1,000 Islands and 2 Rainbows [St. Lawrence River] (October 4-5, 2014)

The Place

The St. Lawrence River runs 744 miles connecting Lake Ontario and the Atlantic Ocean.  As the River leaves the Lake there are (probably more than) 1,000 islands dotting the river, giving the name to the 1000 Islands region.  The political border between the US and Canada meanders along the center of the river here, weaving around different islands claimed by one country or the other.  The islands range from piles of rock barely big enough to erect a flag pole with a Canadian flag, to a huge island with several New York state parks, an interstate highway and the border crossing and customs for both countries.  Literally, there are many islands just big enough for a house, a few trees and a boat dock.

The Adventure

A neighbor at the campground on Henderson Bay persuaded us that the 1000 Islands region was a “must-see” that we should not miss.  So we found a campground on one of the islands with beautiful views of the river, islands and Canada.  Boy was he right!  Even in driving, cold rain, the scenery is spectacular!

We drove along the US side of the river to get to Wellesley Island State Park, a huge, sprawling park that takes up part of one of the 1,000 islands.  Once you get beside the river, you see rocky outcroppings in the river that make islands, upon islands, upon islands.  The park is beautiful, and would be a wonderful place to return to with the kayaks.  Just off shore from your campsite are lovely little islands to paddle to and explore.  Did I mention that temps were in the 40s and it was raining with high winds?  We didn’t go out on the water, but we talked to people who come to this park regularly just to kayak this beautiful stretch of river.  On the up side, as we explored the campground by land, we did see 2 complete rainbows as we looked out over the river!

This is a very photogenic place, even in grungy weather.  The view from the bridge crossing from the US mainland onto Wellesley Island and from the bridge crossing over into Canada was nothing short of spectacular.  This is one of those spots that everyone who enjoys the outdoors should visit at least once in their lives.  We plan to return some day in better weather!

You could have this beautiful tent campsite right on the river!