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.
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