The St. Lawrence Seaway is part of that notable border separating Canada and USA.
The seaway opened in 1959 and cost C$470 million, $336.2 million of which was paid by the Canadian government. Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada and President Eisenhower formally opened the seaway on June 26, 1959 with a short cruise aboard the royal yacht HMY Britannia after addressing crowds in Saint-Lambert, Quebec.
The international division has in the past normally been acquainted with our journey to or from the USA. Most recently it signalled our return to Canada in early April from Hilton Head Island, SC. Today the passage along the Ivy Lea Parkway parallel the River marked a brief outing associated with our investigation of Recess Café in Portland, Ontario along Hwy#15 beyond Smiths Falls. We didn’t stop at the Café today but we intend to return. It has already formed part of our catalogue of immediate excursions, those that we save for lovely summer days or similarly propitious moments.
From the hinterland of Lanark County we first entered Gananoque, then blended onto the Ivy Lea Parkway. Everything we saw was impressive. As you might expect there have been many changes over the years. Strangely the latest riparian residential development in Gananoque was reminiscent of British seaside resorts, tall, lots of whitewash and engineered for maximum views of the water. Meanwhile the building of grand “cottage” or summer homes along the Seaway is distinguished by Torontonian opulence and excess as the resourceful urban capital makes its way incrementally eastward.
My day was happily punctuated by my erstwhile physician who FaceTimed me late afternoon. As fond as I am of speaking and sparring with him, today’s conversation was highlighted by his account of a calamity he had experienced with a new automobile, a misfortune similar to the one I was forced to endure earlier today. Allow me the privilege to conceal the details of these misadventures in the interest of preserving focus upon the most salient point of the coincidence; namely, that misery loves company. Admittedly any disruption of my vehicle is for me catastrophic; but equally persuasive is the knowledge that my pain is not entirely unfamiliar or uncommon. It is a strange way to overcome a sting but the medicine works! I shall hereafter rise above what many would discern as a paltry complaint.
The remainder of the day was marked by a superb evening meal prepared by my marvellous partner and chef; and, listening to Beegie Adair at the keyboard – always a soothing way to recap the ventures of the day!
