After enjoying our stay in Kingston, we left the harbor, went under the bascule bridge and turned at Fort Henry to head north on the St Lawrence River.

We cruised through the Bateau Channel, staying on the Canada (west) side of the Thousand Islands to reach Gananoque.

We visited the small antique boat museum there, and explored the pretty, artsy town.

Next day we continued north past some beautiful sights and under the Thousand Islands bridge to reach Dark Island.

Dark Island is home of the Singer Castle, built by the Singer (sewing machine) family. We docked out front like we owned the place and then took a tour of our new home.

Our delightful young guide told us stories of the families who had lived in the castle and showed us secret passages used by house staff so they would not be seen as they took care of the family. It was a great tour!

We turned south and cruised down the USA (east) side of the Thousand Islands, making note of the variety of houses. And how many of them were built on their very own islands.

Cruising past the Boldt Castle, we entered Alexandria Bay. We called US Customs to let them know we had returned to the States and they were very excited, in a low-key, ho-hum, “Wait – you were gone?” kind of way.

We spent a quiet night on Wellesley Island and in the morning, we cruised through Millionaire’s Row and gawked at the houses and beautiful properties.

More cruising south brought us to Clayton, NY.

It was a fun stop, with a cute town and a huge, beautiful antique boat museum.

We took a tour of the surrounding islands on a very beautiful and amazingly comfortable 30ft, triple cockpit, wooden boat. Our captain was friendly and informative, and it was a highlight of our trip through the Thousand Islands!

Eventually we headed back across to the Canada side, calling Canada Customs so they could welcome us back in their enthusiastic yet low-key, ho-hum, “You’re back, eh?” kind of way.

Next we’ll head over to the Trent-Severn Waterway!