July 31, Aug 1 -Tues, Wed- Orillia to Swift Rapids Lock to Port Severn Lock
A NCR (National Canadian Railroad) bridge was not working yesterday. Because that is the first bridge we encounter, we were "paying attention." This morning the bridge was working however Greek's Folly along with 5 other boats got through the bridge finally by noon. The voyage through the Couchaching Lake and Sparrow lake was scenic, windy and slow-moving watching for navigational markers. We finally made it to Swift Rapids lock wall for the evening. The boys took a dip and floated by the boats and the rocks. Steak dinner was especially delicious that evening!
Time for the Big Chute!! We leave Swift Rapids Lock, travel our way through some pretty parts of the cottage region. There is a wide variety of cottages, Mom and Pop places to freshly remodeled places to brand new million dollar houses. We arrive at the Big Chute and pull to the public docks to watch the process. The chute operators tell the boaters exactly what to do and where to position their boat. The slings keep the boat secure and stabilize it so it does not tip or go sideways. If the boat is over 40 ft, it can haul only one at a time Greeks Folly goes first and Short Vacation follows on the next lock through. The ride is a new experience - nothing dramatic or eventful - just another lift lock - but this time we are lifted out of the water, over a road and gently returned to the water. Smooth. We are nervous and excited but to the lock operators, just another lock thru. We continue on our way to the last lock of the Trent-Severn Waterway canal. We moor at the lock one last time and relax for the night.
Like I said you have to pay attention or things
could end up badly
Confusion sometimes but then the most important
thing to do is stop the boat and figure it out.
This is the largest lock in terms of vertical lift on
the Trent-Severn Waterway
These doors reminded us of some of the
locks on the river coming down to Mobile
the lock was controlled from this tower.
Lock facts
Tied up on the wall below the lock for the night
This lock is so remote the employees come to work
in a Parks Canada boat every morning
the sign that greets you as you come off
your boat and climb the stairway ( approx.
79 steps) to the bathroom facility up on top
of the lock.
Cooling off at the end of the day with a cold one
Rustic, narrow channels on our way to the
"Big Chute"
Picture of the cables you ride over on
This is the carriage coming out of the water and
crossing the road to the other side. Notice the size
when compared to Colletta
This is the view from our boat as we had our turn.
Because of our size there was only a small run
about in the carriage with us. They have our props
and rudders hang off the back of the lift so as not
to damage them.
We are in the lift going over
They use these yellow straps to steady the boat in
the lift
Out of the water, over the road, down
the hill, back in the water, and away we
go.
Our buddy boat, Short Vacation coming
over the road
This is supposed to be a video of our crossing but
it didn't load at the library. sorry
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