Trip to Long Sault, part 1

"Let's go to Long Sault," I said, needing a distraction. This would be one of the last summer-like days around here. It was an hour, 41 minutes, covering 139 km. For the most part we drove straight south to #401. It's a busy highway, but it was a fine day.


We saw signs of fall, and some horses, as we passed through some lovely spots.


By the time you are on highway #401, you know if it is moving well or not!


Lots of trucks on highway #401. We passed the black car, a Quebec driver, he was wobbling over and near the lines. JB decided to pass. Then, he passed us. Who knows...?


We got off highway #401, choosing to travel on the slower highway #2. This is a far better view of the St. Lawrence River.

Can you see how dry it is?


I don't know if that is a real blue heron in the right corner, but I think it is.

The War of 1812

This is an area of historical significance. Together with the Battle of Crysler's Farm, the  Battle of the Chateauguay (to the south east, in Quebec) ended a two-pronged American campaign against Montreal in October 1813. Montreal is north east.

Then there was Hoople Creek, which was more of a skirmish. The red pin marks Hoople Bay, the creek meanders north to highway #401 (darker yellow on the map). Curious, I did some research. Of course, these were major transportation routes between Toronto and Montreal. We are very near the US border.

Skirmish at Hoople's Creek, Upper Canada. 

10 November, 1813

During the American campaign down the St. Lawrence River to capture Montreal, Major General James Wilkinson landed troops at the head of the Long Sault Rapids and sent Brigadier General Jacob Brown along with 2,500 officers and men to clear the road to Cornwall, Upper Canada, and seize much needed supplies. After stopping to repair a bridge at Hoople's Creek, Brown was ambushed by 300 local militia commanded by British regular officer Major James Dennis of the 49th Regiment of Foot. Concealed among the trees, the militia had a strong position but slowly withdrew against the much larger American force. Dennis succeeded in delaying the American advance enough to allow 150 wagons of British supplies to be safely removed from Cornwall to Coteau-du-Lac, Lower Canada.

There were lots of birds on the water. Not quite migration time, there weren't a lot of birds. We got a little closer when we drove through the park after lunch. There is more to come!