DAY 9 - THE FINAL LEG - COME CHEER ON MARC AS HE ARRIVES IN OTTAWA!

Yesterday afternoon, Marc spent more time with members of the Mantoick Royal Canadian Legion.  Marc mentioned it was one of his favourite days as everyone was so welcoming and supportive.  I am happy to report that through various members of the Legion, they donated over $500 to Soldier On!

Marc spent last night at Long Island locks and intended to hit the water this morning at 8 a.m.  We estimate that he will arrive in Ottawa at 3 p.m.  Come out and cheer him on at the top of the Ottawa locks, on the west side of the canal, nearby the Chateau Laurier.  The Weather Network is calling for 70-80% chance of thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.  If there is lightening, it may delay his arrival.  I will try to keep you updated regarding any delays.

DAY 8 - A FINE WELCOME BY THE MANOTICK ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION

Unfortunately, due to illness, Rob is unable to continue the paddle so Marc and he parted ways at the Rideau River Provincial Park this morning.  Marc, Kim, and Sherryl have made the first part of the journey to the tip of Long Island.  There, the Lanouettes, members of the Manotick Royal Canadian Legion, are hosting a lunch at their residence.  Marc called me quickly from the Lanouettes to give me this update.

Later on today, they will continue further down Long Island where the Manotick Royal Canadian Legion will give a presentation.  Marc will camp at the Long Island locks tonight. 

Don't forget to come out and cheer Marc to the finish line tomorrow!  The expected arrival is 3 p.m. at the top of the Ottawa locks by the Chateau Laurier.

DAY 7 - CAMPING AT RIDEAU RIVER PROVINCIAL PARK

Just got off the phone with Marc.  He and Rob are camping at Rideau River Provincial Park this evening.  Marc has reported that the park staff have been welcoming and supporitve. 

Early on in the day, two ladies by the names of Kim and Sherryl joined them shortly after Burritt's Rapids for this leg of the paddle and they intend on joining them tomorrow for the leg to Long Island.

This evening, Rob's sister Jean and brother-in-law Frank went to visit them.  They had a wonderful meal courtesy of Jean and Frank and enjoyed a lovely evening.

Today, they collected another $20 for Soldier On. 

Don't forget to come out to support Marc and Rob when they arrive home on Sunday, August, 8, 2011, at the top of the Ottawa Locks around 3 p.m.!

COME AND CHEER MARC AND ROB TO THE FINISH LINE THIS SUNDAY

Marc and Rob are scheduled to arrive in Ottawa this Sunday, August 7, 2011.  Come help us cheer them on as they finish the 200 km paddle from Kingston to Ottawa!  Based on their average travel time, we figure that they will arrive around 1500 hrs (3:00 p.m.) at the top of the Ottawa locks, near the Chateau Laurier. 

When I spoke to Marc earlier this afternoon, they had set up camp at Burritt's Rapids.  They had a good paddle today and managed to collect an additional $100 from a National Parks employee at one of the locks they passed through.  Incidentally, I forgot to mention that they collected another $22 over the last couple of days.  I can't wait to see what the final tally will be! 

The next few nights will be busy for them.  Tonight Marc's kids are going to visit, tomorrow Rob's sister and brother-in-law will also visit, and Saturday night the Manotick Royal Canadian Legion has a number of festivities organized for their arrival!

DAY 6 - CHANGE OF CAMP LOCATION

Rob's wife, Marianne, informed me this morning that Rob and Marc will be camping at the Burritts Rapids locks this evening.

DAY 5 BRINGS ABOUT CHANGES TO CAMPING LOCATIONS FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW

When the phone rang for Marc's daily update, I was surprised as it was too early.  It turns out that the estimated route length was off by several kilometres when compared to his GPS.  In a few hours, they had already made it to Old Slys locks.  After some discussion, they decided to forge ahead to Kilmarnock and they will camp there this evening.  Given the proximity of Kilmarnock to Merrickville, tomorrow's camp location will change to Clowes or Nicholsons lock.  Marc should let me know sometime tomorrow morning where they will be staying tomorrow night.  So things are going as well as or better than planned; if it keeps up then they should arrive in Ottawa on Sunday afternoon.

My folks and I made the trek to Kilmarnock this evening for a visit.  We enjoyed a lovely evening together and also enjoyed watching the ducks, geese, cottontail rabbits, and the sunset. 

DAY 4 AND BACK ON SCHEDULE - THEY'VE MADE IT THROUGH THE BIG RIDEAU LAKE!

When Marc called with today's update, we kept it short and sweet as battery power is now at a premium.  Based on the short conversation, I assume they are very happy they decided to forge ahead yesterday to make today's paddle shorter.  They made it into Rideau Ferry Conservation Area at quite a decent time of 1330hrs but Marc said it was a tough paddle.  They spent about 5 straight hours battling high waves on the Big Rideau lake.  Up until now they had been averaging about 5 km/h but today, it was more like 3 km/h.  They were going to take it easy this afternoon in preparation for tomorrow.

If things go as planned, I should see them both tomorrow night and I will give you another update upon my return.