Everyone knows the old adage: the most dangerous thing on a boat is a schedule. Before I set out on the Loop, I told myself I’d avoid that trap—I’d cruise without deadlines or expectations. But now I realize: that’s just not possible. If you want to stay at a marina, you need a reservation—often nonrefundable. If your boat needs work, you book appointments weeks in advance. If you need parts or supplies shipped, you need a destination and a delivery window—and you need to be there when they arrive. In other words, schedules are unavoidable. And they’re often at odds with a mode of travel where so much is out of your control. Weather, mechanical issues, and—most maddening of all—lock delays can completely unravel the best-laid plans. Today was one of those days. We arrived at our first lock right at opening, only to find a wall of boats already waiting. That first delay set the tone for the day—long waits at nearly every lock became the norm. Our original plan evaporated before we even got started. We covered just 23 miles and made it through 8 locks, but it felt like a grind. Progress, yes—but hard-fought, and nowhere near what we’d hoped. And yet… in terms of natural beauty, today set a new high-water mark. Cruising through Clear Lake and Stony Lake was an experience I won’t forget. A maze of islands, channels, and winding turns surrounded us, each view more jaw-dropping than the last. Stunning cottages tucked into hidden coves only added to the magic. I felt a powerful urge to slow down, to stop and explore, to linger in this place that seems to exist just beyond the edge of a dream. But onward we must go. The schedule calls.

Today was, without a doubt, my favorite cruising day on the Loop so far. The weather was perfect—cool and comfortable, with gentle clouds softening the sun’s rays. For once, the wind gave us a break, and the stillness made the experience even more peaceful. What made the day truly special, though, was cruising along the winding river through cottage country. The shoreline was dotted with charming homes, each one whispering its own story. As I passed by, I found myself imagining the families who return to these places summer after summer. I pictured kids growing older each year, their laughter echoing across the water, while parents reconnect with old friends and neighbors whose lives have become part of their seasonal rhythm. There’s something deeply romantic about it all—the continuity, the memories that take root in these cabins, and the way generations pass the torch. Children become parents, and the cycle repeats, carving out a legacy of summers soaked in sunlight, water, and love. It made me feel quietly honored to witness it from the water, just for a moment.

Decided to move on up the waterway rather than staying another night so we got as far as the top of lock 17. That should put us in range to get to Peterborough tomorrow. It feels like we have so few days and so many things to see it is hard to know when to slow down and look around or to keep charging ahead. Dooher’s donuts was on the “must do” list but will have to wait for the next time around. Sigh…

Easy stroll across glassy water. We anchored last night next to another looper so we buddy boated today to Trent. It was fun to travel with another boat. This is a beautiful marina. Brand new facilities.

Katelyn and I ran some errands this morning so we didn’t get in the water till 11:00. By then the weather was warning of squalls so we kept a close eye on the radar. Sure enough, a little storm started to brew so we kicked up the pace a bit to outrun it. Got fuel in Picton ($1.60 / liter) and then came out to anchor. Expecting a bit of a blow this evening but clearing by morning.

Dead calm run today. I dropped the hammer today burn off soot (I think that’s a thing I’m supposed to do from time to time. We ran at 2600 RPM and saw 20 MPH for about 20 minutes. Big Wave felt like a totally different boat running at that speed. Proud of this old girl. Daily dive #3… check! ✅

Came to Gananoque to catch the Canada Day fireworks. We first pulled up the free short term dock get our bearings and two Canadian Border Patrol officers caught our lines and proceeded to check us in to Canada saving us the phone call! They were so friendly. It’s great to finally be in Canada! And yes, we started the day with a plunge!

Quick 1 hour trip with a nice 2 knot current pushing us along. Lots of small boats on 1 big ship but the going was easy. Sweet anchorage near the 1000 Islands Yacht Club. Haven’t seen the castle yet but the homes here are off the hook!

Rough conditions at the start… like everything tossed to the floor kind of conditions. Loud, happy music got us through the scary part. Then things mellowed out throughout the rest of the voyage. Dead calm once we got into the St Lawrence River. No marina space available so we are trying our hand at anchoring.