The Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway will officially open for the 2021 navigation season next week, with the opening of the Welland Canal on March 19, 2021 at 8 a.m., and the Montreal and Lake Ontario Section. March 22 at 8 a.m.
If that is not a sign to make you smile, then google the Jefferson County Covid Vaccine information, and you’ll see that there is a real push to get shots in arms. The vaccination program in Canada is not as fast, but they are getting there. See Eastern Ontario Health Unit for the schedule.
And finally, summer won't really start until the International Border reopens . . . so cross your fingers and stay tuned for details, which we’ll print as soon as we get them.
Our March Issue has 15 articles. Usually, we limit the number to 9 – 13, but after receiving each one, I would ask myself, "should we wait on this one?" and each time I said, "No." You will enjoy each and every article. And if you don't, please let me know!
• TI News in March ‘21- A Summer video by Dylan Semprivio, photographs and our usual issue information.
• Camp Life at the American Canoe Association – by Lynn E. McElfresh - While the events at the ACA camp itself were a curiosity, as interesting as a circus or wild west show.
• Ship Watching: 2020 Rewind, 2021 Fast-forward – by Michael Folsom - a Review of 2020 with groundings, amazing towing, new ships and lots of excitement.
• Andrew Kane: His Photography, His Art, His Passion and His Life – By Raymond Kowalski - "Andrew, Thousand Islanders on both sides of the border have by now seen — and been impressed with — your beautiful images of this region. What was your "I'm going to do this, moment?"
• Mark Ellis, The Limestone, and so much more – by Doug McLellan - “Hi, I’m Mark from there” (pointing at Dumfounder). And at that moment, my 30-year friendship with Mark Ellis, long-time River Rat, esteemed yacht designer, and father of the Limestone began.
• Birdwatching 101 & Birdhouses – by Hermann Samano - Backyard birding is an activity suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities. It is also completely free.
• Jacob Hays, of Manhattan, NY, and Round Island, NY - by Linda Twichell - “Mr. H. S. Barbour, with 25 workmen, has begun work for four weeks on Round Island. An elegant and expensive cottage is being put up for Jacob Hays of New York City . . . ”
• The Blonde Bombshell and the Iceboat – By Tom Robbins, Illustrated by Sara Coate - Sallie was the very definition of a blonde bombshell. Tall, shapely, blessed with thick waves of long blonde hair, and striking blue eyes that mirrored the color of the River on a perfect summer’s day.
• Glen Elbe Farm Gift – by Don Ross - At Glen Elbe is a farm so deeply steeped in history and so very rich in nature, that its story needs to be told.
• More About Minna - by Patty Mondore - We discovered a little more of Minna Anthony Common's fascinating story that ends up circling back to the Thousand Islands of today!
• “A.E. Vickery” Hits a Shoal – by Dick Palmer - One of the most popular dive sites on the St. Lawrence River is the remains of the sunken schooner A.E. Vickery, off Rock Island Light near Clayton.
• Food for Thought! – by Martha Grimes - My beginner's luck earned the reward of dinner for my family, followed by a trip to the E.R . . . The romance nearly ended before it began.
• Sudoku Puzzles #77 & #76 – by Dan LeKander - As a bonus, each month this year we will start with a Sudoku puzzle in progress, where it appears there are no more obvious or not-so-obvious clues.
• The Witch of Wellesley Island, Chapter 4: What Pete Forgot - The relief that Pete and Sarah felt, as they sped through the Narrows and away from incomprehensible peril, lasted about fifteen seconds.
• Excursions in the Pacific Ocean, Part 2, by Derek Innes - In Part I, some readers thought there should be no problem with a flood tide that gets you "back to the launch ramp" when the wind drops to zero, but . .
Two months tops!
Dylan Semprivio recently published "Summer at the River!!" to remind us of what can begin again in two months time.
Dylan Semprivio is most definitely a River Rat, having spent 16 of his 19 years on the River every summer. His love of photography gave him the impetus to make summer videos so he can keep memories to share with family and friends. He says, "My grandparents own a house on Wellesley island near Boldt Castle, and nothing beats sitting outside taking in the amazing sights from the naturally beautiful islands and wildlife to the mammoth ships passing through the channel. Of all the places I’ve been nothing beats the St Lawrence River, and I cannot wait to spend every year of my life making more memories on the River!"
Easter in Gananoque
We thank this Gananoque household for raising our spirits for each holiday. This week you will find a decorated Easter tree - like no other. Enjoy!
Summer events calendar
TI Life has an Events Page and we are happy to publish your events throughout the summer. Send them to info@thousandislandslife.com.
Supporting TI Life
Hey... Do you want to help with writing or editing content? Contact info@thousandislandslife and I will give you a list from which to choose . . . Adding to our Books page, Properties, and Communities. Not difficult - promise!
Want to support TI Life by donating the price of a cup of coffee or a tank of gas? Donations help us with updating software and supports our mailing program.
US residents: Support Link and Canadian residents: Support Link.
By Susan W. Smith, Editor, info@thousandislandslife.com
Special thanks to the TI Life team, proofreaders, Rick Taylor, Dane Zabriskie, Georgia Barker, and the real editor, Elspeth Naismith. They all had a lot of work this month! Thanks gang. And once again we send our very best wishes to Bill Stallan, our "comma policeman", who we very much miss!
Header photograph by Eric Hermansen
Posted in: Volume 16, Issue 3, March 2021, From the editor, Photos, Videos
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