Since the last post much has happened…. We are still travelling at the slower pace. Happy hour and snacks with our travelling companions aboard Takitez and Blue Max have become the norm and now include a toast from our former lockhand Christine, who is back in Florida.
The entrance to Fenelon Falls was bordered by more beautiful homes, no wonder it is called ‘Millionaires Row’! We woke up to rain and wind, which delayed our departure by a couple of hours. All things considered we have been very fortunate with the weather during the entire trip. We completed the last lock going up and crossed Balsam Lake at 840 ft, the highest point on the waterway. All the locks now will take us down, this is a good thing because it means easier work for the crew!
Descending 49 feet on the 2nd hydraulic lift-lock at Kirkfield, we continued through The Narrows, aptly named because all boats must announce their entrance into this section of the canal, as there is no room for boats to pass, since the channel is shallow and has clearly visible limestone shelves on either side… This is an incentive to stay in the middle of the channel!
It took us about 2 hours to cross a rather choppy Lake Simcoe to Orillia, our next stop. Our good friend Donna arrived by car at the same time and we finally got to meet her Dad in person. We had a wonderful visit, ate a delicious lunch at one of the local favorite hot spots and enjoyed the street festival that was happening that weekend. As we said good bye to them and Christine, who was travelling back to Toronto with Donna, Christine was charged with this update to our blog (so we are not responsible for the content!). We are headed to Georgian Bay and will be not be in a marina for at least a week, which means no Wifi. So photos will be added later.
On Sunday Tadpole continued the last 3 locks and Big Chute, the marine railway which transports boats between the upper and lower sections of the Severn River (check out youtube for video, it's pretty cool). That made a total of 45 locks on the Trent Severn Waterway.
As of 26 July, after a long travel day, Tadpole was somewhere in Georgian Bay, rafted up with Takitez and Blue Max. They were about to enjoy dinner together aboard Takitez, preceded, I’m sure, by Happy Hour!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
22 July Location: Fenelon Falls, On
The last several days, we have been traveling at a slower pace, taking time to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. One of the lakes was scattered with small and tiny islands, many of which had beautiful homes and landscaping built on them, others with summer cottages and boathouses. There was even a small church on its own island which was accessible only by boat.
We’ve been very lucky being able to tie up to lock walls when we are stopping for the night, rather than going to a marina or anchoring. This has given us the opportunity to meet other boaters who tie up as well.
Our happy hours and shared snacks continue with old and new acquaintances. This has become an evening ritual that we look forward to; a way to review the day, deepen our friendships and take advantage of combined experiences.
In Peterborough, we had our first experience with a hydraulic liftlock, raising us 65 ft over the highway and next to a lush golf course. Golf, anyone? It probably saved us 8-10 additional locks and more days to travel; besides, it was a cool experience.
Presently, we are in Bobcaygeon tied up at the lock wall for an early morning lock through continuing our route west. Christine and I toured the town while Richard took a short nap. Dinner will be aboard as showers are expected.
We’ve been very lucky being able to tie up to lock walls when we are stopping for the night, rather than going to a marina or anchoring. This has given us the opportunity to meet other boaters who tie up as well.
Our happy hours and shared snacks continue with old and new acquaintances. This has become an evening ritual that we look forward to; a way to review the day, deepen our friendships and take advantage of combined experiences.
In Peterborough, we had our first experience with a hydraulic liftlock, raising us 65 ft over the highway and next to a lush golf course. Golf, anyone? It probably saved us 8-10 additional locks and more days to travel; besides, it was a cool experience.
Presently, we are in Bobcaygeon tied up at the lock wall for an early morning lock through continuing our route west. Christine and I toured the town while Richard took a short nap. Dinner will be aboard as showers are expected.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
July 15, 2010 Location: Campbellford, Ontario, Canada
Our travels since Chris arrived on friday have taken us from Kingston, Ontario to a beautiful cove near Picton, where we anchored for the night and fought the huge hungry mosquitos. Leaving them behind, we continued through the Bay of Quinte with the assistance of our hardworking new crew member (see photo ) to Trenton, the gateway to the Trent-Severn Waterway..... where 47 more locks await us.
The Trent-Severn Waterway is 240 miles long, consisting of 28 waterways which will elevate us to a maximum of 845 feet. Homes and cottages with beautiful gardens often line the waterway. Even the locks have flower gardens in full bloom; one lock garden was protected by a friendly looking scarecrow.
12 locks later, Chris turned out to be a fast learner. She is no longer a novice, and has graduated to intermediate level deckhand, lock handler. Only 35 more locks to go, by then she should be an expert.
We are now in Campellford, arrived last night just in time for the wednesday evening dockside park concert.
Today's adventure was visiting the World's Finest chocolate factory outlet (remember the fundraising chocolate bars?). On our way back with all our purchases, we made another stop, this time at the locally famous bakery recommended by all the lockmasters enroute from Trenton to here. Had to leave some Toonies there as well. Oh well, what diet?
Our travels beginning tomorrow will take us to Hastings, then Peterborough on our way to Lake Simcoe.
When we again have wifi is unknown, but will update when we do.
The Trent-Severn Waterway is 240 miles long, consisting of 28 waterways which will elevate us to a maximum of 845 feet. Homes and cottages with beautiful gardens often line the waterway. Even the locks have flower gardens in full bloom; one lock garden was protected by a friendly looking scarecrow.
12 locks later, Chris turned out to be a fast learner. She is no longer a novice, and has graduated to intermediate level deckhand, lock handler. Only 35 more locks to go, by then she should be an expert.
We are now in Campellford, arrived last night just in time for the wednesday evening dockside park concert.
Today's adventure was visiting the World's Finest chocolate factory outlet (remember the fundraising chocolate bars?). On our way back with all our purchases, we made another stop, this time at the locally famous bakery recommended by all the lockmasters enroute from Trenton to here. Had to leave some Toonies there as well. Oh well, what diet?
Our travels beginning tomorrow will take us to Hastings, then Peterborough on our way to Lake Simcoe.
When we again have wifi is unknown, but will update when we do.
Monday, July 12, 2010
July 10, 2010 Location: Kingston, Ontario
We arrived back in Kingston around noon time for the final leg of Doug’s stay with us. It was great having him aboard and Bear and Barbie did not mind at all giving up their room to him. What a great help he was through all the locks. He left this morning for his return to Tampa and he is welcome back anytime.
Our new “deck hand” (is she really expecting a first class cruise?), Christine, arrived last evening and she brought with her the first rain shower we’ve had in weeks; cooler weather to follow. To celebrate we all went out to dinner.
We’re staying in Kingston until tomorrow AM when we head for the Trent-Severn Waterway which begins in Trenton, Ontario. So, we spent the day relaxing, walking the city and peeking in and out of shops. Wine and salmon dinner was served on board followed by homemade fudge. Yum!
Our new “deck hand” (is she really expecting a first class cruise?), Christine, arrived last evening and she brought with her the first rain shower we’ve had in weeks; cooler weather to follow. To celebrate we all went out to dinner.
We’re staying in Kingston until tomorrow AM when we head for the Trent-Severn Waterway which begins in Trenton, Ontario. So, we spent the day relaxing, walking the city and peeking in and out of shops. Wine and salmon dinner was served on board followed by homemade fudge. Yum!
July 8, 2010
We docked early yesterday afternoon in Westport, Ontario. After tying up Tadpole , we immediately changed into swimsuits and jumped in the water to cool off. The weather has been unusually hot, hot, hot. Thank goodness for air conditioning. Everyone gets in the water every chance they get, including us.
While waiting for our turn to enter the lock, we all jump overboard. In one of the locks today, we had to wait an extra long time for them to get all the boats in and, during our wait, we were retrieving water from the lock into buckets and drenching ourselves and each other with the cold water. Oh! What a relief it is!!!! There were 7 boats very close together, sardine style – 6 boats and 1 sailboat wedged in between us. No scratches or dents on any of us.
Shortly after lunch we dropped anchor for about an hour in Morton’s Bay, a beautiful cove surrounded by rocky cliffs and trees. Once again, we jump in for a swim in the cool water. All cool and refreshed, we continue on our way south, hopefully, to find electricity at our next overnight stay.
While waiting for our turn to enter the lock, we all jump overboard. In one of the locks today, we had to wait an extra long time for them to get all the boats in and, during our wait, we were retrieving water from the lock into buckets and drenching ourselves and each other with the cold water. Oh! What a relief it is!!!! There were 7 boats very close together, sardine style – 6 boats and 1 sailboat wedged in between us. No scratches or dents on any of us.
Shortly after lunch we dropped anchor for about an hour in Morton’s Bay, a beautiful cove surrounded by rocky cliffs and trees. Once again, we jump in for a swim in the cool water. All cool and refreshed, we continue on our way south, hopefully, to find electricity at our next overnight stay.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Tuesday, July 6 Location: Merrickville, Ontario
(finally have wifi)
There was Doug, standing on the dock waiting for us as we approached the marina outside the capital city of Canada – Ottawa. We had missed the Queen by one day – she had flown over for the July 1rst Independence Day anniversary, and we were there the 2nd.
We got Doug settled in with his “assignments” and the next morning went on down the canal to the center of Ottawa, tied up to the wall on the canal that goes right through the city , and proceeded on foot for a quick tour. We viewed the 8 steps (locks) that lead through the city down to the Ottawa River. Everyone is outside enjoying the weather; skating, biking, kids and families out walking or running, or just enjoying being outside. There is a park that runs all along both sides of the canal for miles and miles, which is converted into the world’s largest skating rink in the winter. An open market in the center of town also encourages visitors, and there’s a beach near the city and, not surprising, as the weather was HOT, was crowded. The folks up north really enjoy their summer; and never hear anyone complaining about the heat (like we do). What a change in the temperature compared to just a few days ago.We stopped here in Merrickville again on our return trip on the Rideau and arrived last night. The weather is as hot here as it is in Tampa – low 90’s. We’ve spent so much of our time in the water, just trying to keep cool – even got Bear and Barbie in the water. Had to cool them off and they seemed to really enjoy it. They didn’t fight us at all. They have a Walmart and a major grocery store here, so we made a visit and left a donation - $$$$. Chinese buffet for dinner.
A few examples as to the courteousness of the Canadian folks---
We lost a fender recently due to a poorly tied knot by one of the crew. Shortly after, I mentioned it to a gentleman who said he had an extra fender at home that did not fit his boat and would bring it to us. Later that evening, it was tied on to Tadpole. Another example, a family having a picnic had forgotten their corkscrew and asked to borrow one. Returned it with a bottle of his home made wine, which was delicious. There are many other tales we could tell, but this is already lengthy enough.
Tony I - so glad all is well with you!
Thursday, July 1
We had another short day travel day today and stopped just before locking through at Merrickville, Ontario our way to Ottawa, where we will meet up with my brother, Doug who will join us for a week of cruising along beautiful Rideau Canal back from Ottawa to Kingston. Today, July 01, is Canada Day, equal to our 4th of July, so all the flags are out and each town will have a parade to celebrate Canada’s 143 year of independence.
We are finding the Canadian people friendly, kind, and extremely helpful in every way possible. They make us feel so welcome. We also find that everywhere we go there is no litter, all the grounds are very well kept, with trees and flowers everywhere.
We lost the use of our internet “air card” due to lack of compatible towers and cost…..so we will search for WiFi signals along the way to update our blog.
This morning it is quite cool, temp in 50’s and wind strong, very unlike Florida in July. We now understand why so many Canadians visit the South having such cold winters and short mild summers.
We are finding the Canadian people friendly, kind, and extremely helpful in every way possible. They make us feel so welcome. We also find that everywhere we go there is no litter, all the grounds are very well kept, with trees and flowers everywhere.
We lost the use of our internet “air card” due to lack of compatible towers and cost…..so we will search for WiFi signals along the way to update our blog.
This morning it is quite cool, temp in 50’s and wind strong, very unlike Florida in July. We now understand why so many Canadians visit the South having such cold winters and short mild summers.
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