Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Relaxing in Midland and Last Day for Mark and Carol
Hi F and F,
Woke up to yes you guessed it , another sunny day! Temps predicted to be around 90 + degrees again!
Today is our darling grandson Sebastian's first birthday Sorry to be missing it but at least he won't remember we were not present on this day. We did face time him in the morning.
Today being the last day with Mark and Carol we decided to have a day of sightseeing.Lots to see here. This is a nice town to visit .
Carol was keen to see the Natve people's village and museum which we saved til last on the tour. Being Sunday it was appropriate we first went to see the Martyr's Shrine and the church built to honor 8 Jesuits who were evangelizing the local Native peoples and were killed.Outside were the 12 stations of the cross in bronze on a walk up a hill. It was very nicely done.
Then onto the famous fish restaurant called Henry's , for lunch at Wye heritage marina.
The other restaurant is on Frying Pan Island , very appropriate ! Great fish ( pickerel or walleye) and chips . Off to visit Penetanguishene Centennial Museum , which was closed , we then headed to Discovery Harbor .
This was the site of a 19 th century British naval and military outpost.Last on our list was the Huron
Ouendat (Wendat) Village back in the town of Midland near the picturesque Little Lake.Fascinating to see how this Indian Tribe lived back in 1500 to 1600's Later they traded furs with the French who had arrived on the scene.There was also a museum inside with articles of both Indian and Early European displayed.We enjoyed the visit.
Finished the day with dinner on board , delicious pork ribs were on the menu.
Then watched a DVD The Hundred Foot Journey about two restaurants opposite each other on the south of France, one Indian and other a one star Michelin French restaurant.Fun movie to watch if you haven't seen it yet.
Over and Out
Crew Lady Erica
Sunday, June 26, 2016
The Last Lock today and onto Midland Georgian Bay
Hi F and F,
So today our last lock which is just 5 mins away from our Marina.
Another beautiful sunny day. The weather has been truly amazing.
Only one afternoon rainstorm since we left Trenton the start of the Trent Severnwaterway system back on 14 th June.
Today is Carols birthday , 25 th June and tomorrow i, 26 th June is our grandson Sebbastian's first birthday. After breakfast we headed over to the lock. A couple of university students having their first day on lock duty were being taught how to work the system , as we went through. High fives for Mark and Erica the lock team assisting Graeme as we passé thorough . A job well done and no banging or damage on the boat through this whole two week process! We made a great team including Carol who held pins and make great sandwich lunches.
The buoys colors were reversed as we left the lock through a very narrow area, which was a bit confusing as it went back again to being green on port ( left) and red on starboard ( right ) shortly afterwards. Perhaps the guy placing them didn't know his green from his red!
Anyway quick thinking Graeme sorted it out and we were soon speeding across the Midland Bay to Bay Port Marina in Midland. Fueled up there and pumped out.
Got to say we have never gone this long two full weeks, without re fueling up ! The lovely girls came on board and did both jobs.We do love this Canadian rule where we have to get off the boat and they do the work!
Bay Port is one of 5 marinas under the Parkbrdge Group.They're a slick operation.We were welcomed with a bag of goodies and keys to the swimming pool.
Wifi is easy here.That has always been our challenge .Although most marinas say oh yes we have wifi.when you ask if it's working , usually the answer has been well yes but not well today or we are waiting for Bell to come and fix it!
After docking, Graeme and Erica went off with Nick from Discount Rentals to organize the rental car .Our favorite company Enterprise are not open on weekends here ! We got a nice little Hyndai Accent in a bright metallic blue color.
That done ,we all had lunch and then Graeme and Mark geared up to wash and clean the boat from top to bottom.Lady Erica needed it for sure! Caro and Erica went off to do some birthday shopping.
Lovely Main Street in town which ran uphill from the waters edge.We found the one good clothing boutique called Blue Cashmere. Carol got some lovely black and white checkled pants and I bought a cotton blue/green cardigan there.Eriica also got a couple of baby clothing items from a lovely store called Little Monkey Treehouse.
Couldn't resist stopping in at the Georgian Bakery .We needed to try the butter tarts that are a favorite in the area and also found some small Tourtière pies , a speciality in Canada usually eaten on Christmas Eve.
Back to the boat which looked fresh and gleaming .We changed out the muddy fender covers for some brand new ones Graeme had ordered last year. All looking good now!
It was hot around 90f / 30 c degrees so off to cool down in the Marina a swimming pool, followed by afternoon tea of the butter tarts.This life is so toug!!!
Drinks around 6 pm then off to dinner at Explorers Cafe ,highly recommended by the guy on the boat next door to us. It was a great place very interesting food.We finished off with pecan pie andcarrot cake for dessert. Both were delicious. The owner of the restaurant is a keen explorer and works with Zodiacs on the ice in the arctic region part of the year according to the waitress.
A stroll down at the town docks afterwards and the back home to Lady Erica .A lovely day again.
We have been so blessed on this journey so far.
Over and out,
Lady Erica crew.
Graeme and Erica
Friday, June 24, 2016
Off to the Big Chute and Port Severn.
Hi F and F,
Well today was going to be a longer day so we set off before breakfast ie 8am to get an early start.The trip across the Couchiching Lake was lovely, sun was out no wind and calm waters.
We first past a big island called Chiefs Island which is a native First Nation people reservation.There is also a large reservation on the east side of the lake with a casino belong to the first nation people as they are called here in Canada.
Rumor has it , if you can prove you have Native Indian blood , you can be in on the profits of these Native Casinos, well that's the story anyway. Just before we excited the lake we saw a beautiful loon.
No time to get out the camera as it dove done underwater .Mark timed it and the loon was down underwater at least a minute .
We arrived at the first swing bridge at 9am just on time for the opening. Friday's and weekends are
9 am not 10 am although this will change next week when 9 am will be all week! School kids will be off school shortly and the locks and waterways will become very busy.
The first lock already had 3 boats in it also going north so we waited a short while and were joined by a sailboat and a smaller powerboat when it was our turn. The sailors were very friendly and discussed how they knew several Canadian ex air pilots who summered in NZ every year around Whakatane.Its
Interesting as most tourists going to NZ miss out that area on the mid west side coast of the North Island.
Carried on winding through canals with summer cottages all shapes and sizes.Then onto Sparrow Lake .This area is very pretty leading up to Swift Rapids lock.Through the McDanalds Cut which was cut out of solid rock using dynamite and hand drills .
The rocks were then brought out by horse and cart in1905.Quite a feat back then.
Lovely scenes as we passed through more small lakes and canals.
Then came the highlight for us, The Big Chute lock which is an easier way than regular locking .The lock operators impressed us with their expertise and guidance.We watched a boat coming down first before we got to ride the Chute . As we drove in , there was no need for fenders or lines , just two slings were passed under the boat .
Then the boat iwas lifted out of the water, the slings hold the boat in place as it is carried across the road on a railway track and gently lowered on to the other side and back into the water.
Off we went again , passing many islands and houses , I mean "cottages" which were getting bigger as we neared Port Severn. Several Mc Mansions and more being built.
We ended our journey today at Starport Severn Marina. Friendly staff and great modern facilities here. Lovely club house with big tv,free washing and drying machines .
We even had the use of a 4 person golf cart to explore the area .Took a look at the last lock and a couple of stores.
Mark and Erica went for a swim off the boat .Had showers, watched a bit of TV Eastbourne tennis was on Did so laundry and tried out the showers.
Erica made some quesadillas and we had a BBQ salad to go with it for dinner. For desert we are still sampling the chocolates Mark picked up in Hastings!As it was already Carol's birthday in NZ we sang Happy Birthday to her.Tomorrow she gets another go round , as it's the 25 th here!
We watched the sunset and the little boats zipping around the lake area well until 9.15 pm.
Another lovely day!
Over and out,
Crew Lady Erica.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Off to Orillia , Jewel of the Trent
Hi Fand F,
Well another beautiful day , sunny , no wind today which made it very pleasant!
The sound of the loon calling this morning was a thrill.
The water looked so inviting Erica decided to have a swim .The water was quite warm and the blue gill fish were swiming about nearby , specially as we had been feeding the some bread earlier they were inquisitive to see what Erica was all about !
By the way this is a water slide !
We left at 10 to 10am to catch the first lock of the day, one of five in close succession before reaching. lake Simcoe.As we entered the first lock with a 36 trawler from the Sunset Marina, who should come steaming up, our friends on the 48 ' Cantis and the 48 ' Cranchi who had been our companions on the day after Peterborough on that stressful day.So again four boats in the locks scenario.
Anyway this time as we were going down in the locks not up , it seemed to go much more smoothly.
It was very scenic between the locks with lots of farmland and animals in the pastures. So like the canal du Midi in France.
As we were the first boat , I noticed we had less trouble in front than the boat behind us.
This was the reverse when we were in the front going up.Maybe it has something to do with the way the water is distributed in the locks.Onto Lake Simcoe for about 14 miles, nice and deep with no weeds and smooth waters.Understand this lake can get up quite rough in windy conditions .
At 2 pm we arrived at Port of Orillia Marina.Nice new floating docks but lots of weed growing.Quite a problem I would think for the Marina.Thry are expecting. 200 boats in tomorrow for their annual Christmas in June festival on 25 th All the boats get decorated with the Christmas theme and have then they have a turkey dinner which raises money for charities.
We walked into the Main Street and checked out the shops and restaurants . Dinner is off the boat tonight.We made a reservation at Era 67 for tonight.One recommended restaurant was Sixteen Front (from a friend who went there last year ) but It had already closed down. Back for a rest and cocktails, then into town for a wonderful meal. Amazing food , with lamb, PEI mussels, steaks, steelhead trout, duck and short ribs .Tony our waiter was fun and we enjoyed the evening.Strolled back to boat where people were already starting to decorate their boats .
One had a blue lit Christmas tree and a Santa coming down chimney.Should be a fun weekend, but we head off tomorrow morning for another big day and the big chute!
Over and Out,
Crew Lady Erica.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Next Sunset Cove in Trent Canal system
Hi F and F,
This bridge was built in 1905.Lots of lovely cottages lined the way as we got closer to the Marina.
Unfortunately it was a bit of a slappy night as the wind didn't die down as projected last night, and the water repeatedly hits the hull in that situation Ear plugs are required but still you notice the noise.
Never mind we are on holiday! We can rest up during the day if necessary.
We left our anchorage at 9 am and started down the Trent canal. Best timing ever, as we arrived at the next lift lock just perfectly at the 10 am the opening time.
One other boat was there and we smoothly moved right on in.As we had already reached the highest point , we are now going down instead of up and the buoys are reversed so red is on our left and green are on our right. The Kirkfield lift lock went very fast, it is an amazing experience, just like the Peterborough Lift lock. This one is the second highest lift lock in the world , Peterborough being the first.The next 7 highest are in England, France and Belguim.
Our journey was very slow because we were traveling on the very narrow Trent canal and then the two lakes we traversed were shallow with dead heads( wooden partially submerged stumps) and heavy weed growth especially in Mitchell Lake
Going through the hole in the wall bridge was fun and a great photo opportunity. Photos to follow
Joe the Sunset Marina owner and his staff were out to greet us as we arrived to dock.
Friendly place.Not much nearby, although we did later go for a walk along the main road to the only store in Bolsover .
Surprisingly the store had a garden center with a large fruit and produce section and a convenience store all in one! We selected some fruit and an icecream each and walked the two miles back to the Marina. Spent a nice lazy afternoon.The wind had died down though it was a little cool today.
Lots of reading going on here amongst the four of us, and having no TV reception helps .Welcome relief! Dinner on board was left over BBQ pork tenderloin, salad and couscous , easy meal to prepare.
As the sun sets at 9pm here we were able to go for a little dingy ride to check out the area, and see some more of the nice homes in the area.
Early night tonight , to make up for those who didn't get much sleep last night.
Over and out ,
Crew Lady Erica.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Off to try anchoring out again
Hi F and F,
Bobcaygeon , our first lock is the first lock to be built on the Trent Severn waterway in 1883.
As it didn't open til 10 am we decided to have a cooked breakfast onboard this morning.
Eggs, beans , sausage and toast , good old English style!
As it turns out we got through the lock with no wait!It was 15 miles on to Fenelon Falls Lock .
We decided to stop and tie up after and explore Fenelon Falls and also have lunch there.
Nice little town and the Falls are right next to the lock , it is their own little Niagra!!!
Carol and I stopped in the Crafty Ewe , a great little store with all things woolen for sale.We bought some woolen balls you use in your dryer in place of Bounce sheets.
More eco friendly and they do the same job. Also picked up some wool for knitting projects.Off to lunch at the Sow and Cow.The soccer was on so we got to watch Nth Ireland and Germany play each other, while eating our food.
Mark dared to try poutine, a Canadian dish which consists of French fries with gravy and curd.
On the way back to the boat Graeme decided to by a small wooden loon bird he has seen in a shop window. Now has pride of place on the boat!
Left again around 2 pm and headed for Rosedale lock, via Pigeon Lake.
The breeze had really strengthened and there were white caps on the lake.
After the lock we decided to tie up and wait for the wind to die down before heading to our anchoring spot on Lake Balsam.Around 5 pm we headed past Grand Island and onto a spot we had seen on the. map, Mackenzie Point.
We set anchor and although the winds had lessened somewhat it didn't really die down til about 7.30 pm.
In the meantime we read , studied the route for tomorrow and relaxed with our pina coladas til dinner time.Graeme got out our electric BBQ and did a nice pork tenderloin which we had with salads and asparagus.Soon after dinner we saw the skies blacken but fortunately it was just a brief rain shower.
Nice spot here all to ourselves !
A short while later , a couple from a nearby house came over to see it we were ok , such friendly people!
We chatted about living on the lake , they live here full time.We asked about the fishing, yes they do catch lots of bass on this lake and about the winters, and yes the lake does completely freeze over! People even drive on it then.They do snowshoeing and there is even down hill skiing nearby.
By the way, we are now at the highest point 840 ft above sea level.It is the highest point a boat can go from ocean level under its own power! How's that for a bit of trivia!
Over and out,
Crew Lady Erica.
On to Bobcaygeon
SsHi F and F,
Well it was truly hard to leave this place! I would have a cottage here in a heart beat!!!
A morning swim and then we headed off back through Stony Lake to join the Trent Severn waterway again.Still lots of lovely homes on islands to view, including an Anglican Church on one small island which opens up in July and August for all the cottage residents .
I worked out of we telephone ahead to the locks we get to find out the status so that's what we will do from now on.
Left around 11 .30 am as the locks were clear of boats and were able to get through easily solo. No yelling or shouting amongst the crews as we had yesterday!!!
We decided not to stop at Buckhorn but headed on up to Gordon's Marina and arrived around 2 pm.
On the way we passed through Buckhorn and Pigeon Lakes ( the home of the Happy Rental houseboats) The average price for a house boat that sleeps 8 for this time of year is $1700 Canadian. If any of you want to try this experience , go for it.
Gordon's is a small old Marina ,built just over 100 years ago. We tied up on the long fuel dock and Jodie looked after us. Hot day but pending tender and rainfall due in a couple of hours time
If you are wanting to get through the Bobcaygeon lock which is just in front of us, there is quite a backup of houseboats waiting on the blue line where you tie up.Best is to go through that lock and tie up on the other side, if you want to leave early.
We headed into the town to have a Kawartha Icecream and check out the restaurant scene and the famous big shoe store . In the end we bought nothing there even though it had four stores joined together and a big selection .
With darkening skies , we decided to head back to the boat and order pizza for dinner tonight from Luigi's.
The heavens opened and we had a great free boat wash.It was quite the storm, even some hail stones!
Had a rest then ordered our pizzas , made a lovely fresh salad and enjoyed our first takeaway food for the trip.
Over and Out,
Crew Lady Erica
Jupiter Island, a slice of heaven!
Hi F and F,
Today we played the get up early to get to the first lock as three other boats from the Peterborough Marina were planning to do the same.
Another lovely sunny and another expected hot temps day greeted us this morning. At 8.45 am we un tied the lines and headed to a very picturesque small lock about 5 mins away. Had breakfast while tied up outside the lock and got to meet some of the local people .This is one of the fun things about locking!
One family were from HongKong and were out for a days fishing off the wall.They had already caught a bass fish which they showed us.Graeme dazzled them with a bit of his Cantonese!Mark started up a conversation with a young Irish/ Canadian guy walking his Great Dane dog. We all got to pet and meet Louie , who is as Mark described ,is more like a small horse!They normally live about 8 years , although Louie's parents had lived to 10/11 years! Here's hoping for Louie ,that he has a good long life.
At 9.15am the Lockmaster opened the gates and directed all four boats from the Marina to enter.
It was a tight squeeze as we were all at least 48 feet long with varying widths ! A very tight squeeze indeed.
As we were first, we were put inches from the front of the lock .
One guy came in behind us behind us (he had no bow or stern thrusters , a means to bring the boat in side ways very easily) The front part of his boat was hanging over our dingy .
The ghetto other boats slowly entered beside both of us .The boat coming in beside us , was about 6 inches off us.Hope that gives you a clear picture.
It was somewhat hairy!!
The next 5 locks were in close succession about 1 or 1 1/2 miles apart so we proceeded through
them as a group with our four boats in the same order.. By the end we all got to get a hang of it , but my choice would have been to wait behind and let the others go first and take our time with less stress.Ironically there were no their boats behind us.
The lesson I have learned from all this is , you don't have to be first, wait a while and you can have a less stressful experience! Remember when we did the Niagra Falls boat ride .
Everyone was clamoring to get on the first 9 am boat and we were all squashed in?
Well , the next boat at 9.15am had half the number of people on board, so you would have been free to walk around the boat and see everything.Enough said !!!
Just after Sawer Lock we saw our first Loon bird nesting on the side of the canal.
They are a black and white bird , carry their young on their backs, and have a distinctive bird call.May soon become Canada's national bird .
The going was slow , but finally the last lock was finished at 3.30pm.
All the boaters were hot and exhausted but we decided to plough on and head for the anchorage in Stony Lake..
We indeed anchored in a beautiful spot , a little cove off Juniper Island.
First thing on the agenda for us was to get into those cool calm waters .A family anchored nearby for a swim were very welcoming and friendly.
The Mom explained this water was good for hair and nails! In fact once in the water your bare arms and legs look yellow!A jaundice effect! Although it was hard to see the stony and mud bottom , the water was fairly clear and we even sampled some in a glass and it tasted good!
A recommendation was to dingy over for dinner at the Lantern Restaurant nearby, but Graeme and Mark came back saying it was fully booked , being Fathers Day.
So plan B, we had our PinaColadas followed by a lovely dinner on board with meat sauce and spaghetti and our now famous Dole salads in a bag.This one was called Chop Chop Italian salad.
Dessert was the Russian apple dumplings and icecream.
We sat outside talking,and watched the full moon rising up over the water.
Just perfect.
Over and Out
Crew Lady Erica.
waters
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Peterborough Second Day
Hi F and F,
So a full day here in Peterborough with no sailing !!Again brilliant sunshine and the promise of a warm day.
Erica decided it was time for pancakes this morning, so after cooking up a batch including blueberry ones also, we sat on the outside deck to have our breakfast.Suddenly we heard the sound of bagpipes playing.
Then we saw a guy just outside on the concrete dock next to our boat playing wonderful Scottish tunes.
What a way to start the day!
We decided to walk to the Saturday Farmers Market which was about 15 mins walk away.Lots of baked goodies, fresh local fruit and vegetables and plants and flowers for sale. We purchased some veg, more maple syrup and Mark couldn't resist the Russian stall with its apple dumplings. Seemed a popular place!
After heading back with our provisions to the boat, we set off for the Wild Rock bike rental store.Graeme had meantime got out our folding bikes and pumped up the tires.So once we were sorted out , we all biked off over the river to join the RotaryGreenway which runs on the east side of the river up to Trent University. Probably a distance of about 7 kilometers .
Both Mark and a Carol are experienced cyclists and were soon up ahead of us .To be fair , we did have bikes with little wheels ,but their fitness showed! Anyway Bill and Nancy would have been proud of us!
Erica especially was happy to have a break as we turned back to ride to the boat..
We had spied a little roadside eating place to stop for lunch .
I say lunch loosely, as we ended up with a drink and large French fries.
Mark and Carol tried out a blue raspberry slushie . Don't think they were sold on it.
Afterwards we parted company , Mark and Carol coming back to the bike shop a different longer way, while we headed straight back to the boat on a direct path.Still we probably did 15 kms in total.
With our friends telling us we had to go to the canoe museum while here in Peterborough we decided we must do it and cycled there next.This museum indeed was something worth going to especially if you like also to learn not just about canoes and kayaks , but about the Native Indian history and their connection with these amazing forms of water transportation. They had wooden boats , birch bark boats and seal skin boats on display and many videos and explanations . Fascinating video of how they stripped the birch trees of their bark, wound it around a wooden frame and used roots from the spruce tree to bind the pieces together. Well that's my layman view perspective.!
Back on the boat to wait for Freya and her husband Don ( the Great Looper connection)who were going to help us with an anchoring site on Stony Lake for tomorrow night. they know it well.Unfortunately they didn't turn up til 9.45 pm but in the meantime we had drinks on board then taxied to Gerti's restaurant for a lovely meal in the outside back patio. Prince Edward Mussels and the pineapple Scallop dishes were our favorites.We walked back through the town and as the weather had cooled somewhat ,it was very pleasant.
Now time for bed , we have an early start tomorrow.
Trying to get ahead of the game with this lock business timing.
We know two other boats will be leaving early tomorrow from this Marina as well.
Over and Out,
Lady Erica Crew.
Saturday, June 18, 2016
On to Peterborugh
Hi F and F,
As we decided to not leave until around 10 am again today , after breakfast we walked back into the town of Hastings.First we posts our cards back to NZ with the Hastings postmark.
Then went off to walk the self guided tour of the numerous lovely old Victorian homes in the area.The kind young lady at the marina had printed out the 8 pages for us.
This town has an interesting history,with lumber ,tanning and woolen and textile mills as well as cheese factories being the main industries back in 1840's.Fowld's Mill is still able to generate its own hydro electric power.
With only one lock to do today and near the end of our journey we headed off at 10 as planned.
First through Rice Lake ( it is 20 miles in length ).
This lake was so named because wild rice was grown extensively here by the native Indian peoples, up until the time the Trent SevernWaterway was completed.Then we headed into the Otonabee River which meandered for many miles .It remind us a little of the Georgia ICW waterway.
It was very tranquil and both sides of the river lined with many cottages and summer homes, including many with the water slides on the docks. Swimming in the river here is a popular pastime it seems.
As we rounded some of the bends , jet skiers were out having fun and also fisherman were enjoying their time on the water also. This area is known for Bass fish both big and small mouth.Don't know what that means, but it is a popular sport in this part of the world.
We got to the solo lock to find two other boats waiting ahead of us.They were also heading for thePeterborough Marina. Once we arrived at our destination , we assisted with docking by three efficient young Marina staff and we have a lovely T dock at the end. Views of the small lake area and close to the Holiday Inn which will have a Jazz concert tonight.
The Great Loopers representative was also there to greet us with a goodie bag of homemade jam, key ring, and all sorts or relevant literature.
We went off to explore the town of Peterborough..It's quite large but many people out on the Main Street were actively begging which didn't give the town such a good feel. We checked out Gerti's Restaurant which came recommended , of tomorrow night.
Will eat there tomorrow night.Stopped at a speciality butcher on the Main Street to get meat for tonight's BBQ.We have an electric George Foreman grill we use.Sometime marinas will not allow you to use your gas BBQ.Also checked out Wild Rock ,a large bicycle store to check out bike rentals for tomorrow.
Enjoyed the BBQ dinner on the outside deck with the Jazz music as background.Actually the music was more blues than jazz!
The regular Sat concerts held in the park nearby , don't start til 26 th June.
Another lovely day.
Over and out,
Lady Erica Crew.
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