After leaving Belleville mid afternoon, we were anxious to make some headway on the Trent Severn Waterway. Most cruisers opt to spend a night or two at the Trenton Port Marina, widely renown for its amazing bathrooms and showers. We decided to bypass this treat and begin this next leg of our adventure.
Last year Tim and I did part of the TSW with our friend, Kitty. We went only as far as Peterborough before we had to send Kitty back to Texas and then we turned around and went back by ourselves. This year we will take the TSW to its end in the Georgian Bay. We will travel through 44 locks as we go from Trenton to Port Severn. At Trenton we will be at 243 feet above sea level and will be locking up the first 33 locks until we reach Balsam Lake at 840 feet above sea level. From that point on we will be locking down to Port Severn at 576 feet above sea level. Stay with us as we cross the Canadian Shield, enjoy nature, yummy food and drink and learn local history. It promises to be great fun.
Immediately we can see that the waterway has changed from when we were here use a year ago. The effects of the flooding are evident. Concrete walls are still under water or nearly so.
This concrete wall serves as a perfect sunning spot.
Our first day on the TSW, we traveled a whopping 7.3 miles and completed 5 locks. That’s a lot of locking in a short distance. The locks on the TSW are fairly easy. So far they all have had a cable running from the top of the lock wall to the bottom. We loop our lines around the cable to hold the boat in place while we are lifted in the lock. We spent night at the bottom of Lock 6, with no power, in Frankford. When we were here last year with Kitty we found Dimitri’s Restaurant. Remembering how huge the portions were, we decided to return knowing we’d have leftovers to last at least 2 more meals. We joined some other loopers who were above the lock, with power, for a great dinner.
So far, Tim and I have only run into a few other loopers this year. Mostly because we chose to take the side trip up the Rideau and on to Montreal and back. We also had a much earlier start than the loopers who are trying to complete their loop in one year. Now that we are on the Trent, we are finding packs of loopers. This can be a good thing since we have a bunch of folks to share docktails with, commiserate with, and generally have fun with. The down side of the pack is only so many boats can fit in a lock at one time ( usually 3-4 depending on size) and limited docking room with power. At Frankford, we missed out on power because all the available pedestals were taken. When the evening temps drop down into the 50s and 60s, that’s not a problem. But as things warm up and our lows are in the 70s, hmmmmm. This momma likes to sleep cool. The pack may become an issue.
The first locking of the day is at 9am and we were ready to untie the lines and head through the Frankford Lock as soon as the gates opened. Our next planned stop was Campbellford, just over 22 miles and 7 locks away. We shared the lock with Cat and Dogs an Endeavor Catamaran that we met at Frankford.
Leaving Frankford. It promises to be a beautiful day.
Glen Ross Lock 7
Ports Cruising Guide says, “During Upper Canada’s early logging days, the cribs helped lumbermen control log booms as the raced through the river’s turbulent rapids and waterfalls…. A square timber was fitted into the square hole in the middle of the crib. Cables were strung between the timbers (which floated). The cables kept the center of the channel free of logs and debris, allowing steamboats safe passage between logs.”
One of many cozy homes along the Waterway.
When we pulled up to the wall in Campbellford, there were only 6 or 7 boats along the wall. As I write this now, there are at least 17 boats stretched out on both sides of the river. That’s fine for Campbellford. The Chamber of Commerce has created a wonderful park area for boaters. Everyone has power, a sweet park, free concerts on Wednesday nights, an amazing bakery, farmer’s market and so much more. They charge $1.25/foot with no power, $1.50/ foot for 30 amps or $1.75 / foot for 50 amp. Pay for 2 nights and the 3rd night is free. This is a great stop and most cruisers will stay at least 2 nights. The problem comes when the pack decides to leave at the same time. North of here space becomes an issue again.
We have one night left in Campbellford before we move on. Tonight is the free concert in the park. I hear the group tonight is The Cruisers, a 50s and 60s band. Should be interesting. I’ll let you know.
Subject to Change looks mighty nifty in the Campbellford line-up!!! In fact she wins the prize for niftyness!
Marnie took us to the Bakken Science Museum in Mpls today – interesting and fun for all. It is really great having a driver.