06/01/2026
We departed Oswego at 0 Dark 30, better known as 30 minutes before sunrise, when you can see...but the sun isn't quite yet peaking over the horizon. Sometimes it can be grey and dreary and other times the light is magical and warning. Today was one of those dreary days. Even though we had hoped to watch the sun rise over Lake Ontario, it wasn't meant to be. Either way the plan was to leave early and cross the lake before the predicted winds picked up this afternoon.
While we didn't get much of a sunrise through the clouds condition were very manageable. While it was a little lumpy at times, it wasn't bad at all. Knowing what the lakes can throw at you, it could have been much worse. By 0730 or so it was flattening out as we approached the protection of long point's south shore, and the admiral had put out hard boiled eggs and pastries, By 0820 we were in the lee of Long Point. From here all the way through Bay of Quinte and Adolphus Reach, it was calm as we cruised the coast lines which resembled Maine to us, but without the grit and smells that the tidal water that only the coast can provide.
Brunch was swerved at a very reasonable 1100 including warm bred like naan, scrambled farm fresh eggs and a sweet potato hash. The perfect way to warn your belly on a morning with a chill in the air.
We arrived in Picton Harbor a little after 1145, and once secured the first order of business was to check in. The office was un-manned so we called the number and checked in, over the phone. A relatively painless process. Once checked in, the first order of business was to get the pumpout we started in Oswego finished. Unfortunately they charged $25 a tank and while each tank isn't huge they charge by the tank. It doesn't make much sense to me as we could just as easily have one larger tank. Once we were pumped out and had filled out fresh water tanks, we slid over to the long boardwalk dock to spend the night. While this, and the other docks managed by the county are without power, the docks are new, beautiful and power will be installed as soon a they have permits.
While I don't believe a lot of loopers make the turn to port and stop in Picton before heading up to the Trent Severn, it is worthy of a stop. While the thousands islands is busy, with lots of boats, I would describe Picton as more sleepy. Fuel is less than $6.00 a gallon USD given the exchange rate today. A lot, but less than many places in the U.S. and the least expensive fuel we’ve heard about between here and Georgian Bay.
Picton is renowned for their "dining scene" with notable restaurants like Bacado (Tapas, yum, this was our choice and it was very very good), the Royal Hotel, Quaich and Banter, Theia and more. And of course, for those who are members of AGLICA (we are charter members) there is Slickers (artisan ice cream). Shops of all kind abound, but not the usual tourist Tshirt shops, but unique galleries, clothing and even high end resale.
Tomorrow we'll get up a bit later, but still early enough to run the 35 nautical miles to the first lock on the Trent Severn, and start locking up and through. If all goes well, by mid-afternoon we'll be in Frankford.
