We used the morning for rest, creative activities, and chores, so we didn't get out of Ganonoque until noon. Still, it was only a short run, so Dan decided to take an alternate route that the AAA Guide map has marked with a dotted line, indicating scenic. It was a two-lane highway through fertile farm country.
All day the clouds were fascinating. Thunderheads rolling and tumbling finally erupted in a brief downpour. Then the clouds started their forming and reforming again.
At the end of the scenic route was the town of Smiths Falls. There we found a little park where we could study the lock on a bypass canal for the Rideau Canal, and across the park we could see how the Rideau Canal itself had been dammed to form a lake which connects with other waterways.
Then it was just navigating the freeway into town. The iPad app had a detailed map that I used to guide us through the Capitol area and into the slightly seedy neighborhood where our Quality Hotel is located.
Entry into a big-city hotel had the usual complications, but the desk clerk was very helpful and sent a baggage guy to help us. Our room is cramped but we have an extensive view from the 16th floor and an unobstructed picture window.
Dan went out exploring as soon as we got settled, but I required a brief nap. When I did go out I saw a number of rather surreal scenes—people doing and wearing incongruous and unexpected things. I haven't figured out the neighborhood. There's actually a used bookstore with books spilling onto the street like in Paris. Young people are plying the streets in such numbers I think there must be a college or university nearby but I haven't seen any actual signs of that.
