Next short section of the Rideau and definitely the last of the season. With air temperature struggling to reach double digits, cooling water, and Lower Rideau Lake being large and shallow, we're past our comfort zone without drysuits, although we did take a hypothermia kit. Cool fall day with light south wind making for a moderately easy paddle (waves kicking up a bit out of the put-in). We shuttled from Poonamalie Lock to Lower Beveridge and paddled East back to Poonamalie. River very quiet; only one fishing boat when we got back to the take-out. Little wildlife: swans! Muted fall colours. Stopped for a break after conquering the worst of the windy lake, but then had to do quite a detour around several supposed islands through which we had hoped to take a shortcut, but no luck, as it is impenetrable reed beds. Clouded over towards the end and a few spots of rain after we had completed the shuttle. Long drive home (just over an hour), so next time we will likely stay somewhere on Big Rideau Lake (Rideau Ferry, Portland, Westport, or Newboro) overnight and complete the big lakes.