Wallpaper January 2010

Wallpaper January 2010

No shortage of correct responses identifying last month's image. It is of course St. Brendan's Church at Rockport, perched on a bluff above a small harbor well known to diners at the Boathouse Country Inn which offers one of the finest dining views on the River from their harbor-side terrace. The church has graced the River for well over a century and according to the late Hal McCarney's book "Chess with Violence," its basement was used for bootleg storage during the prohibition era. Unfortunately I never remembered to ask him if that was fact or fiction, but it wouldn't surprise me if it was true as the River has an endless number of fascinating stories.

December 2009 Last Month's Wallpaper

The church is gaining further exposure in the music world after serving as a recording studio when Great Lake Swimmers used its wonderful acoustics to record portions of their acclaimed album "Lost Channels" there in the fall of 2008. It's interesting to Google "Great Lake Swimmers" with St. Brendan's and other keywords like Singer Castle or 1000 Islands to see how much exposure is spinning off from their rise on the world's stage. If you haven't seen it yet, a recent music video of one of Lost Channel's tracks which includes a glimpse of the church and a mini a tour of the River can be seen here: http://www.1000islandsphotoart.com/Cam/GreatLakeSwimmersPalmistry.aspx

In any case, with so many correct responses, the problem is always picking a winner, but it's hard to beat this story from Michelle Argersinger recalling an incident last winter which you may or may not have seen in TI Life Magazine:

"I remember this from the day Phil and I were stranded at the Rockport's Boathouse Country Inn after our airboat caught fire. This was the view from our room there. Your wallpaper brought back a lot of memories from that episode. lol:

We had an absolutely beautiful morning and early afternoon airboating around and meeting many of the year-round island dwellers (awesome, interesting, nice people). It happens that Phil said to me at the last second before we left to bring a sleeping bag along (hey, you never know). Did I mention it was a beautiful but well below freezing temperature day? I did not, however did not bring my purse because I didn't want to risk the loss of any of the contents. Big mistake-never leave home without ID.

Anyway, we were enjoying the day, just having passed under the Canadian span of the bridge heading west and approaching open water (as it never freezes there due to the current), when I hear Phil exclaim through my earmuffs "Oh that isn't good!"

As I look over at him to ask what he's talking about, I hear the engine sputtering, I feel the boat lurching and stalling and I smell smoke.

I said "I smell something burning" and he turned around at that moment and hollered "Flames. Get the fire extinguisher!"

As he's unzipping the canvas to get fresh air (as by now, we are in a completely smoke-filled cabin), I'm reaching for the fire extinguisher. Fortunately, we didn't have to use it as the fire went out as soon as the engine died completely.

Now I grab for the paddle while Phil gets on the VHF to hail the coast guard (we found out later we were in just about the only dead zone on the river for radio transmissions). As he's unsuccessfully trying to get assistance on the radio in one ear and calling his friend who built the airboat with his cell phone in the other ear, I am having a really difficult time trying to paddle us out of the current and over to the nearest island. (We were in Ivy Lea, but I couldn't tell you which island).

Turns out his friend was way up north on a snowmobile adventure and couldn't be reached, but he was able to reach some folks at the Rockport Country Inn. While he was talking to them trying to get someone with an airboat to come rescue us, I was able to get us tied to a tiny island (don't know which one - I think we were north of Ash Island(?), but it had a beautiful retaining wall around the entire island).

Well, we remained there for a few hours and as darkness approached, we decided we had better get out the tools needed to break into the cottage for life-saving warmth if it became necessary.

A while later under a blanket of darkness, we spotted our savior. A man named Kevin sent by the good people at the Rockport Inn. We flashed our lights several times as it looked like he was going to pass to the other side of the island next to us (Ash?).

Anyway, he found us and was kind enough to give us a tow to the Inn. Those are some of the kindest people you'll ever meet. They opened up a room for us to stay in for the night and the hospitality was outstanding.

Phil got a hold of his friend from Polar Airboats and he was awesome in providing us a ride the next day to Cape Vincent. I thought I was going to have trouble getting through Customs with no ID at all, but it wasn't too bad other than the sharp reprimand from the Customs agent.

Then we had to get my Dad to bring our snowmobile from home so that we could get over to Carleton and get our stuff that was still over there.

As bad as all of that could have turned out, we still had a great day and it was only the third scariest time I've ever had on the river. But those are stories for another day.

Oh yeah - we had to get a whole new engine put in the airboat.
"

Michelle Argersinger, West Monroe & Carleton Island, NY

Many thanks Michelle for a great story as well as the reminder that the River is never a place to be taken casually, particularly in winter, though I suspect Lynn Pascia might say the same about summer after her wet adventure (see below). 

I'm suspecting those of you who don't spend winter in warmer climes might appreciate a taste of spring even if it is still four months away. This picture was taken with a little pocket camera which I try to remember to take with me when I leave my "real" camera behind. There's no better camera than the one that's with you when you need it.

The best story accompanying a correct ID of the location will receive a set of 8 x 10 TI prints.

Happy New Year to all,

Ian Coristine

Wallpaper January 2010

Download wide-angle version

Comments

The Church in Rockport! St. Brendan's Church. I never knew the name, but when I saw this picture I knew exactly where it was. A great landmark when you are traveling past Mary's Island from the American side of the river towards Canada. Rockport as been a great destination for our family and friends for lunch and cocktails! Great memories there!

Amy Russell posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


This is beautiful picture.

T. Dalton posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


I don’t have a tale but it’s a gorgeous photo!

Stephanie Dunbar posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


Well... thinking that this could well be the tip of Downie Island facing Nanette Is? The sign in the photo suggests this as does memory from my life as one of the thousands of River Rats growing up. Great photo and wonderful timing to get this shot! Go Ian!

Eileen Tuskey Broader posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


A beautiful photo! It looks like St. Brendan's Church in Rockport.

John Herkimer posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


I believe I have this picture saved in my picture folder from a previous issue of Thousand Islands Life magazine. I have used it as wallpaper during the winter months. I think you said the picture was taken in Rockport. I love it because it looks like a Currier and Ives Christmas card. Wishing all of you at the magazine a lovely holiday. Keep safe and warm.

Carolyn Kitchen, Pittsford, NY posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


I think this is the little church in Rockport Ontario. Whenever I approach this neighborhood from the water (usually heading out to chase the bass and northerns) I see this church. Somehow, I'm always drawn to it.

Rich Calabrese Jr Rochester, NY posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


Ah, this month's photo - the Church on the Hill @ Rockport. Nothing like the beauty of a good snowstorm on the River. Great photo! Keep up the great selections of monthly shots - thanks.

Ian McAdie posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


That is a beautiful picture of St. Brendan's at Rockport. It holds many fond memories ever since we started going to church there 27 yrs ago when we first started on our island property. We have made many friends of the local residents & priests  and I especially miss Father Stan and Calley Leeder. The church has always impressed me as being unique.

Stan Ren posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


It's the beautiful church in Rockport. I can see it through the notch of islands from Dingman Point. I don't have any interesting stories.

Joyce Davenport posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


Am I looking at the right picture? The one I see is the Catholic Church in Rockport. I've viewed it from a seat in the restaurant just below but not with the white stuff.

Ewart Richardson posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


I want to say that this is the church at Rockport, but something isn't quite right. When was this photo taken? I have an interesting story about that church anyway: In the "golden age" there was a hotel at Westminster Park, directly across from Rockport. There were 3 chapels built there over the years. The first 2 were on Mount Beulah, and because of the prevailing winds and the height of the steeple, those 2 chapels blew down. Finally a smaller chapel was erected adjacent to the hotel on the shores of Poplar Bay. After the "Great Depression" during World War II when hotels on the River were no longer thriving, the Westminster Park Hotel and the chapel were torn down. The bell that hung in the chapel was donated to the church in Rockport.The reason may be that many residents of Rockport worked every summer at the hotel. My grandfather would tell stories of arriving at the hotel in the spring to help with opening up. (His grandfather was the manager). When the smoke began to rise from the chimneys of the hotel, they would see the residents of Rockport rowing their across to start work on the new season.

Leigh Charron, Syracuse, NY posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


This looks like the church in Rockport that overlooks the Boathouse Restaurant. Beautiful picture!

Ryan Johnston posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


That is the lovely church at Rockport in the Canadian Channel.  It is a source of inspiration and calming in a hectic world.  Early morning fishing off the point, reflecting on God, Life and the Islands, only interrupted by a bass.

Susanne Howe Duclon posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


Absolutely beautiful photo! I believe it is the church in Rockport. Back in 2001, spending numerous weekends in the 1000 Islands in Ivy Lea, my husband and I bought a 17' tempest we named 1000 Island Dressing. We spent 4 summers exploring all the islands and it was a good little boat to explore the smaller channels that bigger boats can't access. Docking at Rockport for breakfast or lunch was always a treat! My husband won't admit that this is a beautiful photo with the snow in it, as he named our current boat "Winter Sux". I only agreed to this name (as I'm a snow lover) if I could name our dingy "Let it Snow."

Rebecca Crosgrey, Whitby, Ontario posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


This great winter picture shows a church I first saw about 40 years ago. It is St. Brendan's Catholic Church in Rockport, Ontario.Many years ago I joined a group of fishermen who rented a cottage at Ivy Lea every year on the second weekend after Labor Day. We fished around lots of Canadian islands as our friendship grew. There were usually about 12 of us there each time. By agreement, one friend went with me in my boat on Sunday morning. As a serious Catholic, he wanted to attend mass if possible. Every year, for about 12 years, we would fish for about an hour on Sunday morning, and then I would drop him off at the dock in Rockport so he could attend mass in St. Brendan's. At the appropriate time, I then picked him up, and we continued enjoying our fishing.I recognized the church immediately because I had seen that scene (in September) so many times.Thank you for your great pictures. I have six of them on my iMac as screen savers.

Jack Wheeler, Webster, NY posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


My guess is that it is the Church in Rockport, ON. It is the site of many summer weddings, and just as beautiful in the winter.

Christopher Kenney posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


Another great photo. This one reminds me of the little church in Rockport. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Yes Ian, I'm hunkered down for a good blow tonight. I came down with a case of shingles Monday that has slowed me down some. Fortunately, it isn't too bad so far. I managed to lift two boats out of the water and get timbers under them in the boathouse, so they should be safe. I moved my work boat to the other end of the island, so it should be well-protected. Sounds like a messy storm. I just heard the captain of the laker,, Frontenac< saying that he is taking freezing spray over the wheelhouse. I believe he is out in Lake Ontario.    I have no great stories of that area, just fond memories of the kindness and cordiality with which we were treated in Rockport when we first started boating in that area. We had an elegant old Chris-Craft Commander that we kept at Bonnie Castle. We had three children under 6, and Rosanne was new to boating. Our favorite weekend outing was to go to Rockport and check in; then head for one of the Canadian island parks. We did this so regularly that the Canadian officials remembered the children and really made us feel welcome. They were doing their jobs, but were not officious. It was a small thing, but their helpfulness made them great ambassadors for Canada. Clearly, it left a lasting impression on us.    Merry Christmas!

Dick Withington Round Island, NY posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


Thank you for cheering up my winters. I'm sure the December shot is of St. Brendan's Church in Rockport. My best-ever job was working at the Rockport Boat Lines in the 1970s. When the weather promised to be bad we would dock Miss Rockport overnight at the "town" dock just below St. Brendan's and what is now The Boathouse. Grant Lucy owned the boat line and he was a rather thrifty fellow. In the spring of my second year there he decided that Miss Rockport needed a paint job, but he only arranged for her to be painted on the side that was always against the dock! There was literally a line up the middle of the boat where the paint stopped. Needless to say, we got some ribbing driving around the river in a half-painted boat. There's lots of stories about Grant - he was a fine man and a good friend of the river.I look forward to your new book.

Charles Kidd posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


I’m sure everyone is going to be able to identify this picture (since even Iknow where it is).  But I thought I’d see if I could add some interestingfacts I discovered that perhaps others weren’t aware of.  St. Brendan’sCatholic Church in Rockport was built in 1891 and was, obviously, namedafter Saint Brendan.  Not knowing anything about who Saint Brandan was I decided to look him up onthe web and discovered he was the Patron Saint of sailors.  “Saint Brendanof Clonfert or Bréanainn of Clonfert (c. 484 – c. 577) (Irish: NaomhBreandán ) called "the Navigator", "the Voyager", or "the Bold" is one ofthe early Irish monastic saints. He is chiefly renowned for his legendaryquest to the "Isle of the Blessed," also called St. Brendan's Island asdescribed in the ninth century Voyage of St Brendan the Navigator. Manyversions exist, that tell of how he set out onto the Atlantic Ocean withsixty pilgrims searching for the Garden of Eden. One of these companions issaid to have been Saint Malo, the namesake of Saint-Malo. If it happened,this would have occurred sometime between 512-530 AD. On his trip, Brendanis supposed to have seen St. Brendan's Island, a blessed island covered withvegetation.  Saint Brendan is the Patron Saint of sailors and travelers."Hence it makes sense that the church holds a Blessing of the Boats each yearin June.  The church property was originally donated by Charles Cornwall(any relation to the Alexandria Bay Cornwalls?).  A statue of Mary waserected in 1919 by Louise Cornwall in memory of Charles and Mary Cornwall. If you look very very carefully, you can make out the statue of Mary in thefrigid foreground holding a baby (no doubt the Baby Jesus) in the picture. Which makes this the perfect picture to use for December (Merry Christmas!).

Patty Mondore, Jamesville, NY posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


Thank you for the beautiful pictures; they are truly breathtaking. Just a note on December's photo: is it the same scene that was in Great Lake Swimmers "Palmistry" video from earlier this year? The lead singer views this scene from the water about half way thorough the song's video, I believe. Thank you , again, for sharing your vision, and I look forward to seeing more in the future. Happy Holidays to all; may you be happy and well in the upcoming year.

Colleen Garland posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


Well Ian, I think I finally recognize this month's wallpaper image, but only you can be the judge of that. Coincidentally this photo and our first significant snowfall of the season, both appeared on December 1, 2009. I would say that’s ‘picture perfect’.I believe this is a familiar sight for Roman Catholics who travel from Ivy Lea to A-Bay via the Canadian Channel. I believe this should also be easily recognizable for Thousand Island enthusiasts because the photo appeared in the December 2008 edition of the Thousand Islands Life magazine and a much closer view of the building with the Great Lake Swimmers on the “front steps” in the October 2008 edition.If I have guessed correctly, this photo is of St. Brendan’s Church in Rockport, Ontario.For some boaters, this is a landmark for the cut to A-Bay, but for me, it was the light at the end of the tunnel.It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon in August and I set out from Ivy Lea on the Sea Doo to run an errand in A-Bay. As I was thoroughly enjoying the river on an absolutely glorious day, many others shared my sentiment. As I neared Rockport there were more and more boats dotting the shoreline. They weren’t anchored, but instead drifting whimsically with their occupants laughing and drinking as if they were waiting for something. It reminded me of a parade route. And just then I thought…“A Parade! Could it be?”So I pulled along side a monstrous yacht with young women in scantily clad bikinis drinking champagne and I naively asked…“Is there a Poker Run today?”And just as they began to answer, the river began to tremble and there was a deafening sound coming from behind me…it was the first wave of boats from the annual “Thunder in the River” Poker Run.At that point I was fairly confident in my skills as a captain, and strategize that staying behind the on-lookers was my best chance at survival. And that worked for a while, until I needed to cross the mighty channel.About 15 of the gigantic beasts had just passed leaving behind their wakes of disaster. I was systematically maneuvering my way through the waves when I met my misfortune. I remember being tossed about like a cork in the ocean. I was going up and over and up and over and up and over what seemed like forever until I went up and straight through a huge swell. It felt like I had entered a mile long tunnel with no light and no sound, and when I finally came out the other side coughing and blinking (still on my trusty steed), I opened my eyes and there it was…the little white church on the hill. It was my ray of hope in a sea of what could have been disaster.

Lynn Pascia posted on: Wednesday, December 30, 2009


This sure loks like Landons rift's down river side. It is always a favorite spot of our family's "Sunset Cruise" that no one has tired of. We have always gone under the Canadian Span and hang a left toward Tom Thumb (I want the grand children to experince those short rapids that remain on the river since the dams came) I navigate to the head of landon's rift and slow to an idle and we all enjoy the solitude of that drift. When we come out of the rift I kill the engine and let the river carry us through the pocket behind the foot bridges. Our passengers even get quiet while the traffic above our heads on the bridge seems unnoticeable. WaltWestminster Park and Homer,NY

Walt Schoen posted on: Saturday, March 26, 2011


I believe the photo shows a great little quiet spot known as Trois Isles, or Three Isles . It is just south of the Canadian Box girder bridge and just north of Wellsey island. It is an excellent spot to go to when the wind is ripping and the traffic in the area gets to be too much. The fishing can be interseting there with the current that tears through there . Also you get some strange reactions from people when you take your boat up the cut heading SW. I own a 24' boat and it can be interesting navigating through there finding the balance of control and also respecting the boats of residents that are kept there. As usual you have come up with another great picture to take my mind to a good place when I fire up the computer. Thanks for the wallpapers. Hopefully that is the spot I think it is.

Rick Noonan posted on: Saturday, March 26, 2011


This is the centre island of Trois Isles - (once part of the Benson estate attached to Rabbit Island by a still visible footbridge) - located right next to the Truss Span of the 1000 Island Bridge as it lands on Hill Island. I have many great memories of playing on this island as a child; growing up not 500' from here and still, to this day, calling this area - HOME. Thanks, Ian, for the memory.

posted on: Saturday, March 26, 2011


Is this the church near, Peck's Marina on the hill looking in to the bay/river??? Either way, it does bring memories.

Patrick posted on: Friday, January 01, 2010


Hello:It's been a long time since I've poked around the river in a boat; however, the picture posted today (greenery with the little bridge) reminds me of the canals behind Boldt's Castle. I couldn't say exactly where and there are probably similar locations on the river. Anyway, my friend Marcia and I used to spend quite a lot of time poking around that area. Wherever it is, it is a beautiful picture as is the one of the church.I love getting the regular emailings and have the church as my desktop background. I grew up in Alex Bay and now live in Florida. I came back in 2008 for my 50th ACS reunion and it was wonderful to be on THE river again.

posted on: Saturday, March 26, 2011


This is a photo of "Trois Isles" (French for "3 islands")! A cluster of Canadian Islands located just under the low, first part of the Canadian Bridge span. Look out your car window, down to your left below as you drive off Hill Island across the bridge towards mainland Canada. There is Trois Isles, three small islands connected by small wooden bridges and surrounded by calm, glassy, swift-water eddies where the channel narrows. It was a favorite waterskiing spot for myself and fellow "River Rats" when we were kids. This was during the 1970's when there were very few "McMansions" on adjacent Hill Island and thus there were no "No Wake" zones (unless we just didn't obey them?) to slow down the ski tow boats. The protected water around Trois Isles was a smooth, glassy surface all day long, despite any winds that were whipping up the main channel. It was especially flat-calm at dusk, the prime time to waterski. The boys would slalom ski and spray the docks as we flew across the swirling, clear "narrows". This was also the spot for fishing and for "drifting". We could put the boat in idle or turn it off and drift quietly under the bridge. We'd come along side each other's boats, 2 or 3 together, and drift and talk. My girlfriend and I would cruise by in her Boston Whaler several times a day to check out the good-looking "hot" Trois Isles guys! Maybe we'd catch them fishing from shore, or better yet---swimming off their floating swim platform in their small bay! We never did officially meet those hunky guys. Maybe we were too shy, but we had lots of fun giggling and fantasizing about them! It was the most picturesque place to take visiters on a boat ride too. We had to show them the narrows, the eddies/whirlpools (you can feel the water pull your boat), and the cute little group of islands called Trois Isles, as we drove by slowly at "Tour Boat" speed under the bridge. I've probably driven past Trois Isles hundreds of times during my lifetime, and it always sparks wonderful memories.

Tammy Preble posted on: Saturday, March 26, 2011


What wonderful memories this pictrure brings back. My family spent many summers on Madawaska Island and at cottages on Ivy Lea. Every Sunday we got into my Dad's boat the "Sausy", and off to Mass we would go. Rain or shine it was by boat. And our treat was an ice cream cone, at the little general store adjacent to the town dock. Many of your pictures bring back some of the best summers of our lives.

Mary posted on: Friday, January 01, 2010


I love the new wallpaper!!

posted on: Saturday, January 02, 2010


not sure of the name of the island,but i believe its near the Canadian span of the TI bridge.what i knew as the "needles eye".i remember as a young teen,in my first outboard,a 13 ft 1956 Lyman,shutting down the motor to go through the "Eye" under "River Power" and just enjoying a 360 degree view of the bridge and surrounding islands after clearing the "Eye".i would get lost in these channels for hours at a time,but always "discovered"new and beautiful ways out of the "Eye".i wish i had the technology that i have now,i.e. picture phone,so that i could record all the adventures that i had as a boy growing up on the only thing he has ever called home......The River. as an adult i make up for lost pictures every time i'm on the river ...great picture Ian,even greater memorries...thank you

Dale Hull posted on: Saturday, March 26, 2011


2nd picture looks like the bottom end of Benson's Rift .I have lived on the river all my life ,nothing any more beautiful then the 1000-ISLANDS .Passed through there many time on our way to our island up the river

BRIAN DAVIS posted on: Saturday, March 26, 2011


It's a great church, and also served as a rum runner way station to store the cases of Canadian Booze in the basement, waiting for the ice to move off or the night to darken for transport to the US side. Next stop for the booze was sometimes the Boldt Castle Playhouse, which was built for Clover Boldt, and is going through a nice renovation at this time. Happy New Year from " Coyote Island" which lies between Manhattan & Steamboat Is.

coyote posted on: Saturday, January 02, 2010


My son Andrew has one of your pictures of Douglas Island on his iPhone. He really loves the river and your work. It was wonderful to wake up this AM and see the mystery photo, read the story of the church and think of the river. We are in Santa Barbara this week (not a bad place either this time of year) but my thoughts are of the river. Thanks so much for what you do.

George Textor, Douglas Island posted on: Saturday, January 02, 2010


Not sure the exact name of the island but it is between Constance and Rabbit just east of Benson's Rift and just west of the Canadian span of the bridge. This was a favorite spot to knee board and water ski as kids because the water is so nice and flat through that stretch. I can remember an early morning ski and as we past the island and looked over a small boat was on top of one of the bridges. The bridges are impassable beneath so i guess they tried to take a short cut over the top and didn't quite make it! Didn't get up to the the river for the first time in 38 years this past year, so thanks for all of the pictures Ian.Tim KiernanButts Island

Tim Kiernan posted on: Saturday, March 26, 2011


Ian- this is the perfect way to start my new year back at work! I have no idea what the location is, but it looks like some pretty swift current in the foreground, and that only occurs in a few locations that I know of. Can't wait to hear where this beautiful spot is. As always, you capture the true beauty of the River.

Julia Hepworth posted on: Monday, January 04, 2010


The Lost Channel is named after the disappearance of a British Warship and crew that vanished 200 years ago when attacked by a French rowing galley. During the 1950's Ernie Porter, captain of the Uncle Sam and Edgar Snyder, captain of the Paul out of Alexandria Bay competitively challenged each other in this island maze as they raced through the historic and treacherous waters of Lost Channel in the battle of 20th century tour boats much to the delight and thrill of the touring passengers on board! As an announcer on the Paul, I was witness to some of these more modern battles in Lost Channel. This beautiful June photo is taken slightly West of the Warren truss span of the Canadian Thousand Island Bridge system. I would guess you were standing on or near the southwestern point of Georgina Island Park and shooting the photo toward the South West in the morning. You may have been standing on the bridge with a telephoto given the angle of the shot. I will confirm this my self next summer to see if that is possible. The islands name is Benson and I think that you must have some great affection for it because this is the third time it has been featured as wallpaper on your great site. Last year you took the January photo of Bensons cold southern side looking north into howling snowstorm. You also choose this well shaped island for the pin up in December 2005. I know it’s called the Lost Channel but we are all not lost. Sandy & Trey Gregory

Trey Gregory & Sandy Gregory posted on: Saturday, March 26, 2011


The Lost Channel is named after the disappearance of a British Warship and crew that vanished 200 years ago when attacked by a French rowing galley. During the 1950's Ernie Porter, captain of the Uncle Sam and Edgar Snyder, captain of the Paul out of Alexandria Bay competitively challenged each other in this island maze as they raced through the historic and treacherous waters of Lost Channel in the battle of 20th century tour boats much to the delight and thrill of the touring passengers on board! As an announcer on the Paul, I was witness to some of these more modern battles in Lost Channel. This beautiful June photo is taken slightly West of the Warren truss span of the Canadian Thousand Island Bridge system. I would guess you were standing on or near the southwestern point of Georgina Island Park and shooting the photo toward the South West in the morning. You may have been standing on the bridge with a telephoto given the angle of the shot. I will confirm this my self next summer to see if that is possible. The islands name is Benson and I think that you must have some great affection for it because this is the third time it has been featured as wallpaper on your great site. Last year you took the January photo of Bensons cold southern side looking north into howling snowstorm. You also choose this well shaped island for the pin up in December 2005. I know it's called the Lost Channel but we are all not lost. Sandy & Trey Gregory

Trey Gregory & Sandy Gregory posted on: Saturday, March 26, 2011


Ian- It appears to be part of Trois Island near the Canadian bridge, I believe it's looking from the lost channel and the mouth of Bensons Rift is in the background. We always fish in the east entrance to the rift when it is windy. Even if we don't catch fish it is a beautiful and peaceful spot.

George Wambach posted on: Saturday, March 26, 2011


A Happy New Year to All: Having spent almost fifty years living across from the January "mystery picture, there is no doubt that this is the small bridge between the second and third island of Trois Isles, on the right and Rabbit Island on the left at the eastern head of what is now know as Benson's Rift. We, as a family, have spent every summer (first renting, then leasing and now living) across from this area since 1963. We became close friends with a former owner of Trois Isles from Rochester and their children and ours grew up as summer friends. Many happy hours have been spent on Trois Isles and many friendships established through spending time there. Since we currently have a winterized home on the north shore of Hill Island at the eastern end of Benson's Rift, we continue to enjoy boating by this wee bridge and kayaking through the narrow passage of swift water between island three and Rabbit Island. These islands were originally all connected to Rabbit Island in the days when both properties were owned by the Benson (of Benson Corn Starch fame) family. Dorothy Benson lived on Trois Isles and wished to have them separated (no doubt for privacy) and so the cut was made at Rabbit Island. the old Benson boat house was originally to the right of the small bridge in this picture but has been gone for many years. But we have many pictures facing north from Hill Island of when it was still there. After half a century of summering (and now some wintering) close to tjis area depicted in the photo, we would not wish to be anywhere else! We have so enjoyed your pictures Ian and look forward each month for the next "mystery" one. We have all of your books, as well. Last month's pictures was, as weel, very familiar to all of us in the area. Taken in winter, it does, in dee,d make a great screen saver. Nora Jean McAdie Toronto and Hill Island

Nora Jean McAdie posted on: Saturday, March 26, 2011


The picture at the bottom of the article is taken from Hill Island just under the bridge and yes the water is very swift, there is a rift there. I think the Island is called Trio Isles we ( as kids) would say "twa zele" it was a bad version of french for the 3 islands connected by bridges. Those islands are just off the point of my mom and stepfathers former home.

Andy Richardson posted on: Saturday, March 26, 2011


Hi Ian, Well Ruth Morrow, who has the cottage in the bay where Eagle point is, and I believe the location is the bay at the east end of Bensons rift at les trois isles. I used to camp at ivey lea camp ground with the kids on an amazing site that we could bring the boat up to. Coming back from ruth's going west under the bridge on the way back to the camp site to pick up stuff for a picnic at Grenadier, there was a large gust of wind and without knowing it my slicker blew off the the boat with my cell phone, wallet, car keys, and god knows what else. Fortunately our campsite neighbour, Moxy, had a friend coming up from Montreal, so he called his office, got one of his trusted employees to break into our house, get the extra car keys, get them to moxy's friend to then be delivered to us. In the end I was very fortunate and was amazed at how easy it was to replace everything, but any one who has lost their wallet knows what a sinking feeling that is. Another time some friends and I were rafted together in this bay doing some fishing and snorkeling. It was probably our first time there. My friend dropped one of his flippers in the water which sunk before any body could reacte. His daughter, being on the swim team back home was instructed to swim down and retrieve the fin. After seeing her slightly disappear beneath the surface she shot out of the water screaming something about a large snake, probably just one of those semi water logged branches, but it sure made all of us wonder given we were newbees to the area. I have another story of a Gananoque friend that blew himself up on our seadoo last summer, A very scary thing to witness! , but no doubt the community being as small as it is everyone has heard that story. If not I'll save that for next month. Hope to see you one of these summers at the cottage. Your neighbour back home is Norm Joly, a friend of mine as well. Bye for now. Best Regards Dave

David Fownes posted on: Saturday, March 26, 2011


Is this the church near Pecks Marina on the hill looking in to the bay/river???Either way it does bring memories.

Patrick posted on: Monday, January 18, 2010


Church at Rockport that looks over where the wakes of the tour boats and passers-by exceeded by ABay only. In my 16ft Lyman after the boat parade, I think for the bridge anniversary, required great care to navigate across the front of Rockport and into the Canadian channel going east.

Stephen Sarfaty posted on: Monday, January 18, 2010


Thank you for this beautiful picture of my church that I grew up attending... It is Saint Brendan's catholic church down in Rockport... Growing up in Lansdowne, Ontario we would often go there for mass.... So glad I came across this!!! Please keep the beautiful pics coming!!

Jessica posted on: Tuesday, January 04, 2011


Great looking wallpapers, the top one is my fav.

posted on: Thursday, January 20, 2011



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