The Bay of Quinte

This Bay, pronounced Kwin-tey, is a Z-shaped bay that allows you to travel from Kingston to Trenton with protection by outer islands for most of the way.  We were between the coast line and Amherst Island for most of today's trip.  We had a nice short cruise today stopping halfway between Kingston and Trenton. We are tucked back in the southwest corner of this Bay in the largest town (but still small) of Prince Edward County called Picton.

When we first left the Kingston harbor we were actually in the St. Lawrence Seaway. Are you confused? Me, too, until I checked the chart. Yes, we were in the St. Lawrence Seaway with those big ships before we entered the Ottawa River and then took the Rideau Canal up and down close to Lake Ontario. This Great Lake flows into the St. Lawrence... we have just come up and around and back down....Those of you who are watching us by satellite probably understand our travel direction best.  If any of you want that website and password just let us know and we will send it to you.

At 8a the draw bridge opened for us and a ferry boat coming through the opposite way. We were being blown a little by the wind so let the ferry clear the opening first.  I was on the bow taking pictures when I heard the all too familiar alarm!  I knew an engine had quit!  Nothing like a bit of excitement to wake us sleepy heads up and get our hearts pumping!  Walter knew right away that it was again air in the injection system.  After we were through the bridge he was able to pump it out. While he was in the engine room I was at the wheel piloting the boat without the Garmin which went off when he first tried to restart the engine .... of course I had the charts nearby but hoped it would only be a few more minutes before the Captain was up on the bridge.  He returned and quickly started the engine... Wahoo! 

We cruised past the newer Kingston downtown but still a remembrance of the old with the red roofed round fortress there amid modern buildings. 

After a while we came to the end of Amherst Island and for about 2 miles we could see nothing but water off our Port side... Lake Ontario! 

The town dock master caught our lines but she was not strong enough to pull us in by herself so Walter got us as close to the dock as the wind would allow, idled the engines and then jumped off the boat and pulled us in tight.  What a guy!

We secured everything and then went to find a place to have lunch.  Actually, we were so hungry we agreed to eat at the first place we found...Picton Harbour Inn.  It was packed with local folks which is always a good sign.  We had breakfast for lunch.....delicious blue berry pancakes.

Then we took a short walk up a hill to main street and walked the whole town.  Cute little shops and one Naval museum but it was mostly pictures rather than the actually boats or artifacts.  We have been so spoiled by the 18 acres Maritime Museum in St. Michael's MD.  None the less we enjoyed seeing the art work.

Tree Lined Main Street of Picton

Our Harbor 

Miss gg on city dock wall

It is quiet here tonight with only room for three boats.  We will be off to Trenton in the morning and Fraser Park Marina for a couple of days before beginning the Trent-Severn Canal.  We are tired from lack of a good sleep last night but oh so wanting to see more of the beautiful country.  We are so blessed!