Patriot Dreams

We are now through the Trent-Severn Waterway and spent last night in Penatanguishine, Ontario - just inside the Georgian Bay. Yesterday was an exhilarating day, as the long-awaited trip through the Big Chute was the highlight of our day. In order to get the full description of how the Big Chute works, I would recommend that you Google it. It is truly an engineering wonder!!

Since I last wrote, we spent the night at Lock 43, Swift Rapids. Another spectacular day on the water, and a peaceful, secluded place to stop for the night. We were greeted by 10-year-old Adam, who was camping at lock with his parents. He immediately introduced himself and charmed us from the first moment we met him! He extended an invitation for s'mores around their campfire later in the evening, which we definitely accepted. It was such fun to hear him sing songs to us and engage in our conversations. His parents, Greg & Cindy, are very nice people and it is easy to see where Adam has gotten his big heart and happy, loving demeanor. He crawled into my heart and I will never forget him!!

We spent last night in a marina at Pentanguishine, Ontario, and will be getting back on the water this morning - headed for Echo Bay.

Dinner on the dock at Orillia, storm brewing

Birds have staked their claim on this island

One of the railway bridges crossing the Trent-Severn, which will open if a train isn't approaching. In this case, we had to wait a while for the very long train to arrive and cross.

Mark & Vicki enjoying the sunshine

More of the stunning granite rocks along the waterway

Entering one of the very small canals along the waterway

Blue Willow leading the way

In many spots it feels as though we're in a real-life 3-D movie, complete with the fresh, gentle breeze, lapping of the water, the landscape passing by, and sunshine on our faces. Ahhh!

Many of these granite outcroppings are dotted along the waterway. It's now critical to watch the charts carefully, pay close attention to buoys, and stay on the charted line.

Our new friend, Adam, helping Captain Jim pull the boat to the blue line, which is where boats moor to indicate to the lock masters that we want to enter the lock when it opens

Adam is a 10-year old that was camping at the lock with his parents. He charmed us from the very first minute we met him. He invited us over for s'mores around the campfire, so we enjoyed an evening with Adam and his family.

Adam rode through the lock with us. He and I were both sad to part. He is absolutely awesome, charming and delightful! We will miss you, Adam!

Patriot at the bottom of Lock #43

Lock opening...only 2 more to go!

One of the many homes built overhanging the waterway. Not sure how they survive when high water arrives.

Vacationer's paradise

Hunting lodge? Who picked out these colors? - it had to be a hunter!

Looks like any normal garage, but on the water!

Beautiful homes along this stretch of the waterway

WHAT WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!!! This is the famous Marine Railway, which will carry us across land in a sling apparatus. It is a waterway marvel!

These boats have been brought across on a marine rail car whose tracks go deep enough in the water to allow the boats to float away on their journey.

This is a picture of the retired rail car and its rail, which was once used to carry boats across

Patriot and Blue Willow waiting at the dock while their Captains and First Mates check out The Chute.

If you Google this (Big Chute, Ontario, Canada) you will see an explanation and videos of how it works

This is the rail line and pulleys that allow the rail car to move the boats over the land, from one section of the Trent-Severn to another

Info about the Big Chute Rocklands

These boats have moved into the "car" and are awaiting the slings to be placed under their boats, which will hoist them out of the water.

A busy summer day...many boats waiting to go through the Big Chute

Walking down the steps to observe the procedure, we snapped this shot.

This is the rail car at the top of the hill with 3 boats secured in their slings. Scary sight, right? That will be us in just a few minutes!! Mark & Jim observing in awe.

O.K., girls...it's our turn. Get ready for the biggest adventure of your boating life!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE PICTURES OF PATRIOT IN THE BIG CHUTE!! TIME FOR US TO GET BACK ON THE WATER, AND WE'LL HAVE NO INTERNET CONNECTION FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS.

We marvel at how these houses are built on top of the granite!

Entering a very precarious section of the waterway - the Little Chute. Because it's so narrow, it is important to radio a message to other boaters who may already be in the Little Chute or planning to enter, as it could be dangerous/or disastrous to meet another large boat. It is important to not put yourself into a situation where you might have to share the channel with someone else going in the opposite direction.

The view they have...spectacular!

One of the many ways to mark an exposed rock

Port Severn, nearing the last lock of the TS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blue Willow entering the last lock on the Trent Severn waterway. Bittersweet.

Vicki preparing for the lock

Mark, sad but happy to be in the last lock

Bye-bye, Trent-Severn. We will miss you!

Entering Penatanguishine for the night

After spending several nights along the Trent-Severn tied to lock walls, we are now in Port of Orellia Marina. Having "locked" ourselves silly, we only have 4 more locks to go before we enter the Georgian Bay. The most anticipated is called Big Chute Marine Railway, at lock 44, which will carry our boats in cradles over a change of height of about 60 feet. It is the only marine railway (also known as canal inclined plane) of its kind in North America still in use. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Chute_Marine_Railway

We are constantly amazed at the hospitality, patience, friendliness, etc. that we have been shown along the Trent-Severn waterway. Without a doubt, the Canadian Park System has an outstanding training program and high expectations of their lock workers. In addition to the exemplary customer service offered by its workers, the Park Service has made it appealing and comfortable at all of the overnight stops. Each lock wall is bordered by green areas with picnic tables, and sometimes even fire pits. Each night when the lock employees leave, we still have access to the bathrooms throughout the night. While there are no showers, no electric nor water hookup, we have found them to be safe, quiet, and outstanding places to tie up for the night.

It has been SUCH fun traveling again with Blue Willow! Each night we "potluck" dinner, then typically chat and play some kind of game. We have spent 3 nights in Orillia and will be in the Georgian Bay by the weekend.

Free concert in the park in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Enjoyed the Dirty Dishes, who invited Jim to join them for one of their numbers. Great fun! The band and audience loved having him join in. He did a great job!

Dirty Dishes girls with their new boyfriend. The tallest girl on Jim's right is also in a Spice Girls Tribute Band. Their concert was enjoyed by all in attendance.

We encountered a lot of boat traffic - many houseboats along the waterway. In some spots it was a bit precarious...narrow channel, lots of boats, and very inexperienced houseboat drivers.