1000 Islands

Sunday, June 3, 2018

We say farewell to Oswego NY and cruise along the southeastern shore of Lake Ontario.

Leaving Oswego NY

This oblong lake measures approximately 200 miles east-west and 50 miles north-south.  We appreciate light winds, making our cruise a smooth one.

Lake Ontario

One of the smallest of the Great Lakes, Ontario is nonetheless quite deep.  Here our depth sounder is showing 434 feet!  Water temperature is in the mid 50s.  Brrrr ... no swimming for us!

Lake Ontario

Today we cruise 43 miles to the small town of Sackets Harbor, on the east end of the Lake, settling in for a couple of nights while some weather moves through.

Sackets Harbor NY

Monday, June 4, 2018

Sackets Harbor is a charming and very historic town with its major development dating to the early 1800s.  A strategic location on Lake Ontario with a naturally protected harbor, this spot was a hub of shipbuilding in support of the War of 1812 and the site of a couple of battles.

Today the town is a summer getaway spot with well-maintained historic homes, some being used as bed & breakfast inns and some, still residences.

B&B, Sackets Harbor NY

Historic buildings line the main drag.  Parks and spring flowers are everywhere.

Sackets Harbor NY

If town looks quiet, that's because we seem to be early for the summer season.  We are told school will not let out for about 3 more weeks and that's the start of the "summer" season!  Unfortunately, few shops and tourist attractions are open on weekdays.

West Main Street, Sackets Harbor NY

At least the flowers appreciate the still cool temps.

Lilacs, Sackets Harbor NY

Near our marina, we tour a battlefield from the War of 1812.  The site overlooking Lake Ontario is stunning!

War of 1812 Battlefield

Informational signs have been placed along the waterfront explaining the military history of this town.  This location provided an ideal setting for several forts, used to defend US shores from a feared, united British / Canadian attack from the Lake.  It was also a major shipbuilding center for the war effort, although most of the ships built here were never deployed.

Sackets Harbor NY

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

We head back onto Lake Ontario and are soon entering the American channel of the St. Lawrence Seaway.  A wind farm is visible in the distance on Wolfe Island.

Wolfe Island Wind Farm

As we near this major shipping route, we see some large cargo ships.  We soon learn the Canadian registered ships are called "lakers" and stay in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, while foreign registered ships are "salties" and go down the St. Lawrence to the Atlantic Ocean.

Entering St. Lawrence Seaway

Our 44-mile run today takes us into the heart of the Thousand Islands area.  Almost 1800 rocky islands dot this part of the St. Lawrence River.  Some are uninhabited, some are home to fabulous mansions, and everything in between.  We are beginning to see the variety of islands as we cruise west down the river.

1000 Islands, St. Lawrence River

The town of Clayton NY comes into view as we head for our marina for the next few days.

Clayton NY

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Clayton is a charming town, full of nice shops, restaurants and the Antique Boat Museum.  The Museum is housed in a group of buildings with a focus on a variety of antique boat and motor topics.  The workshop was located in a historic building; we were able to visit with volunteers working on various restoration projects.

Workshop - Antique Boat Museum, Clayton NY

A selection of the museum's extensive collection of boats rotates on exhibit.  Several of the larger boats could be boarded for a closer look.

Antique Boat Museum, Clayton NY

A separate exhibit hall featured classic racing boats.

Antique Boat Museum, Clayton NY

Friday, June 8, 2018

Today we take a boat tour to see Boldt Castle, located about 12 miles from Clayton.  The tour will give us both a chance to sight-see, rather than focus on running our boat.  Our pontoon boat heads northeast to circle Wellesley Island. 

1000 Islands, St. Lawrence River

Soon we cross the border into Canadian waters, which runs roughly down the center of the river.  We pass a variety of homes on the rocky islands.

1000 Islands, St. Lawrence River

1000 Islands, St. Lawrence River

A pair of loons paddle near shore as our boat winds between narrow passages.

1000 Islands, St. Lawrence River

This bridge spans the river, connecting the US and Canada.

1000 Islands, St. Lawrence River

On the Canadian shore, this statue of St. Lawrence keeps watch over the river.  It is only visible from the water.

Statue of St. Lawrence

We finally arrive at Heart Island and the impressive Boldt Castle.  Our boat docks to allow us to tour the castle.

Boldt Castle, Heart Island NY

George C. Boldt, millionaire owner of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, began construction of the castle in 1900 as a testament to his love for his wife, Louise.  Tragically, she died in 1904 before construction was completed.  A devastated George Boldt halted construction; the castle was never finished.

Boldt Castle, Heart Island NY

The castle fell into ruin until the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority purchased it in 1977 and eventually began renovations, which continue today.  

Boldt Castle, Heart Island NY

Millions have been spent restoring the ornate details of the interior rooms on the first two floors.

Boldt Castle sitting room

Boldt Castle ballroom ceiling detail

Boldt Castle library

We work our way to the upper floors, which were never completed and still display the graffiti accumulated over decades of neglect.  The contrast is stunning. 

Boldt Castle, Heart Island NY

Outside decks provide panoramic views of Alexandria Bay, across the river.

Alexandria Bay NY from Boldt Castle

A separate boat house was built on adjacent Wellesley Island.  We did not have time to tour the boat house but it appeared quite large.

Boldt Castle Boat House

Back in Clayton, we check out the Greater New York State Food & Wine Festival. There are numerous wineries in the upstate New York area, but none that we have been able to visit.  So we are pleased that many wineries are represented here.  We had fun tasting quite a few wines but didn't find anything memorable - just not the quality we have come to expect from west coast wines.

Great New York State Food & Wine Festival

Our busy day ends with a gorgeous sunset from our slip.  Evenings have been marred by bugs, millions of midges that hatch this time of year.  Each morning we spend hours hosing all the bugs off before they leave stains on the fiberglass.  Not fun!  We are told the hatch will end in a few weeks and we fervently hope so!

Sunset from Clayton Harbor Municipal Marina

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Our last day in Clayton, Robert hires a fishing guide.  He had a great day on the water, catching perch and pike - enough for a fine dinner!  Here the guide leaves in his very unique boat.

Tomorrow we will head back to Lake Ontario to explore various towns along the waterfront on both sides of the lake.