiths Falls as they are in the process of traversing the Great Loop clockwise while Dana and Dennis are sailing counter-clockwise.
For both crews this is their second run around the bases! Most boaters run the Great Loop counter-clockwise I am told.
The lady in the distance has just rented one of the "Le Boat" vessels and is tucking in dockside in order to fill up. Bow and stern thrusters assist in "parking" or docking.
A glance down the old canal that no longer is in working order...the former locks 28, 29 and 30.
Another lovely vessel.
Click on the image to enlarge to view the whole Rideau River system.
Enlarge to read.
The hydraulic automated lock.
Lots of informative plaques are found up and down the system.
The bow has been cleared of tourists...
...and it begins to raise.
Video of the another boat exiting the lock and the beginning of the "bow lift" with hydraulics for the large tour cruise boat. Now, I say...that's one heckuva bow movement!
Very interesting!
Kawartha Voyageur footage on video. The bow continues to lift as the vessel gets underway from its berth.
One of the many employees aboard the vessel.
Underway on video.
The stern.
Still more informative plaques.
Very interesting reads!
The combined lock system.
Safety is number one!
Time for a picnic!
Karen and Dana.
With Lisa in the mix!
Three lovelies!
On our drive home we checked out the lock known as Clowes.
Once again, enlarge to read.
Clowes is lock 20 along the route.
I wasn't sure of the pronunciation of the lock name "Clowes". One of the young employees thought that it rhymed with "bows" from the phrase, "The servant bows before his king."
The lovely low waterfalls in the area.
Another similar building to a train station.
The ever-present title board.
Another view of the falls.
The smooth concrete sides of the lock would be fun to model in HO scale.
Looking good!
A glance to the north.
Video at Clowes.
Hi Mike
I could not resist. This is Kittiwake a 1969 Alcan 37. Maureen and I are in
Westport at the moment, we are departing for Newboro tomorrow and then on to
Chaffeys lock the next day. The Rideau Canal is a fabulous resource we are very
fortunate to have so close by. Next you are down our way look for the blue and
white ugly (lovely). Fred's or Kittiwake? My choice the boat. Nice trip log of
the Rideau.
Doug
I agree with ya Doug...we are fortunate that we get to run trains each week but it is quite a rare moment in time to be able to journey along the Rideau Canal system!
Penny is spent.
As is Lilly.
I spotted this fellow near the traffic intersection at Manotick.
That's one cool looking jeep!
I want one of those!
I spot the Vimy Ridge Bridge over the Rideau River near Riverside South.
Thanks for checking in on my fun excursion up and down a small portion of the Rideau Canal system...one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th Century!
All the best, Mike and the OVGRS gang
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
No comments:
Post a Comment