GL: Hello from the Rideau

[Charles and Pat Culotta]

HELLO FROM THE RIDEAU



That is Rideau as in "Thibodeaux".



We arrived here, Ottawa, early Wednesday and locked up the eight lock flight
to the initial canal level. This is a beautiful set of locks situated between
the Parliament building and a Fairmont hotel both built in the style of
Buckingham Palace. Aint nothing like it on the ICW!!!!!! That flight took over
2.5 hrs to do and all of the locks are operated by hand cranks. Aside: the
canal was accepted this week by the United Nations as a world historic
landmark. Quite an honor. We witnessed the dedication this morning as it took
place just down the canal from where we are moored on it.

Tomorrow is Canada Day so there are dozens and dozens of boats here along with
many thousands of tourists. We have a ringside seat for all festivities. Pat
listened to the Jazz concert last night that took place directly across the
canal from us---Aaron Neville from New Orleans included.



This is a beautiful city and we will stay 6 days or so to take it all in. Went
to Mass today in the cathedral and it is, by far, the most ornate and striking
church that we have seen outside of Italy. Truly impressive interior
considering that the exterior is not that exceptional---for the country that
is. All of the churches that we have attended or even seen have been
constructed of stone as in Europe.



When we leave Tuesday or so we will continue on the canal toward Kingston that
is about 120 miles away (including 45 locks total and a lift of over 450 feet)
and is at the end of the canal. It will be a great trip, one that we have
longed to do. After that we will spend the balance of the season in the
Thousand Islands area of Lake Ontario. The plan is to haul the boat and store
it, for the winter, in Waterford, NY in the finger lakes region at Seneca
Lake.



By the way, last week, we were in St Anne du Bellevue for St Jean de
Baptiste's birthday the Patron Saint of Quebec. BIG PARTY there as well----how
lucky can we get.





CHARLES C., JR. & PAT CULOTTA
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
M/V CCRIDER
PATTERSON, LA.
http://geocities.com/charlesculotta