The 1000 Islands, NY

Only a few miles north of the Adirondacks at the east end of Lake Ontario, the Saint Lawrence River begins to flow. This part of the river is a special place - a place not just of beauty, fishing and boating - but the site of small islands - many of them having only one private home surrounded by water.  This place is called the 1000 Islands.

A boat ride from Alexandria Bay to Singer and Boldt Castles is a great trip to enjoy on a sunny day.  And with the leaves changing, it’s even more beautiful than in summer.

Boldt Castle offers a glimpse of one of the most compelling love stories in history.

At the turn of the century, George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world famous Waldorf Astoria in New York City, set out to build a full-sized Rhineland Castle on Heart Island in Alexandria Bay. The grandiose architecture was to be a display of his love for his wife Louise.

Beginning in 1900, the Boldt family spent four glorious summers on Wellesley Island while 300 workers constructed the six story 120 room castle.  Then in 1904 Louise suddenly died. The work was immediately stopped by the broken hearted Boldt who could not imagine his dream castle without his beloved wife.  Boldt never returned to the Island. 

It’s a very touching story, but we still need to eat.  Cooking preparation these days begins with fishing. We’ve had enough fish for a while, so Chef Patrick made a marinated cranberry/raspberry pork loin served with pumpkin fettuccini and roasted onions.  The leftovers were great on a sandwich with melted old cheddar.

On the other side of the Saint Lawrence River is Canada. From the town of Alexandria, it’s only a few minutes to the bridge that crosses into our neighbor country.  Well folks, Kingston, Canada will be our next and last camping stop.  Then after a short visit to New York City to see friends and family we’ll be crossing another border.  This time it will be to the French Alps where we’ll stay for 6 months. 

Don’t worry, dear readers, Chef Patrick will be sure to whip up some good country French recipes to whet your appetites.