Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Day Sail to Heart Island and Boldt Castle

Dad and I take the sailboat eastward from Pumpkin Island and downriver across the US Border towards the town of Alexandria Bay and Heart Island, the home of Boldt Castle. Today the wind is blowing out of the northeast, an unusual situation, and conditions are great for our adventure.
From 2012 Fall travels
We approach Heart Island from the east and pass by the restored power plant structure. There is great visiting vessle docks protected from the blow and we arrive right around lunchtime amidst a steady stream of tour boats disgorging tourists from an adjacent dock.
From 2012 Fall travels
After checking in at customs, we explore the manicured and blossoming grounds by foot. The first thing we see upon entering the magnificantly restored castle is the skylight overhead.
From 2012 Fall travels
One room after another has been lovingly restored over time since the Thousand Island Bridge Association has taken over management of the property. There are still entire wings and floors unfinsihed, but the few rooms we were able to walk through were stunning and inviting.
From 2012 Fall travels
After getting our fill of the main castle and castle grounds, we untied the boat and motored across the channel to Wellsley Island and the Castle's "boathouse" - another fantastical structure full of antique boats. This structure was built to allow three tall masted sailing vessels to park inside - a very unusual structure indeed. The scale is totly misleading. Look for a person in the left side dock.
From 2012 Fall travels
We tie up at the visitors dock, across the channel from Heart Island - with the castle visible above the trees beyond.
From 2012 Fall travels
From 2012 Fall travels
From 2012 Fall travels
Inside the boathouse:
From 2012 Fall travels
From 2012 Fall travels
Heading for home after our tour is complete.
From 2012 Fall travels
Back on Pumpkin Island - our journey's end.
From 2012 Fall travels
More information about Bolt Castle

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