Peterborough to Lake Simcoe

 We haven't had internet for several days...since we have stayed overnight at the lock walls at Young's Point and Fenelon Falls...and have so many pictures to share!

 This is the famous Peterborough Lift Bridge that was completed in 1904. Up high on the left you can see a boat in the "pan" that is cantilevered over the waterway. We would enter on the right side and the gate on the back of our pan would come up. According to our Ports book, the lift lock raises and lowers boats in two water-filled steel chambers. Each of the chambers is 140 feet long and holds about 228,000 imperial gallons weighing 1,700 tons. The two 7.5 foot-diameter chamber rams (see the black tube on the left side) each have a lifting reach of 65 feet. They are connected in a closed water hydraulic system. Any movement of one chamber must force an equal and opposite movement in the other chamber. To transfer boats, the upper chamber is overbalanced b taking on an extra foot of water. When the valve connecting the hydraulic tams is opened, the heavier upper chamber travels downward, forcing the opposite chamber an equal distance upward.  The ride up was so smooth and felt like we were in an elevator. Just amazing...

 This was our view at the bottom.

 The boat in the first picture (with the blue top)  is coming down, and Harem and Snow Cat are rising to new heights!

 Here we are at tree-top height.

And ready to exit the "pan" at the waterway that is 65 feet higher above the lock.

We passed through Clear Lake and Stony Lake with rocky islands and quintessential summer "cottages".

 The red triangle marks the right side of the channel here.

 This church is called Church-on-the-Rocks. One can only arrive by boat!

More islands....this was a very dangerous passage called "Hell's Gate."

 Our least favourite area was the Trent Canal, a man-made ditch cut out of rock. There was no passing for several miles...and we announced our passage and direction on the VHF radio.

 Not much wiggle room on the sides...

 Our "buddy boat" Harem following us....

 Kirkfield has the second lift lock. We had been raised 840 feet above sea level by 34 locks....and now it is time to start coming down. That is why we are in the high pan, cantilevered over the canal below. We were behind this house boat.

 We are on our way down.....

 Here is Harem ready to leave the lock. Another smooth elevator ride!

 Right before we reached this "hole in the wall" bridge, Harem hit a submerged log and we knew we needed to find a marina to lift her out and check props, shafts, etc.

 The lock staff recommended Lagoon City Marina on Lake Simcoe and helped us lock through before the 4:00 closing time...and we made it to the marina by 5:15. The next day, Dianne, Wayne, and Mike visited us on their way back to Fort Erie from their cottage on Fletcher Lake. Such a fun visit!!!

 There is so much growth in the water...we have had weeds wrapped tightly around our shafts. Kate is hoping to see fish, a frog, or even a turtle!

 One day recently Diver Don had to cut rope that was wound around our shaft just behind our prop which caused unusual vibration.

 Kate was happy to have a swimming buddy while she swam to retrieve her ball, time after time!