July 20, 2009

After Fenelon Falls (Lock #34) we crossed Cameron Lake to Rosedale (Lock 35). This is our last 'locking up'. We've been elevated 598 feet since we left Trenton. Ahead of us—a 260 foot drop (9 locks and the Chute) to Georgian Bay. Note of interest: Balsom Lake (just past Rosedale) is reported to be the highest point in the world (840+ feet above sea level) that a boat can reach from the sea under its own power. A.s we exited Balsam Lake, we entered a very long slow zone. The Trent Canal is a skinny cut—too narrow for two boats to pass easily. Imagine our dismay when a houseboat rounded the corner ahead. In these waters, houseboats are mostly rented, and the renters often have little or no boating experience. The rental boats are not equipped with radios (or other basic equipment) so calling them on the radio wasn't an option. Fred hailed them using our outside speaker and in no uncertain terms advised them to pull as far to the right as possible and stop until we'd squeaked by. They did so, and then had to pass CAROLYN ANN. Joe had found a wide spot (a relative term) and snugged his boat into the trees, next to a rock ledge. He and Punk held tree branches with boat hooks to keep out of harm's way. It worked and we all moved on to Mitchell Lake without further incident. A fun thing about Mitchell Lake was the highway running along the side of the lake. Next stop, Kirkfield and our second lift lock. (You recall that Peterborough was the first—and only other!) This one is only 45 feet high, and had a serious wind at the top--where, of course, we stopped to check things out! We entered the 'pan' with CAROLYN ANN and again marveled at the endurance of this simple technology. Kirkfield is built of steel, not concrete, but is no less of an amazing structure. We tied up for the night at the bottom, more than ready to call it a day. The next lake in this chain called the Kapartha Lakes is Canal Lake. It was created when the Canal flooded a stream—but only the narrow central channel is safe for navigation. The recommendation is to go “Dead Slow” through the 'Hole in the Wall' bridge at the end of the lake. Downed trees and branches (deadheads) are known to collect here just below the surface. happily, we saw none. We're still in cottage country, and the 'cottages' are becoming larger and more elaborate as we progress. A golf course has been built alongside the canal. From here to Lake Simco, the largest lake in the Canal, there are 5 locks, one right after the other. Bolsover, Talbot, Portage, Thorah and Gamebridge. Lake Simco has a reputation for becoming rough in a hurry when the wind blows, but it looked pretty calm as we exited the last lock, so we made the sharp turn into the Lake, and went about 3 miles along the shore to Beaverton. Cute little town with a nice marina where we spent a relaxing evening with Joe and Punk. Next morning, Fred got the Go-Pet down and I rode into town to pick up some fresh fruits and veggies, before we headed across the Lake (calm as a bathtub) to the Atherley Narrows. We were in luck as the traffic was minimal on a Wednesday afternoon so we were able to keep the rocky ledges at bay. Lake Couchiching (kooch' a ching) is ten shallow miles long, with the last two miles nicknamed the “bowling alley”. Guess why. Lock #42 was uneventful and we moved into the Severn River to Swift Rapids. The Severn River runs through red and grey granite walls cut by glaciers and this area is so remote that the locktenders at Lock #43 come to work by boat. This is the highest regular lift lock in the TSW—47 feet. It is relatively new (1965) and was built to replace a marine railway, which had been built as a cost saving measure in 1919. A pair of intentional leak spouts in the very tall lock gote provide water for any fish that happen to get caught in that little well. Thoughtful of them, I'd say. It was a tad spooky at the bottom of the lock but the gates did finally open and once again, we were on our way. What is a Marine Railway, you may ask? We found out at the Big Chute. It is hard to imagine that it was a cost saver to build this 'train' that lifts your boat out of the water, drives it over the road, and then slowly descends 57' to deposit the boat (or boats) in the water on the other side. However, blasting through granite is neither easy nor inexpensive, so this Marine Railway, known as the "Big Chute" survives. Fred and I photographed CAROLYN ANN as she took her carnival ride (it feels a bit like a small ferris wheel!), and then Joe and Punk did the same for us. One difference, Joe made friends with the Police officers whose OPP (remember, the Ontario Provincial Police?) boat rode thru the Chute with CA. So at photo time, Joe accepted an offer to take pix from the OPP boat in the channel facing us as we eased down that 57' slope. People are great, aren't they? The OPP also escorted CA through the next little skinny water place where it is recommended that you blow your horn as you approach the turns...We'd gone straight on as we exited the Chute, so missed this helper. Happily, we met no one. By now we were only 1.5 miles from Port Severn, the end of the TSW. We opted to stop at the Rawley Resort and Marina, a historical spot which fell into disrepair. Liz and Barry have done a beautiful restoration. They tore the old Resort down to the foundation and rebuilt the same exterior with a thoroughly modern interior. Beautiful job.The piano bar in the dining room adds a very nice touch. The docks are brand new, also, and while protected, we had a great view of the lock and the River. Using the loaned vehicle, I spent Friday afternoon visiting the Shrine of the Martyrs in Midland, stopped a Art in the Park in Penetanguishene (our next stop) and replenished the larder for the days ahead. Other than that, we did some ship's work, read daily newspapers, did some crossword and soduku puzzles, swam in the pool and enjoyed watching the steady stream of boats passing through the last lock in the Trent-Severn. The reason for our long stay is a two day seminar for 'Loopers' being held in Penetanguishene. So that is our next stop, as we move into Lake Huron's Georgian Bay and the North Channel. We'll be back in a week (internet connections providing) to update. Be well, keep smiling and make each moment count! Linda and Fred PS--Two of our daughters spent the weekend sportfishing in the Gulf off the coast of New Orleans. They sent this photo of the 'Not So Big One That DIDN'T Get Away!' Looks pretty good sized to me! Way to go, Jen and Kris........