After having a good time at Young's Point we departed on Sunday morning at 7:20am with Oddysea in the lead. They soon disappeared in the distance. We entered a tricky spot called Hell's Gate that is narrow and pretty shallow, calling for attention from the captain and navigator.
Today, we crossed several lakes with lots of weeds...he had to stop several times to clear them from the prop and rudder by going into reverse to dislodge the vegetation. At one point we saw a huge tangle floating in the channel and we figured Oddysea was having the same trouble with weeds as us...only they have two props to worry about!!
We cleared Lock #s 28, 29 and 31 today, Burleigh Falls, Lovesick and Buckthorn. We stopped in Bobcaygeon at Gordon's Yacht Harbour. We turned the corner and who did we see....Oddysea. It was commented that we were like a bad penny, always showing up.
Instead of a Blues Festival, this town was hosting a Motorbike rally. Bobcaygeon is also the home of Bigley's, a huge shoe store that was bustling with boaters and bikers. Both Kerm and Cecil succumbed to the temptation, although Mary and I stood firm and left without spending a dime. I have never seen so many shoes and eager buyers!!! We walked around town and scoped out a Pizza place that would deliver to the marina. We celebrated Mary's birthday with a pizza pig out!! Cecil promised her a nice dinner once they are on solid ground again.
Monday, June 13
We had breakfast at the cutest little spot in town. I think it was called the Full Cup Cafe, Half Cup Cafe...whatever. It was decorated with old '50s paraphernalia right down to the Formica table tops and chrome chairs. Our server was a hoot of a gal and we were teased because we asked what peameal bacon was. She couldn't believe we had never had it! It turned out to be a sort of smoked porkchop that took up half the plate, shoving your eggs aside. Rest assured we did not leave hungry.
By 10am we were back on the Belle and we left Bobcaygeon at 10:30. Our goal today was to get to the Kirkfield Lift Lock, Lock #36. However there are a couple of lakes and several locks to contend with along the way.
The locks and the surrounding ground on the Trent-Severn Waterway are well maintained and many of the lock masters take pride in their gardens. Because of the cold, wet spring we didn't get to see lots of flowers but you could tell the planting was well underway. At Fenelon Falls, Lock #34 ,we saw this sight...
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| Fenelon Falls spelled out in hedges |
By 2:15 we had cleared the lock at Rosedale and we had less than two hours to get to Kirkfield. The lock master at Rosedale mentioned that maintenance work was planned for Kirkfield that next morning and that delays were to be expected. We "put the hammer down" and aimed for Kirkfield. (Remember, this is a trawler and our "hammer" is not very big.)
We got there just in time and the lock masters could have closed the lock on us because we were not there 20 minutes before closing time. But they were really nice to us and allowed us through.
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| Warren is peeking over the boat's foredeck to the 45 foot drop at the end of the lock chamber |
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| One of the large hydraulic pistons that raises and lowers the lock chamber |
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| Warren with Mary's body!!! |
The Peterborough and Kirkfield Lift Locks operate exactly the same, but Peterborough is a little higher and located in a populated area so it gets more attention. We were amazed at the technology and the workmanship of these structures. They are very unique and definitely worth a visit.
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