Port of Orillia Marina in Orillia, ON

Day #391: From last evening I beat Mike at cribbage. At 6:40 A.M. text from John wondering about an open slip at the marina. Mike and John talked and decided on the slip to in front of "Parrot Bay".  Alysana tied up at 8:00 A.M.  Boats starting to head out of the marina as it is partly sunny now with thunderstorms predicted late morning into Tuesday morning. Mike working on places to stop in Georgian Bay. I worked on paperwork. Mike and I went to the Metro grocery store and LCBO (for beer) heading back to the boat. Mike cleaned the strainers that were full of seagrass. Mike called customs as he had originally told them that the two of us would be in Canada for a month but it is going to be into August. The customs officer asked if "Parrot Bay" had been visited by a custom officer in which Mike replied "no" so the officer stated that there was no worries and that we didn't need to add any additional time. After lunch the two then headed to the well deck to read. At 2:00 P.M. it rained for a bit and at 3:30 P.M. a Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for Orillia until 2:30 A.M. When the sun came back out it was hot. At 5:00 P.M. I made pizza onboard for dinner. At 6:30 P.M. dinner had been cleaned up so Mike and I worked on getting the boat ready for departure on Tuesday morning. The plan is head to Big Chute Marina which is just prior to the Big Chute (Lock #44)  The two of us will have gone through two of four locks left for the trip.

Port of Orillia Marina in Orillia, ON

"Parrot Bay" will cross her wake and put up a gold looper flag in Presque Isle, MI
425 miles to go until "Parrot Bay" is home in Bay City.
4 more locks to go for the trip (including The Big Chute). 

Day #390: Thunderstorms overnight the most rain that Mike and I have had for numerous weeks. We were up at 6:00 A.M. to do two loads of laundry (FREE!!! nothing that a looper likes better then FREE!). Mike and I had cinnamon rolls, grapefruit and coffee for breakfast. The two of us worked on navigation planning for the week and heading into Georgian Bay. At 10:00 A.M. James and Mary Jane from "Late Harvest" brought their Georgian Bay charts spending about one hour with Mike and I discussing marinas and anchorages to stop in Georgian Bay. James and Mary Jane just finished their loop in the past week. One of the items that James and Mary Jane mentioned was the place that Mike and Patty were planning on stopping after leaving the Trent-Severn Waterway has some provisioning but that they might want to stock up while they are in Orillia. Mike and I had lunch then they went through all of the refrigerators and food storage cleaning out and making a grocery list. The two of us then headed out to the Metro grocery store. After provisioning the we put all of the groceries away. The two of us then headed up on the flying bridge to catch a breeze and to read and play the guitar for the afternoon. At 5:00 P.M. Mike and I made hobo dinners on the grill and then Mike made hamburgers on the grill for another nights dinner. After the two of us finished cleaning up and took showers it was time for Sunday night family phone calls and relaxation.

These little ones were baiting their hooks with ham.  There were hundreds of sunfish the minute the ham went into the water and the kids had fish on their line instantly.   In the clear water you could watch it all happening.

 This little girl hooked the sunfish as soon as she put her line in the water. 

            

James and Mary Jane ("Late Harvest") new gold loopers. They shared their knowledge regarding Georgian Bay with Mike and I. 

Port of Orillia Marina in Orillia, ON

Day #389: Mike and I were up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit and cookies. The only local TV news that I could find was for Buffalo, NY. The two of us worked on paperwork and blogging. We walked to Orillia Home Hardware Building Centre. After the hardware the two of us headed to Mariposa Market which is a very popular place specializing in bake goods. Mike and I bought cinnamon rolls and maple/bacon butter tarts. Today was also the Downtown Orillia's Summer Block Party which is a downtown street festival showcasing fusion art, interactive activities, music, food, kid zones, sizzling sales and giveaways so we walked through part of this on our way back to drop off our purchases. Mike found that he had not bought the correct screws so the two of us headed back out walking through the block party heading back to the hardware store. On the way back the two of us went to the farmer's market, stores and block party. We stopped at the Metro Grocery Store to purchase a few food items. The two ofus headed back to the boat for lunch as we were finishing up John and Gina stopped by with their friends Brad and Gabby just in time for it to start raining. As the rain stopped the gathering of loopers started on the dock by "Parrot Bay" "Late Harvest", "Forever Friday", "Apre's Sail", "Honey Badger" all stopped by to see John, Gina, Brad and Gabby. Once the party broke up Mike and I headed back in the boat working on blogging, engines, fuel and radiator checks. The two of us talked to Mom and Dad Burdo then got ready for free concert night at the marina. We had a quick dinner onboard. At 6:00 P.M. Leland/Karen ("Tiki Queen"), Tim/June ("Subject to Change") and Mike/Patty ("Parrot Bay") listened to the free concert featuring The Crash Monkey Mob Band.  Fun was had by all. At 9:00 P.M. it was time to head back to the boat for the night.

This sign is hanging on the window to the restrooms/showers at the marina. Mike was amazed. 

Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building.

Mariposa Market is a very popular stop in Orillia with excellent bake goods.
 

Inside the Mariposa Market.

Texas donuts made at Mariposa Market. 

Mike and I walked through Kahuna Surf Shop in Orillia. 

Downtown Orillia's Summer Block Party. 

Orillia's City Hall 

Mike and Gordon Lightfoot. Orillia was Gordon's hometown.

Entertainment at Downtown Orillia's Summer Block Party.

Loopers enjoying a free concert Tim/June ("Subject to Change"), Patty and Leland/Karen ("Tiki Queen").

Maggie from "Subject to Change".

The Crash Monkey Mob Band

Two kids walked by with ferrets for pets.  

Wall below Kirkfield Lock in Kirkfield, ON to Port of Orillia Marina in Port Orillia, ON

Day #388: Mike and I were up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit, butter tarts and cookies. At 7:30 A.M. we started to prepare for departure. At 8:45 A.M. "Parrot Bay" underway with "Tiki Queen", "Honey Badger" "Alysana" and "Cat-n-Dogs" into the very narrow canal.  Again an announcement was made over the radio announcing the passage of the boats. At 9:15 A.M. "Parrot Bay" passed under "Hole in the Wall" bridge. At 9:30 A.M the swing bridge was opened upon the boats arriving. "Tiki Queen" left the group stopping to get pumped out at a marina prior to the locks. At 9:45 A.M. the Boundary Bridge swing bridge opened upon the boats arriving in the narrow canal was very nice as it would have been difficult to hold station. At 10:15 A.M. "Alysana", "Parrot Bay", "Honey Badger" and "Cat-n-Dogs" were clear of TSW Lock 37 (Bolsover) after being lowered (#97 lock for the trip). Due to the boats being lowered the lock staff assisted in getting lines around the cables as the boats are sitting high compared to the lock wall. At 10:35 A.M. clear of TSW Lock 38 (Talbot) (#98 lock for the trip). At 11:20 A.M. all four boats were clear of TSW Lock 39 (Portage) (#99 lock for the trip). At 11:40 A.M. all four boats were clear of TSW Lock 40 (Thorah) (#100 LOCK FOR THE TRIP!!!!). At 12:00 P.M. all four boats were clear of TSW Lock 41 (Gameridge) (#101 lock for the trip). At 12:15 P.M. "Parrot Bay" entered Lake Simcoe it was calm but a bit hazy. Mike and I had a great trip across. Just before the Narrows Bridge "Alysana" headed to their friends dock for the weekend. "Parrot Bay" headed towards the Narrows Bridge where the current was a bit strong and there were lots of boats. Mike did a great job getting "Parrot Bay" through safely. At 2:35 P.M. "Parrot Bay" was secure at Port Orillia Marina after traveling 32 miles (4,854.4 miles for the trip). At 3:30 P.M. I worked on making marina reservations at Big Chute Marina and Queen's Cove Marina for mid-week. "Parrot Bay" has only 4 more locks for the trip (one being The Big Chute). If plans don't change Mike and I should be in Georgian Bay on Thursday staying at Queen's Cove Marina. At 5:00 P.M. "Honey Badger", "Forever Friday", "Cat-n-Dogs", "Aprel's Sail", "Tiki Queen" and "Parrot Bay" headed to Studabakers Beachside Restaurant in Orillia for dinner. At 7:00 P.M. Mike and I headed back to the boat for blogging and relaxing.

One more look at the Kirkfield Lift Lock. This is the chamber where the boats drive into there are cables on the sides where lines can be wrapped to hold the boat secure.

 

"The Hole in the Wall" Bridge.

Parrot Bay going through "The Hole in the Wall" Bridge.

No better site than an open swing bridge that you need to have open in a very narrow part of the canal.

 

"Alysana" cruising through the second swing bridge Boundary Road Bridge 44.

TSW Lock 37  (Bolsover). Nothing like coming up on a lock and watching the gates starting to open.

Way up in the air before being lowered in TSW Lock 37.

"Alysana" next to "Parrot Bay" for all 5 locks today.

All of the locks today had lock doors that were handcranked.

This flamingo was huge. 

"Alysana" heading to TSW Lock 38 (Talbot).

Looking down from TSW Lock 38.

Farm fields in this section of the Trent-Sever Waterway.

"Alysana" heading to TSW Lock 39 (Portage). 

Mike wants one of these but he is unsure what he would use it for at home.

"Alysana" heading to TSW Lock 40 (Thorah).

Looking down from up top of TSW Lock 40 (Thorah). 

"Alysana" heading into TSW Lock 41 (Gamebridge). 

Looking down from TSW Lock 41.

Going down in TSW Lock 41.

"Cat-N-Dog" passing "Parrot Bay" on Lake Simcoe. 

The Narrows Bridge. Mike and Patty had heard that the current through this area was terrible of course this is one of the very busy spots as well. 

NEBO trip Kirkfield, ON to Orillia, ON

Mike and Patty had never seen this before this machine collects the floating weeds in the marina. 

Great place to eat in Orillia.

Dinner at Studabaker's in Orillia with Mike, Leland, Karen, Kurt, Deborah, Russ, Jax, myself, Mike, Mary, Mike and Kathleen. 

Gordon Yacht Harbour in Bobcaygeon, ON to Wall below Kirkfield Lock in Kirkfield, ON

Day #387: Mike and I were up at 5:00 A.M. to have coffee, grapefruit and cookies. John and Gina on "Alysana" were planning on trying to get to past the Kirkfield Lift Lock as that would put them in a position to make Port Orillia on Friday where they were staying with friends. Mike and I talked about traveling with John and Gina to help breakup the large group of boats and the two were getting ready to get to Georgian Bay.  Mike and I prepared for departure. When the four of us got up in the morning both walls near the lock in Bobcaygeon were full. Slowly a few boats started to leave so at 8:00 A.M. "Alysana" headed toward the lock taking the available spot on the wall and "Parrot Bay" rafted. At 8:30 A.M. when a space opened up a bit closer to the lock "Parrot Bay" tied to the wall and "Alysana" rafted. The four of us were hearing that all but one looper boat that were parked on the wall were going to be leaving. At 9:00 A.M. multiple small boats entered the lock along with "Honey Badger" and "Apre's Sail". No one else was moving so "Alysana" headed into the lock. "Parrot Bay" headed to the blue line to tie up when they heard over the loud speaker "blue and white boat at the blue line you can enter the lock" Mike headed "Parrot Bay" into the lock (Whew!!!!) secure in the lock at 9:20 A.M. At 9:30 A.M. "Parrot Bay" was clear of TSW Lock 32 (Bobcaygeon) (#93 lock for the trip). At 11:45 A.M. there was a line up at the next lock multiple small boats, "Apre's Sail, "Honey Badger", "Alysana" and "Parrot Bay" who rafted to "Alysana" When the lock opened "Parrot Bay" was the only boat that couldn't fit into the lock so Mike pulled up to the blue line to wait until the next lock cycle. At 12:35 P.M. "Parrot Bay" was clear on TSW Lock 34 (Fenelon Falls) (#94 lock for the trip). As Mike and I started to cross the small lake John radioed Mike tell him that "Alysana was going to wait for "Parrot Bay" in Balsam Lake. At 1:15 P.M. both boats cleared TSW Lock 35 (Rosedale) (#95 lock for the trip). At 3:00 P.M. "Alysana", "Parrot Bay" and "Honey Badger" all entered the Trent canal. The Trent canal is very narrow and shallow so boats can only transit in one direction at a time. The captain's do an announcement over the radio to let other boats know that they are transiting the canal. As the three boats got to Mitchell Lake a boat coming from the other direction asked if they could transit the canal. Mike thinking that Mitchell Lake should have been large enough for the three boats to hold station until the other boat came through allowed the boat to transit the canal first. Turns out that Mitchell Lake is extremely shallow, basically a bog. The wind was blowing so holding station in the bog was very difficult.  All of a sudden John radioed to Mike announcing "Mike I'm stuck".  Mike stated okay we will pulled you out. Gina and I were on the bows of the boat and a towing line was exchanged.   "Parrot Bay" was able to pull "Alysana" off the bottom without also grounding "Parrot Bay" (Halleluiah!!). The three boats head off to the second lift lock of the Trent-Severn Waterway the Kirkfield Lock (same as the Peterborough Lift Lock).   "Honey Badger", "Alysana" and "Parrot Bay" were lowered (the boats from this point on in the Trent-Severn started being lowered) (#96 lock for the trip). "Tiki Queen" was already on the wall below the lock so the other boats joined soon after "Cat-n-Dogs" joined the party. "Parrot Bay" traveled 32.4 miles today (4,822.4 miles total for the trip). Mike and I headed over to "Alysana" to celebrate the very busy day. Gina called the next lock to get advice as there are two bridges that needed to open on Friday between us and the next lock.  She was told that the boats should not leave the wall until after 8:30 A.M.  At 7:00 P.M. Leland/Karen ("Tiki Queen"), Kurt/Deborah ("Honey Badger"), John/Gina ("Alysana") and Mike/myself ("Parrot Bay") sat at one of the picnic tables near the wall where the boats were tied to have a late docktails. At 9:00 P.M. it was time to head in for the night. The wall did not have power so it was just like anchoring for Mike and I except "Parrot Bay" was tied to the wall. The plan for Friday was to get to Port Orillia for the weekend.

Pre-sunrise at Bobcaygeon.

Beautiful sunrise.

Loon with a very large fish.

The same loon after having breakfast.

After the first move on the wall "Alysana" rafted to "Parrot Bay" very busy waiting for the lock to open. 

WOW!!!!!

Cute place to stop to get ice cream on the way to Fenelon Falls.

 

"Honey Badger" and "Alysana" entering the first narrow canal of the day. 

Someone decorated.  There is even a stop light up top. 

"Alysana" heading to the blue line in Fenelon Falls.

What a cool staircase. 

The town of Fenelon Falls on top of the hills.  Need to lock up to the town.

 

Fenelon Falls (yup it is part of the dam: who knew).

TSW Lock 34 (Fenelon Falls)

Hurry up and dump that lock. Our friends are waiting for us to catch up. 

Lock 34 inside the lock. 

Patty working.

TSW Lock 35 (Rosedale).

Here we go very narrow canal one boat at a time. 

Don't go to close to the shore lots of sharp limestone. 

Going slow through the canal; small "run-about", "Alysana" and "Honey Badger".

 

Look at the limestone!!!

"Alysana" leading the way after Mitchell Lake. 

"Honey Badger" not much room on the sides. 

"Alysana" heading into the Kirkfield Lift Lock. 

"Parrot Bay's" view once in the Kirkfield Lift Lock. 

"Tike Queen" on the wall below the Kirkfield Lock. 

The ride is all done "Parrot Bay" waiting for the gate to lower.

 

NEBO trip Bobcaygeon, ON to Kirkfield Lift Lock.

John and Mike after "Mike I'm stuck" and "Parrot Bay" able to pull "Alysana" off of the rocks in Mitchell Lake. 

"Parrot Bay's" stern view for the night. 

Beautiful view of the Kirkfield Lift Bridge. 

Small boat entering the Kirkfield Lift Lock.

The small boat being lifted the chambers even at this time.

 

Mike and Patty on "Alysana" for happy hour after a long day.