1000 Islands, A Spinoff from Diplomat's Report

[Compry]

It was the end of another grueling period at work and I was exhausted. I needed rest but in order to really rest, I needed to get away. I didn't feel like flying somewhere and sadly I really don't know much about the country I live in so I decided to do something in Ontario. I saw an ad in my mail for Gananoque and decided to check it out. I've heard about 1000 Islands before, wanted to go but never got around to it. I decided to go for it this time. I told my friend about it and we decided to take the 3.5 hours trip and check out these Islands.

The town relies on tourist coming in during the summer holidays so they do trick you into staying more than one day. Each hotel that I called offered great rates if you spend two nights or more so I decided on the two nights since I really needed the break.

I will try not to duplicate too many pics that Diplomat may have already posted from his visit.

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[Pepper]

I will try not to duplicate too many pics that Diplomat may have already posted from his visit.

No dupes so far.

[kia027]

No dupes so far.

[Compry]

Soon come.

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We arrived just in time to take the 2 hour tour. It was an overcast day, nevertheless, we decided to go for the "two hour tour".

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I was excited about the adventure ahead. Were there really 1000 Islands on this lake? I was eager to discover. Turned out I got tired of clicking the camera trying to capture each Island. One notable thing to mention, in the midst of passing hundreds of Islands, we passed one that had a JAMAICAN flag flying in the wind. I was so stunned that I forgot to snap a picture so I decided on the route back I would take the pic. No such luck as the boat took another route back. Sigh. We are everywhere. Even in Gananoque. Note, there's a house on most of the Islands. Electricity, phone service, etc is transported via cables under water.


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The bridge from Canada to the US

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Many of these were spotted on the tour

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[Diplomat]

Good stuff! Some of these pics remind me of places I saw when I did the Scugog Boat Cruise in Port Perry.

[Compry]

Good stuff! Some of these pics remind me of places I saw when I did the Scugog Boat Cruise in Port Perry.

I have never been to Port Perry. This is one of the reason why I decided to spend more time discovering Ontario. There is so much beauty right here in our own backyard.

[Compry]

Heading towards the castle. We opted not to do the castle tour because it looked like it was going to rain and sure enough it did.

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HISTORY OF BOLDT CASTLE

At the turn-of-the-century, George, C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, set out to build a full size Rhineland Castle in Alexandria Bay, on Picturesque Heart Island. The grandiose structure was to be a display of his love for his wife, Louise.
Beginning in 1900, Boldt`s family shared four glorious summers on the island in the Alster Tower while 300 workers fashioned the six story, 120 room castle, complete with tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a drawbridge, and a dovecote. Not a single detail or expense was spared.
In 1904, tragedy struck. Boldt telegrammed the island and commanded the workers to immediately "stop all construction". Louise had died suddenly. A broken hearted Boldt could not imagine his dream castle without his beloved. Boldt never returned to the island, leaving behind the structure as a monument of his love.

For 73 years, the castle and various stone structures were left to the mercy of the wind, rain, ice, snow and vandals. When the 1000 Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property in 1977, it was decided that through the use of all net revenues from the Castle operation it would be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

Since 1977, several million dollars have been applied to rehabilitating, restoring and improving the magnificent Heart Island structures.

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