Tuesday 14 July 2015

The Trent-Severn experience begins...

Monday, July 13,2015


click here for more pictures

Once everything was secured and our "super duper orange balls" were inflated, we made haste (ha ha-at 5.6 knots) for Lock 45 at Port Severn. 

The Trent-Severn Waterway was designed as a commercial route from Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. However, by the time it was completed, 87 years later, highways and railways had reduced the need for it. Today, it is used primarily for pleasure boaters, cottagers and tourists. There are 43 locks in 240 miles on the main route from Trenton to Port Severn. The waterway raises boats nearly 600 feet from Trenton to the summit near Mile 158 at Balsam Lake and then lowers them 263 feet to Georgian Bay.  We seem to be in reverse because we are starting from Port Severn and working our way backwards to Lock 1 at Trenton. The waterway is operated by Parks Canada and we were required to purchase a one-way pass at a cost of $130.00. 

The lock system is really straight forward. There are cables secured vertically along the walls within the lock. You drive into the lock and loop a stern and bow line to the nearest cables, then, as the lock fills or empties you move your lines along the cable. Once complete, you bring in your lines and motor out of the lock. Simple right??  Let me just say, for the record, that I was a nervous wreck!  By the time we go through all the locks I should be a lock master. 

So, the first lock (number 45) was so simple, they said drive in and we were raised up before we knew it. The second lock (44) "Big Chute Marine Railway" was unbelievable!!  The park staff directed us onto a "railway car". As the railway car moved along the tracks, the water appeared to be draining out from underneath you but you and your boat are really being suspended, secured in slings. The giant travelling carriage is a 7 minute ride over a mere 600 feet. At the top is a railway way crossing over the road. The rail arms come down, the crossing bells sound and all traffic is stopped for travelling vessels to sail across the road.  Then it's like being at the top of a ferris wheel when you are suspended in mid air. OMG!!!  Doug and Andy were excited as kids and I was petrified! We disembarked from the railroad and then meandered along the marked channel, stopping for a swim and admiring the beautiful cottages along the route. We grounded twice in mud, ( thank goodness because of all the rock around) trying to get find anchorages that the charts showed.  Then, we just managed to squeak under a swing bridge. The bridge was done swinging for the day and we didn't want to backtrack so with Doug at the bow, we were able to clear the bridge with maybe 4 inches to spare - that was too close!!  

Finally at 7:30 pm, we tied up at Lock 42 for the night. The locks operate from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.  We were first in line for the morning. Be sure to click on the link for the pictures.  

Joann

1 comment:

  1. What an adventure! I'm a nervous wreck just reading this. Looks like you're having the time of your life though.

    ReplyDelete