After months of planning, we set out this morning from Rideau Ferry Harbour under a cloudy sky. The first part of our cruise was uneventful but the day had a surprise in store for us. After a fuel stop in Portland (in the pouring rain where we got absolutely drenched), we headed out into Big Rideau Lake where shortly thereafter we noticed the port engine temperature gauge at an unnaturally high setting. We shut down the engine and Jacques checked it out – we had blown an impeller! Luckily, we had spares on board and Jacques replaced it while we cruised slowly on the starboard engine. The rain continued to pound us and we went through the Narrows Lock and then arrived at our final destination for today, Newboro Lock just before 2:00.
We had been out for several cruises and had done all manner of pre-trip maintenance so we were definitely not expecting something to happen on our very first day! The past few months have been extremely hectic: renting and packing up the house, prepping the boat, retiring (!), and visiting with family and friends. So many good-byes – we have had so many great send-offs from our curling friends, our boating friends, our neighbours who also are great friends, our family and of course our kids!! We are so looking forward to seeing some of you somewhere on our journey – where we will hopefully have sunny days like the one in the accompanying photo (not taken today!). Thanks to Paul and Janet for taking time out of their Sunday to get the right photo!
Jacques and Karen on Gyp C 
Oh boy, an eventful first day, but you made it through. Hope day 2 is less eventful!
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