June 27-July 4, 2016: The Big Chute and Port Severn

Left the Port of Orillia about 8:00 and headed up the west side of Lake Couchiching instead of returning to the original track up the east side. Had a full lock at #43 with 5 boats. Some, anxious to make time, waked us pretty good as soon as we hit the small lake that follows the exit from the lock. Just like back home in FL. Again, lots of nice small lakes strung together by rocky channels. Made it to Lock 44 a little late and the group was just finishing loading, so we stood by the blue line. Not too long as the lock is deep (47 feet) but empties or fills in only 8 minutes.

Continued on to Big Chute Marina and tied up for the evening. Had some lunch and walked over to the Chute/Lock to watch others go thru. An amazing, yet simple, feat of engineering that lets boats cross over solid rock and a roadway - faster than a traditional lock and cheaper than the 2-3 traditional locks it would take do the same thing. Try watching the u-tube videos or just go to google and punch in Big Chute Ontario Canada. Returned to  the boat for some cheese, salami, crackers and adult beverages and an early sleep call.

Early version for carrying barges.

Todays model with lots of adjustments.

Small boats too!

32 foot boat being loaded at lower end of rail.

Held steady in slings.

Next morning we returned to the lock to watch a Catamaran go thru. It is owned by the guy we met when we were looking at boats. He remembered us and we all laughed about watching him go past.

The catamaran sitting proud.

Then it was our turn and all the watching paid off as we knew what to expect and what to do. All went very smooth. Yes. it was a little scary - but mostly just a weird sensation of riding in a big rail car type of thing,

As we approach

Cathryn taking a picture of Judie taking a picture of her taking a picture of........?!?

As we ride along. Too bad no pictures of us taken by someone watching.

Continued on to Starport Marina in Port Severn - 1000 yards from the last lock on the Trent-Severn waterway. Beautiful marina with very clean facilities and free laundry. This will make a great place to stay for a week and refresh/resupply before heading into Georgian Bay and then the North Channel. We got a rental car, and then went to dinner at a nice waterfront restaurant before calling it a day. Next day. Wednesday, we took Cathryn to the airport for her return to Homosassa FL. It was great having her on board and just spending some time together. Thursday was laundry, this blog, and the movie Independence Day. Friday (Canada Day) was rain, housecleaning and study of charts.

Starport boaters lounge with showers, laundry, lounge and kitchen and 17 BBQ grills.

Sitting comfortable at the docks.