Day 292, "on the loop", 7/28/2023
- boisselle13
- Jul 29, 2023
- 13 min read
Updated: Mar 8
7/21 - Friday - Stayed overnight in Trenton, Ontario. What a cool little place, didn't do to much from a town perspective. However, did laundry, made a grocery run and had dinner at one of the best restaurants in town (Tomasso's). Lisa, our waiter, was incredible. She made unsweet tea (which is non-existent here in Canada)! The Trent Marina is on our Top 10 list of super nice Marina's.
Free laundry, clean shower facilities, grocery in walking distance, live music in the park and so much more! You can even pick "fresh herbs" from a small garden in front of the marina.
We walked along the boardwalk after dinner and then made plans for our week on the Trent-Severn.
We met new loopers: Boat Name: Loose Moose (Kathy & Bonnie). Their boat has already completed the loop once (before they purchased it). They are 2 weeks in and a little nervous, we told them to reach out if they need anything, looking forward to traveling with them as well as seeing the excitement as they start their trip.
7/22 - Saturday - Today marks our first day on the Trent-Severn, we are estimating it will take approximately 14 days to complete.
The Trent–Severn Waterway is a 240 mile canal route connecting Lake Ontario at Trenton to Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, at Port Severn. Its major natural waterways include the Trent River, Otonabee River, Kawartha Lakes, Lake Simcoe, Lake Couchiching and Severn River. Its scenic, meandering route has been called "one of the finest interconnected systems of navigation in the world"
There are 44 locks, including 37 conventional locks, two sets of flight locks, hydraulic lift locks at Peterborough and Kirkfield, and a marine railway at Big Chute which transports boats between the upper and lower sections of the Severn.
We went through 6 of those locks today and stayed on the lock wall (with power) for the evening.
We walked in the town of Frankford, ate at what is known as the "best Chinese place" in town ... well, it was okay! Guess it is the best, it's the only one! The owner was super nice, waited on us and gave us some local "Canadian honey". I believe he gives it to his customer's celebrating birthdays.
We arrived at Lock 1 on Trent-Severn (Trenton, Ontario, Canada) early (around 8am), we were the first ones on the blue wall. The first 6 locks on the Trent-Severn only lock 2 boats through at a time (because these locks are short and they prefer all boats be secured to the port side of walls).
7/23 - Sunday - Canada's Construction Holiday officially starts on this day; meaning everyone in this industry 'shuts down' for two weeks. We haven't noticed any large crowds, yet.
Traveled through a total of 7 locks today (lock staff worked to lock at least 4 boats through each time). Per previous conversations with lock hands, we were told we would enter most locks and secure to the starboard side (right) so we were set for starboard. They also reminded us the blue line is also an indicator of the side you should have your bumpers / fenders on. It was an easy lock day!
We arrived in Campbellford mid afternoon (2pm ish). Boat name: Runaway (Chris & Donna) greeted us there and assisted with lines. We also met two new boats on this leg; Boat Name: Slack Tide (Roger & Susan) and Boat Name: Fitz Perfect (Jan and didn't catch the Captain's name).
Campbellford reminded us of Smithfalls. We arrived on a Sunday so most businesses were closed, just our luck! We enjoyed docktails with the new boat friends an had dinner at 52 North Bar & Pub. The bartender was also our waitress, she made the best Caesar (aka Bloody Mary) I have had thus far in Canada.
Pic 1: The lock (doors are shut)
Pic 2: Two small, colorful, boats on the wall (opposite us)
Pic 3: The Toonie was built in 2001 to recognize Campbellford artist Brent Townsend who created the polar bear image used on the Two Dollar Coin. The $2 Coin stands 8.2 metres high and 5.5 metres in diameter. The most famous bear in Canada, stamped on toonies, has a name.
7/24 - Monday - We traveled through 6 locks. Yesterday's locks on the Trent-Severn, was Captain's preference for which side to secure the boat. This set of locks (6) required a particular set up which meant the first mate (me) needed to move the fenders / bumpers (the oblong black things, see picture below) from starboard (right) side to port (left) side before entering the locks. As a first mate, we don't like to have last minutes changes for fenders.
Lock 13 was portside, Lock 14 was starboard side, Lock 15 was port side and the last 3 locks 16, 17 and 18 were all starboard.
Side note: The set up is determined by a number of things: a) how fast the water fills the lock, b) winds, c) due to a and b, the cables (on the lock walls) hold the boat better on one side rather than the other. The lock masters are helpful, they advise set up of the upcoming lock (advise which side of boat to have bumpers/fenders on).
The Rideau lock staff were amazing, they assisted with lines, chatted a bit with you and would check locks ahead for wall space. The Trent-Severn locks are larger than the Rideau, most of the lock staff are friendly and chatty (especially the ladies), they call ahead to the next lock advising boat traffic; but, get the impression they don't like to call ahead asking about wall space.
Lastly, on this day, our credit card was compromised. In the mist of coming out of Lock 18, it appeared to be room for only 2 boats at the lock wall. Joel was going to give the space to LG2 and Arabella and make a reservation at the marina which was directly across from the lock wall (didn't have much time to make a decision as the wall was right at the lock exit).
Long story short, Joel really put the pressure on the 1st mate! In the meantime, so much is happening; we were literally floating in front of the marina, working with the winds to stay between the marina and lock wall without hitting anything. Arabella and LG2 are calling on the radio asking about wall space, Fellow loopers are shouting for us to dock at the wall, I am on the phone trying to secure a spot at the marina.
The call was odd from the beginning, person on phone kept placing me on hold after asking for credit card information which is not unusual but it seemed to take forever (and remember everything above is happening). Finally, Joel called the marina on the radio only to find out we did not have a reservation and they do not take credit card information over the phone. Joel yelled for me to hang up and call credit card company as he decided to dock (remember who assist with docking????...me)! yi yi yi makes for a VERY STRESSFUL situation. I only tell you this, because when you "rush" or don't think things trough it causes mistakes. We both know this but we got caught up in the chaos.
I think this will go down as one of the most stressful times on the loop, behind the gulf crossing of course!
No sooner than we docked, Arabella and LG2 came out of lock 18. was a small fishing boat on the wall w/out a parks Canada pass, no one wanted to move it and the boat owners indicated they would only be away from the boat for 30 minutes. Joel assisted grabbing the lines for LG2 while Arabella rafted to us until the small fishing boat owner returned (and we put Arabella in that spot). What an exhausting day! Not sure if we took any pics of this small little Hastings town.
7/25 - Tuesday - Today was only one lock. The lock attendants seemed to be in training and wanted to fit 3 large boats. When I say large, I mean wide we are 13.5 ft and Arabella is 14 ft and the other boat they wanted to fit was 17 ft wide. We went in first and I secured us to the 2nd cable in the lock (attendant advised me to grab the 1st cable).
I usually secure our boat to the lock cable using our 2nd cleat from bow (called midship) and then the stern cleat (back of boat). Lock attendant suggested I change to the bow line to allow Arabella to fit inside the lock. LG2 is usually behind us and they barely fit (we are 46 ft and LG2 is 42 ft). Arabella is 48 ft. We adjusted our lines as suggested by the lock attendants and only got 1 ft out of it (if that). Needless to say, Arabella did NOT fit behind us and Karen (1st mate) had to adjust her bumpers / fenders (while moving inside the lock... this is NOT easy).
Once Arabella was secure (on the port side), the lock hands decided to hold on bringing the 17 ft wide boat in the lock. \They brought in a smaller boat (I think it was around 30 ft open bow, pleasure boat). The was not a great lock experience for us.
We arrived in Peterborough in time for a few boat chores and showers before dinner. Peterborough is the largest town on the Trent-Severn.
Peterborough (/ˈpiːtərbʌroʊ/ PEE-tər-burr-oh) is a city on the Otonabee River in Ontario, Canada, about 78 miles northeast of Toronto. According to the 2021 Census, the population of the City of Peterborough was 83,651.
Peterborough is known as the gateway to the Kawartha's, "Cottage country," a large recreational region of the province. It is named in honor of Peter Robinson, an early Canadian politician who oversaw the first major immigration to the area.
^ I will say, the Canadians still love Bud Light and don't care what is going on in the states!
^ Smitty's - Breakfast place in Peterborough, $4.99 breakfast, best omelette's in town!
7/26 - Wednesday - Our last day in Peterborough, ran a few errands. Picked up postage stamps, purchased a few items from the local market and made a grocery / beer run. The Peterborough marina had "free" laundry so couldn't pass up that opportunity.
The highlight of this day was the City of Peterborough, along with several sponsors, host "free" concerts. The concerts are on Wednesday and Saturday nights for their summer season. We were excited to see the Little River Band.
Little River Band (LRB) - a rock band formed in Melbourne, Australia, in March 1975. The band achieved commercial success in both Australia and the United States. They have sold more than 30 million records.
The group has undergone numerous personnel changes, with over 30 members since their formation, including John Farnham as lead singer after Shorrock first departed in 1982. None of the musicians now performing as Little River Band are original members, nor members in the 1970s.
If you would like to learn more about Little River Band, check here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_River_Band
7/27 - Thursday - We had a fairly long day, locked through about 7 locks, stayed on the Lakefield lock wall.
Got in a bit later than we would have liked but had a great dinner at Canoe & Paddle. We were joined by Boat name: Lucky Chicklett (Jeff & Shannon).
Lucky Chicklett is from Manchester, NH and knows several people that Joel knows (i.e. John Mills and Roland Vance). Just goes to show what a small world this is,
R&R, our Key West Boat neighbor, locked through the locks with us on this day. The highlight on this day was the Peterborough Lift Lock. You MUST watch this process, it is very impressive. Both links below are about the lift lock; depending on how much time you have, check one of them out!
Now, that you have seen the link, this is a 65 ft lift. I am terrified of heights and Joel joked that we only had a little space behind the boat which caused my anxiety to be on high alert... it was really scary for me!
Preparing to enter the Peterborough Lift Lock: The lock is unique in that it is a counterweight. One side is balanced by the other side, sort of like a scale.
First two boats in the lock. They are secured and will be lifted 65 feet.
Pics taken while in the lock, notice in Pic 2 & 4, taken at our highest point.
A few random pictures taken at the Lakefield lock:
The flowers are so vibrant here in Canada!
7/28 - Friday - Another long day (went through about 5 locks), all lock walls were full so we didn't get to stay in either of the towns we had hoped (Buckhorn or Bobcaygeon). We anchored out approximately 1 mile from the Bobcaygeon lock. It was a nice, quiet little cove. Joel took a quick swim and I grabbed a shower and finished this week's blog!
While we were locking through the Bobcaygeon lock (Lock 32) a sweet little family inquired about our trip. The cutest little guy said he wanted to buy our boat :-) and asked if we would take $5 (five dollars). He was so sincere, I couldn't resist and replied "I tell you what, when we complete the loop in a couple of months, you come to Kentucky and we will talk about it". He was grinning so big and said really you will take $5... and said let's talk in a few months!
It is so hard to find "unsweet" tea here in Canada so I decided to make "sun tea" Thank you, Lucky Chicklett for the suggestion. This reminds me of a time that Kathy Jarvis made us "sun tea" while at the lake. Thank you, Kathy without you showing me this, I would not have known how to make it!
Until next week, have a wonderful week. For our St. Louis friends, we hope you find a place to cool down.
Random Information & Other Stuff
Construction Holiday:
Quebec's “construction holiday” kicks off Friday (7/21), the most popular time for summer vacations in the province. In 1970, Quebec legislated an annual holiday for the construction industry that begins on the second to last Sunday of July and lasts two weeks. The holiday officially came into effect in the summer of 1971
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Quebec's two-week construction holiday runs until August 5, more Quebecers will be traveling to Europe. In 2022, 65 per cent of vacationers planned to spend their free time in Quebec, compared with 57 per cent this year.
Trent-Severn:
The canal was surveyed as a military route, but the first lock was built in 1833 as a commercial venture. This connected a number of lakes and rivers near the centre of the waterway, opening a large area to navigation by steamship. The government had begun construction of three additional locks when the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837 broke out. This led the government to re-examine the project, concluding that the route would have too many locks to allow rapid movement for military purposes. They decided that the locks under construction would be completed, but the rest could be turned into timber slides. This left the completed inland section with no outlet, which business interests addressed by connecting to the route with a number of new toll roads, plank roads, and later, railways.
Samuel de Champlain was the first European to travel the network of inland waters from Georgian Bay to the Bay of Quinte with the Hurons in 1615. It was this same route that would later be canalized and become the Trent–Severn Waterway.
Military origins:
The desire for a communications route from Lake Ontario to Lake Huron had been a topic of discussion as early as 1785, and gained new importance with the opening of the War of the First Coalition in 1793. Had the newly formed United States entered the conflict on the side of their French allies, they could have cut access to the upper great lakes at Detroit or Lake St. Clair. This would have denied waterborne access to the important British trading post at Michilimackinac.
If you are interested to learn more, check it out here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trent–Severn_Waterway#History
Sandy / Walt Bodnar: Don't you have a friend named "Glen Miller"? Well, guess what!
Trent-Severn Waterway, Lock 3 - Glen Miller
551 Glen Miller Rd, Quinte West, ON, Canada
Poutine:
Poutine is a dish of french fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy. It emerged in Quebec, in the late 1950s in the Centre-du-Québec region, though its exact origins are uncertain and there are several competing claims regarding its invention. For many years, it was used by some to mock Quebec society.
If I am honest, this is NOT appealing to me! But, everyone else seems to LOVE it. Alain (from Breakaway) would tell you this is one of the best dishes ever (or at least good after a drink or many - lol).
You can add protein to the Poutine, this dish is prepared with lobster. Menu's had options for BBQ chicken, beef and many other varieties. Don't let me change your mind if you are a potato fan, try it; who knows, you may like it!
You never know what you may find on the lock walls:
< Zebra mussel is a small freshwater mussel. The species originates from the lakes of southern Russia and Ukraine, but has been accidentally introduced to numerous other areas and has become an invasive species in many countries worldwide. Eating zebra mussels is a health risk due to the fact that they are filter feeders. As they filter the water, pollutants like heavy metals or pesticides can get stuck and accumulate inside their shells. Do not try to cook them for dinner!
See that white patch (midway in the wall), I think this may be a spider nest; but, I am not certain. I didn't get too close, but it was something odd inside the lock.
Raymond / Grampy Update:
Last but not least, Raymond/Grampy was released from hospital to Mercy rehab. He is scheduled to be discharged on Friday, August 4th (and will return home). The rehab suggested for someone to assist him with his daily needs.
Julie has secured a team of home health care people to come 3 times a week and Mercy will schedule home physical therapy upon his release (in past experience, the PT last a couple of weeks after discharge).
When Joel & I return home, we will access the situation to see if he needs additional care or if we can cancel 1 day of the in home help (time will tell).
Grampy / Raymond seems to be doing his best at the rehab facility and in fairly good spirits. We are all hopeful he will be able to restore his health to where he was "pre-heart attack".
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers! AND huge Thank you to all of you that visited him at the hospital, called or texted to check on him.
Hells Gate:
Hells Gate is a channel in Ontario. Hells Gate is situated nearby to the locality Juniper Island and the county Peterborough.
I guess it is only fitting that there be a church at the entrance of this waterway (Hells Gate).
Maps of our trips:
July 22 - Trenton Marina (Trenton, Ontario, Canada) to Lock 6 (Frankford, Ontario, Canada)
July 23 - Lock 6 (Frankford, Ontario, Canada) to Campbellford Municipal Dock Campbellford, Ontario, Canada)
July 24 - Campbellford Municipal Dock Campbellford, Ontario, Canada) to Hastings lock (#18) wall (Hastings, Ontario, Canada)
July 25 - Hastings lock (#18) wall (Hastings, Ontario, Canada) to Peterborough Municipal Marina (Peterborough, Ontario, Canada)
July 27 - Peterborough Municipal Marina (Peterborough, Ontario, Canada) to Lakefield Lock Wall (#26), Lakefield, Ontario, Canada
July 28 - Lakefield Lock Wall (#26), Lakefield, Ontario, to Anchorage near Bobcaygeon (Ontario, Canada). Side note: No room at the lock wall.
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