Greek's Folly on the Great Loop: Peterborough to Bobcaygeon

July 23 to 25 Mon,Tues,Wed- Peterborough to Bobcaygeon

Today started with a "hurry-up and wait" schedule. After leaving the dock before 1100, we did not get through the first lock until 1245. When there is a line of boats, we just have to wait in line and wait our turn Finally after getting through that first lock, the remainder of the locks seemed regular. The lock operators call ahead so the next lock has the doors open and we pulled right in for our lift. There were three 40ft+ boats in our lock each time so things are a little tight and we patiently tie off and pull out slowly We complete 6 locks, travel only 10 miles and tie up to a wall for the night. The rain starts but it does not deter us from a walk into town for ice cream.

We leave the lock wall and travel thru the winding rivers into the cottage region. We have been warned to travel this region during the week as the vacationers start to appear on Friday for the weekend. It is understandable that this area gets busy as the water is clear and beautiful and cottages seem to be along every inch of the shoreline. Sounds like a nice place to spent the weekend. As we travel into the heart of the Kawartha Lakes region, the boat traffic increases. We see a variety of boats - fishing boats, trawlers, pontoon boats, jet skis, speedboats and the ever popular houseboat - also referred to as bumper boats. The houseboats are usually driven by a novice, weekend captain. Expect anything from them, including anchoring in the middle of the channel to swim or turning right in front of another boat The lock hands call these bumper boats as they bump into lock walls, docks and other boats. We try to stay clear! By the end of the day we are in the village of Bobcaygeon, a popular town. All the lock walls are full of boats for the night and many people stroll the docks to talk and visit Both talking and visiting are two of Toms favorite things so we enjoy the evening on the back deck before the evening thunderstorm makes us retire for the night.

First thing this morning, Colletta walked to the dentist to have a crown re-glued. Marie at the info center called a clinic within walking distance and made the arrangements. The local people along the canal are very helpful to boaters and we certainly appreciate it. We again strolled thru downtown, checking out the shops. Tom was intrigued with the shop with the electric bikes. Tom then worked at the library with their good wifi and of course he met new friends - chatted withTed, a local man and Brooke and Jackson who colored quietly as they shared Tom's table in the youth section - (that is where the good wifi was.) After dinner we walked to Kawartha Dairy which is the packing plant for the Kawartha Ice Cream and enjoyed some of the 70 flavors - run raisin, pralines and cream ale, salted caramel and caramel snappers were our choices for the day.