Big Chute to Midland

July 25, 2011

It started raining during the night – hard at times.  It was a bit drizzly when we left at 7:40 AM.  Gloria & Jim walked me around the dock so I didn’t get stuck.

We did the last lock of the Trent-Severn today.  Lock 45- a very small lock.  So small we had to go one at a time.  And of course it started to rain again as we got to it.  There was also a very narrow channel under a highway bridge right after the lock.  Again, only one boat at a time – no passing!

We stopped at Bay Port Marina in Midland so I could be fueled and pumped out before going to the Town Harbour.

After we tied up Kate went off to do laundry.  Greg called the Splendide people again and they figured out that the timer on the washer needs replacing.  No telling when that part will arrive!

Kate made guacamole for apps tonight while they all checked charts for Georgian Bay and where I will be going next.  Hope it’s someplace fun!

July 24, 2011

Cool this morning – chance of showers today.

The plan was to do 2 locks and moor before the Big Chute.  We got underway at 7:25 AM; get to a swing bridge that’s normally open and stop!  Big freight train and then slow bridge tender.  Had to hover around and use my thrusters.

We got to the first of the locks and problems!  NO thrusters!  We tied up below and Greg & Jim looked things over.  Thank Goodness it was just a loose connection.  I was worried – I don’t want any marks on my pretty paint!

By the time we approached the second lock – Swift Rapids – it was sunny and hotter.  I was getting passed a lot by idiots in go-fasts who don’t read signs.

When we got to the Big Chute, they tied me up at the public docks and walked over to the Visitor’s Center to watch a few boats go through.  When they got back, I was untied, taken to the Blue Line and we were on the way!

It was very exciting and a bit nerve-wracking.  I had 2 small boats in front of me and I was in the middle and back further.  About 5 feet of me was hanging off the back of the car!  Kate was a bit nervous again!  Everything was fine; we got to the bottom and tied up for the night with Tourist and Crawdad. 

They all sat around on the dock with cocktails so we 3 boats could listen to the conversations.  Dinner was aboard in my salon.  Another fun day.