CLAYTON, NY

TUESDAY, 7/25/23

Yesterday we crossed the eastern tip of Lake Ontario, heading due north from Oswego to the entrance of the St. Lawrence River, then turning east to Clayton.  Crossing the lake was very uncomfortable: the seas were on the beam, and the boat was rolling more than we’re used to.  

Not unsafe; just uncomfortable.  We were glad to leave the lake and enter the river.

Clayton is the gateway to the Thousand Islands and home to the Antique Boat Museum, arguably the finest collection of classic yachts in the world.  We like the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, but this is superior.  It’s an outstanding collection of one-of-a-kind gentlemen’s yachts and historic craft.  Lots of brightwork (varnish).  And an entire building dedicated to racing boats.  Remember Miss Budweiser?

Chris Craft, Gar Wood, and Elco (similar to my brother’s boat) – all classics!

Another in the collection of gentlemen’s’ yachts.

Lynn loved this small sailboat with interesting rigging and a caned seat for the guest.

Last night we had dinner at a stone “chateau” overlooking the river.

They recently changed their menu from a seven course dinner with wine pairings to a more simple menu – last night it was Mexican and it was excellent! Doesn’t look like any Mexican restaurant we’ve ever been to!

The views up here are serene and spectacular: the river is wide and deep, and the banks are wooded.  “You can see Canada from here!”8

Today, we’ll travel northeast (downriver) as far as Alexandria Bay to visit the famous Boldt Castle on Hart Island: built by a multi-millionaire for his young wife who died before its completion.  

We’ll stay tonight at the Thousand Islands Club.  Maybe have dinner in Alexandria Bay.  

Tomorrow, we’ll reverse course and head southeast along the Canadian shore to Kingston, Ontario, the beginning of the Rideau Canal.  I expect that we will have seen at least 900 of the thousand islands!