We left our place at 12:30 p.m. and got on highway 401 at Morrisburg traveling west, taking the scenic Thousand Island Parkway, to the Thousand Island Bridge at Ivy Lea, to cross over to the United States. It was our usual summer (rain included) escape. This was the third time we decided to go to Alexandria Bay, N.Y.

We stayed at Hills Motor Court on Berthune Street in Alexandria Bay, right next to the water and a block away from all the main attractions. Terri and Bob Yawger, the owners, are excellent hosts, friendly, outgoing, very helpful and very hard working. Make you feel like part of the family.

Our cabin was number 7 of 12 units. We chose this one because it was a door away from the water. It was one of the smaller ones but clean and very comfortable. It had two twin beds put together, a desk, TV in the corner and a small three piece bathroom. There was an ice machine across from the room, which was on the honor system $1 a bag.

They have two private docks were you can dock your boat for the length of your stay. There are two decks above the docks with tables and lounge chairs where you can enjoy the beautiful view and watch the boats. The place is very well kept with flowers in front of the cabins and chairs where you can sit.

We met some very friendly people who were also staying there. Jimmy, John, Gary and Steve (all of them with their better half's). Gary took us out for a 3 hour cruise one night seeing the sights of the 1000 islands. Jimmy treated everybody to shrimp, sausage bread, pizza, cheese and crackers, for a snack? Steve was a savior, lending me one of his canes after I took a tumble on my ankle. And there was John, the man who shorts forgot (or who would rather forget about wearing shorts), but found a pair and wore them. It was hot out.

We did the 2 Castle boat tour. We went through Singer Castle but didn't go through Boldt Castle, we've been there already. What we really wanted to see this time was Singer Castle and it was well worth the trip.