Time was running out for them, but they managed to do a canoe tour at Frontenac, thanks to our neighbours who provided them with one of their canoes.

Departure time was tough. We were starting to fight a cold (thanks Toronto!) and not at our best. And besides, it is always difficult to say good bye to friends…nevertheless, we drove them to the Syracuse Greyhound bus station! They were going to travel all day before getting back to their sailboat anchored in to Annapolis, Maryland.

Back at home, we had the house to ourselves – the first time since we are back. It’s was a bit lonely after these 2 full weeks in their company. On the positive side, we are certain to meet them again sometimes in the future while they are sailing around the world! Asia – here we come!

Our best wishes to our friends – und immer eine handbreit Wasser unter dem Kiel!

Another trip up to Ottawa, the weather was just great, and the first signs of fall colours were showing. No wonder that our friends found the national capital delightful!

The next 12 days went by fast! We travelled with them to Toronto where we spent one night (in a Chinatown hotel) which allowed them to do a quick visit to Niagara Falls while we re-explored exciting Toronto. And we got wiser at sorting out Chinese restaurants and their menus, something Gabi and Lutz had introduced us to back in New York City.

On September 2, our friends from SuAn arrived! Great! We met them in Puerto Rico and spent quite a bit of time with them together on our leg north up to New York city. We invited them to visit us in Canada.

We had warned them that our house might not be ready when they come, but that our boat would be anchored in the 1000 Islands …not a bad alternative!!??

While we worked daily in the house, sanding floors, painting walls, decorating and organizing the million of things we had put in storage, we had not yet lived in the house when they arrived! Thousand islands on board La Buena Vida was going to be the site of their first night on Canadian soil (or waters…)

The first night was just perfect! No mosquitoes, no wind, and the scenery reflected nicely what we had told them about our cruising ground here in Kingston. We had a great evening. The sunset was wonderful…as there was a cold front descending upon us on the next night!

Next day, we moved the boat to Kingston – what looks to be our last sail for this season. Upon arrival, Marleyne picked us up, and we moved our stuff over into the house. Our first night on land, and we are starting this one off with friends. What a great start. And they were good sports, not minding the bare walls … as long as the barbeque was working, ….

We travelled with them to prince Edward County, Lake on the Mountain, drove through the Mohawk reservation, and shoed them historic Kingston!