Leaving Lake Ontario, and entering the Thousand Islands!

June 6^th, we off we sailed to Cobourg. They have a nice protected harbour area with good depth for anchoring. Unfortunately, the wind picked up and was more easterly than north, and we dropped the sails and finished the trip to Cobourg under engine power. We topped up our diesel, and were given reciprocal privileges and allowed to spend a free night at the dock. The fuel dock was under water and none of the docks had electricity due to the extremely high water levels in Lake Ontario.

Flooded docks in Cobourg

Canadian warship visits Cobourg. She was taking part in catching drug smugglers down south.

The next morning we walked around and explored the downtown area and picked up a few groceries. A very pretty town!  Their town hall is a beautiful limestone building that is surprisingly large for a town this size; but we were informed that in the 1700’s Cobourg was actually being considered for Ontario’s capital city, and the town built this stately building to show their commitment to the bid.

Town Hall of Cobourg

High water is affecting many beaches this summer, and Cobourg will also see beach space at a premium

Thanks to John Fullerton for e-mailing pictures of us leaving Cobourg!

Winds were light the next day and we reached Presquile Point in Price Edward County.  There is a small craft route inland, part of the Trent-Severn Waterway, but we decided to continue around the outside where water is deeper, likely more wind, although there are fewer protected anchorages.

We followed the coast around Prince Edward County, which sticks out into eastern Lake Ontario, to the very end of Long Point, called Prince Edward Point. We received an e-mail from Brent Taylor who caught us sailing by on marinetraffic.com!

That evening the Coast Guard had a report of seeing a red smoke flare, near our location and a search ensued with boaters, airplanes and helicopters.

Fishing tug at Prince Edward Point

In the morning we sailed in to Collins Bay to visit Marine Outfitters to buy some needed things. The Town dock as underwater, and the breeze was picking up so it was tough to tie up at.  Maybe next time we’ll anchor out and dinghy in…. It is very warm here!  Anyway, Collins Bay is just around the corner from Kingston, and tomorrow we’ll be entering the Thousand Islands!