Lock 36 was the second of the two lift locks. Its construction was different from the Peterborough lift lock. Instead of the exterior being made from concrete, this one is all open steel construction giving the boater a sensation of being more like on a carnival ride. You felt quit high and quite perched out in the open riding this thing down to the next lower level. It took us down about 59 feet.
The lift lock design was selected for this and the Peterborough lock due to the large rise between the levels of the waterway. A conventional lock just has to contain too much water for this amount of rise and the water pressures involved start to become a design limitation.
We crossed Cameron Lake were lifted to Balsam Lake, then lowered to Canal Lake then transited 5 more locks thru the Talbot River/Trent Canal System to Lake Simcoe, the largest lake in the system. Large enough that mariners are warned to be ready for large storms, winds and waves that can come up suddenly. The locals have the utmost respect for this lake. It is similar in size to Lake Saint Clair of the Great Lakes. My boyhood experiences on Lake Saint Clair tell me that there is truth to what they say about Simcoe.
A short way past the Kirkfield lift lock we reached Canal Lake. It kind of has a long length and a narrow width with a large island at mid length. There they built a road from one side of the lake to the other, using the island for part of the right of way. The bridge was built in 1905. It is called the "Canal Lake Arch Bridge." I think it is referred to as the "hole in the wall" bridge by some local folks. It is the first known reinforced concrete built bridge in Canada. More info on this bridge can be found by visiting: http://www.ontarioplaques.com/Plaques_JKL/Plaque_Kawartha16.html
These parts of the Trent Canal system are unforgiving. They were for the most part dug by hand out of the rock that makes up the area. They were very straight and very narrow over long lengths (in one case, a 7 mile stretch) narrow to the point that two vessels can not safely pass each other. The solution to this is to give a radio call prior to entry of the worst of the sections announcing your position and intentions.
The idea was that if there was already a boat making the transit, they would call back and let you know. We never heard a response to any of our "security" calls but it was local knowledge that many boats using the system do not monitor channel 16, the calling channel. We did encounter one oncoming boat in one of the "worst" sections of the channel, but it just so happened that we met in the only "wide spot" in the section so could pass each other without problem.
We were joined by our friends Ron and Sally once again for today's journey. We were a caravan of 2 but sometimes we would pick up a 3rd and sometimes 4th vessel for parts of this day's travel.
We spent two nights at Orillia. Too beautiful and too many folks there having too much fun to leave.
Here is a story that is not uncommon among the "looper" community. The American Great Loop Cruisers Association http://www.greatloop.org/ among other things is a great support orginazation for us all.
It was here in Orillia that that we learned of Pat's father suffering great decline in his health status. An AGLCA harbor host couple was at our marina and happened to hear about what was going on with us. They without hesitation offered their home dock for our use for any amount of time necessary to store the boat and offered to take us to the Toronto airport for travel home . It appeared likely these generous offers might need to be accepted. Fortuantly Papa Joe rallied in his usual fashion and we were able to continue our trip as planned. Papa Joe is at the young age of 102.
Becky and Byron, the official Orillia harbor hosts for the AGLCA, we say heartfelt thank you for these gracious offers of assistance.
For information on Orillia see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orillia
As, always, there is stuff to see along the waterway.
Another "bird of the north."
The "Trent Canal" looking ahead.
A look at the side.
And a look behind.
This looks like an "industrial sized" BBQ set up.
Kirkfield lift lock. This is looking over the nose of the boat, over the nose of the lift lock water container at the ground below.
Looking backward in our 'cacoon" of water. We are about half way down. You can see where the bottom of the "upper" canal is by where the upper door sill is.
The "hole in the wall" bridge.
Ron and Sally about to go thru.
Another nice looking farm. I bet it gets cold here in the winter time.
Crowded, you bet!
Our friends Woody and Judy, aboard the "Osprey" leaving as we are arriving.
Ole travlin buddies done after a long day.
Anyone for Ice Cream?
Or would anyone like to rent one of these for their annual employee appreciation day?
The modern and the classic.
Our two tourists.
Our two tourists, turned shoppers!
A young lad from a neigboring boat with his catch.
A stormy evening sky!
A group of us for a picnic up on shore. Each boat brought up a specialty. Our specialty was me cooking all the burgers on the "ships" propane grill. I did not know I could cook to "high rave" status.
Flowers everywhere.
An interesting way to display the Canadian flag.
The Summer Star has departed to be followed by the Salt Shaker
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