While I tend to be most interested in locations accessed by boat, the old Galop Canal in Cardinal is one of my favorite
places to visit on dry land.Truly a enchanting plance, there weren't many souls to be found at Lock 27 despite the fact that it was double digit temperatures in mid-November.
The original canal opened in 1846, and was in operation until the completion of the Seaway in 1959.
Looking up the old canal about an hour before the sunset.
Always amazed at how crystal clear the water always seems to be here...
Can see right to the bottom.
The calmness here is surreal...
Like something from a painting.
The water is calm and still but ever flowing, as the rounded corners of the wall spin off perfect little whirlpools.
With the active Seaway channel in the background,
Looking at the configuration of the old locks, part of the canal seemed to lead nowhere...
I found an explanation here:"I learned that this was the site of both Lock 27 and Lock 28. Lock 28 is now filled in with earth." -https://ottawadivers.wordpress.com/2011/10/19/weehawk-lock-27-drift/
The page also has a couple of overhead shots, from before and after the Seaway was floodded.
With the modern-day Seaway channel visible in the background, looking over Lock 27 - to the possible location of where Lock 28 was filled in? I'll have to check it out next time, but even the grass seems to have a different color/texture.
Bollards from the old lock still line either side of the canal.The greenish tint suggests that they're made of copper?
I bet they're nearly as solid today as they were 100 years ago.
Surprise of the day... A Snowy Owl resting on the side bank of the old canal.
I always thought these guys didn't show up here until the weather up north gets really brutal...
The unexpected owl sighting was enough of a distraction for the ALGOMA SAULT to quietly sneak up the river and
almost past me.I had to follow the ship all the way up to The CONESTOGA to get a decent snapshot. Cardinal's famous sunken ship can be seen sticking out of the water.
Even managed to capture a pair of Mallard Ducks in the shot.
It's just the second time I've seen the SAULT this year. She passes by a few times a month, I just haven't been there. Just so happens that the last time I was up this way, she was upbound on this very same stretch of river.