1864 Islands

 You Probably Know it as the 1000 Islands

When you go to the 1000 Islands in NY, you will understand why people who have been here return for generations. Just ask the Farrells. Actually, the number of islands is actually 1864. It reminded us a lot of Vinylhaven without the lobsters. You can ask Steve Shirley about that place. The 1000 Islands start in the St. Lawrence at Clayton, NY, which is a picturesque little town that puts on classy tourism. They have a great Clayton History Museum along with one of the best antique boat museums in the country. You know, the old wooden mahogany boats with a dozen coats of varnish on them. It is not to be missed. From the waterfront of the town, there are stunning vistas overlooking the islands in the river. You will also see large “Lakers” moseying along on their journey to and from the Great Lakes. They are huge commercial ships that look out of place passing by in the narrow river. If you don’t spot them right away, you will likely hear their melodic drone as they approach.

At the tip of Clayton is an AAA four-diamond hotel that is sure to please not only for lodging but dining as well. On Thursday, June 23rd, after a 36-mile cruise from Sacketts Harbor, we tied up at a small marina on French Creek, which was right on the edge of town and close to the grocery store. We enjoyed the day exploring on our bikes. We were excited as friends, Kevin and Tina Knight, were coming in for a visit on Friday. 

The next morning, we went to the local farmers market and bought some fresh produce along with some River Rat Cheese. Bev Farrell can tell you all about that. The Knights showed up early, and we cast the lines to cross into Canada, headed to Gananoque.

We had a beautiful marina with a view down the river at a cluster of tiny islands. We spent the day exploring the small town and scoping out a place for dinner. We ended up at a small pub that had great food, not to mention open mic night. What a hoot! We left the marina pretty early as we wanted to catch the morning sun as we cruised along the breathtaking north channel, speckled with tiny islands. Some had tiny cottages on them that seemed to barely fit. The water in the St. Lawrence is crystal clear with easily 15 feet of visibility. 

We reached our marina on the back side of Alexandria Bay pretty early. Our slip was immediately across from Bolt Castle. Please look up the history of Bolt Castle and its owner, George Bolt. It is a true love story complete with a sad ending. P.S. the castle is located on Heart Island!

Bolt is really credited with the 1000 Islands being developed from all the elite he invited to the area. Yes, there really are castles on the St. Lawrence. The other is Singer Castle. Once tied up, we immediately launched the dinghy and went out to explore for the afternoon. We went to a lighthouse, the 1000 Islands Park, and the 1000 Islands Club. What a blast!

We even stopped by to visit a family friend of Kevin’s. We got back to the boat, had a quick happy hour, and went into town for dinner. It just so happened to be Bike Weekend in A Bay. There were a bunch of friendly bikers and plenty of music to enjoy. Dinner was enjoyed on a front porch at the Boat House restaurant.

We were not long from heading back to the boat as it had been a full day. The next day, at the advice of some local boaters at the marina , we cast lines and headed to the Summerland Islands. But before we did, we went and bought a couple of charcoal chicken dinners made by the local fire department. Man, were they good!

When we arrived, we set anchor in an area surrounded by several islands. We were not alone. There were several sets of boats rafted up in the same area. We enjoyed hanging out on the boat and even dunked in the water to cool off. I still don’t think my family jewels have descended yet. Stop smiling, Farrell! It was rather refreshing. We launched the dink and made friends with other boaters. Shortly after, there was a strange sight to behold of a cowboy hat-wearing dude in nothing more than a banana sling! Too bad nobody got a picture, right, Tina? Shortly after, Sue outdid herself in the galley with a 5-star onboard meal. We enjoyed a few more cocktails and enjoyed a spectacular sunset. We were lulled to sleep to the sounds of loons calling off in the distance. 

The next morning, we exchanged hugs and kisses with the Knights, and I shuttled them back to Alex Bay in the dinghy so they could begin their drive back to VB. Sue got the boat prepped for our next port. Wow, what a weekend!

PS In case you were wondering 1000 Island dressing was not invented in the 1000 islands!