Turf to Surf

  Took us a week, dragging our feet, enjoying the quiet of these last 7 lock stations……to arrive in Lake Simcoe. Crossed Cameron Lake to Rosedale lock which is the highest point on the great loop, 850 feet…. Through some narrow channels and Balsam Lake. Kirkfield lock is the second lift lock on the Trent and under repair.  We had to wait here with a group of loopers as only one chamber is operational.  Going down now, from here to Lake Simcoe. 4 loopers and a smaller boat, down 49 feet. We stayed on the wall below the lock for 2 nights nestled in the trees. Great view of the lock in action from the bow of our boat. Next lock…..Bolsover, we stayed for 2 nights. Followed by Talbot and Portage locks….then Thorah lock where we stayed on the wall for 2 nights. Gamebridge, our last lock on the Trent/Severn waterway. Lake Simcoe ~~~~~~ We are docked at Krates Marina in Keswick for the better part of a month…drop us a text and come see us.  Working on boat projects/repairs, getting some Doctor

Followed a flotilla of boats this morning through Sturgeon Lake. Short run to Fenelon falls to jockey for a space on the wall for 2 nights.  We got a spot but power pedestals we all taken up with a long line of loopers. Our son Christopher’s friend Dan Buchan just happened to be there for lunch and recognized the boat….what are the odds.  He stopped by with his in-laws that really want to do the loop….they loved the boat and had lot’s of questions.  It was fun having them. Ian and Casey Chapman joined us for docktails….what a great visit with these two.  Dinner across the street at Murphy’s…nice to eat out for a change and such great company.  We hope to see them again on our return trip this fall. Lot’s of great second hand/vintage shops here.  Stocked up on puzzles and picked up a great fisher price boat for Atlas to play with when he comes onboard.

  Buckhorn, and that monument of a life size deer says it all. The landscape changes here from limestone to granite…lakes are beautiful and clear. Home of the houseboat rentals….they are plentiful and hard to manoeuvre with mostly inexperienced captains.   Small town, one shop, a few restaurants and great pizza joint. Onto Bobcaygeon!! Busy place….we managed to get a spot on the wall with power below the lock….bigger town; great shopping and restaurants. Concert in the park after dinner, people on both sides of the canal.  Back on the boat before a thunderstorm rolls in.  One night each at both these stops.

  Yup, church on an island. We are in the Kawartha lake section of the canal system and it is very pretty here….loving it. We ended up with the island all to ourselves.  Top 10 for this canal system for sure. “No fish in this lake”