Crossing Photos by Paul

Lake Ontario Crossing Photos
Photos by Paul Conklin

The prime objective was to raise funds for Sustain Inspire Survive, a support group for woman coping with breast cancer. A second, more selfish goal was to accomplish something that to our knowledge had never been done before, an Ontario crossing in an open solo canoe.

We started at Sodus Point, NY and plotted a course north to Point Petre on the Prince Edward Peninsula, 40 miles of open water.

Gary’s father long ago had a dream of crossing the lake in a canoe.

Hi-Tech navigation would verify our heading.

Low-Tech devices are more user-friendly for middle-aged eyes. No-Tech Polaris guided the way after sunset.

The National Weather Service data predicted an acceptable window of opportunity if we left by 3 PM.

Into the vast blue abyss

38 miles to go!

Early conditions were as predicted.

Thirty miles to go!

Ontario's vastness!

Where would you rather be, than right here, right now?

Who is that guy in the Hemlock logo?

Harold perhaps?

Almost halfway, 22 miles to go!

A mid lake muckle

It is called the Solo River Tripper (SRT) but it is a very versatile canoe. I cannot think of a hull better suited to the challenge of crossing Ontario.

Sunset at the border, 32.18 kilometers to go!

Gary says, “There's no place I’d rather be!”

By sunrise we had achieved our objective and made rendezvous with our escort.

George's unfulfilled dream came true vicariously through his son.