1000 Islands and the St. Lawrence Seaway
Here Canada and the United States meet… their cultures blending in the waters of the mighty St. Lawrence. The native peoples called this region the “Manatoana” or “Garden of the Great Spirit.” The river, 15 miles at its source, gradually narrows to five miles in width, and the islands over 1800 of them, vary in size from mere points of rock to those of several square miles in area. They extend from Cape Vincent to Ogdensburg, a distance of 50 miles. This is a world renowned vacation paradise with its gorgeous garden of woods and waters.
We spend a beautiful week here with Larry's niece Teresa and friends.
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| Our campground was in the town of Clayton |
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| Jim and Joann(owners) have a very nice campground. Jim's family has owned this site for many years. |
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| View of the St Lawrence from our campsite. |
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| Our first night sunset over the river! How romantic!!! |
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| Teresa (Larry's niece) and Doug preparing food at their campsite. |
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| The girls (Denise, Janette, Sandra & Teresa) challenged Doug to a game of chess. This is a guys dream 4 - 1, but he did lose the game. I think he was just being a gentleman! |
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| All week long ships kept sailing through! |
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| OH BOY we are getting on a boat! We had a 4th of July Uncle Sam's dinner cruise which also included fireworks at Alexandria Bay. |
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| Tour of the islands! |
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| The POOR people! |
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| Beautiful homes along the river |
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| Bridge that connects US and Canada. This goes to Wellesley Island then continues to Canada. |
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| Boldt Castle in the background. More about the castle later. |
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| Another view of Boldt Castle |
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| Everyone waiting for the fireworks! |
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| The dinner cruise included a band for your dancing pleasure. Cheryl, Teresa and Sandra kicking up a storm! |
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| This sums up the 4th of July celebration. |
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| Osprey nest. Look close and you can see the chicks on the left. These birds love the high life. |
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| Relaxing and enjoying the views of the St Lawrence. Cheryl and Teresa. |
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.
In 1904, tragedy struck. Boldt telegraphed 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. He had invested over $1.5 million!
For 73 years, the castle and various stone structures were left to the mercy of the wind, rain, ice, snow and vandals. When the Thousand 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.
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Lovely couple touring Boldt Castle! |
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| Since the island is heart shaped the landscaping follows the same. Remember Boldt was building this castle for the love of his life. |
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| Another view |
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| Dining room |
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| Stained glass dome over Grand stair case |
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| Grand staircase, marble. |
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| Fireplace in Louise bedroom. |
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| Boldt Gardens |
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| More flowers |
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| The theme of the "Heart" is captured throughout the gardens! |
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| Of course a house on on island is not complete without its own Yacht House! |
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| 1929 "Time Out" - 22' Fay and Bowen Boat & Engine Co boat of Geneva, NY |
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| Steam Boiler from the early 1900's. This was used on yachts during this era. |
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| Of course there was always "Happy Hour". Sandra and Larry enjoying a cold one. |
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| Denise and Teresa relaxing before continuing the Alexandria Bay tour. |
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| Alexandria Bay park over looking the St. Lawrence. |
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| The group had to do some wine tasting! |
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| Cheryl had to capture the beauty of the flowers. |
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| Sun setting from Alexandria Bay Park over the St Lawrence River! |
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| A log along the St Lawrence viewed from Wellesley Island State Park |
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| Mom and kids enjoying a day in the park |
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| A deer (middle) in the park |
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| This was an interesting graphic. It's hard to believe these birds have this large of a wing span! |
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| Denise, Sandra and Jeanette relaxing on the camp dock, this was the last night in camp. |
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| This sums up the week at 1000 islands. Beautiful and enjoyable! |
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