♪ 4 Trent Severn Locks To Go, 4 Locks to Go!♪

June 13, 2022

We left the wall at Kirkfield in good time to reach the Bolsover Lock 37 for 10:00am. Fun fact, when you leave Kirkfield, heading west, you are now going upstream so the red/green buoys change sides. This can send a captain into a panic if they are not aware or haven’t reminded themselves before setting off for the day. Green was now to our port side, and if we could remember that, it would make for a smoother travel day.

This section of the Trent Severn was the second nail biter canal we had been anticipating. After I was finished organizing the lines and fenders from our departure, Gord asked me to head up to the bow to keep an eye out in the water for logs (or worse) that could cause problems. We had anywhere from 2.5 to 4 feet under the props, but those numbers changed quickly and often and didn't leave much time for breathing room. As Gord cruised through the narrow channel and the Canal Lake, we continued to communicate regarding his depth reading and the visual I had in the water from the bow. Several times I alerted Gord to put one engine or another into neutral until we passed over the object which could pose a problem. My heart was pounding, and it seemed like forever until we had a consistent 4-foot reading under the props.

We have talked about the currents we've encountered during our adventure. The currents in the Trent can be aggressive. As we were approaching the Bolsover Lock, we were carefully watching the green and red markers to make sure our approach went smoothly. I mentioned a green buoy on the port side to Gord and he said "got it, thanks." As we approached the lock, I thought this video was worth taking to demonstrate how maniacal the currents can be. Watch this green buoy bob completely out of control.

As we turned to our starboard to prepare for the lock, we saw Seaclusion III tied to the blue line at the lock wall. It was just after 10:00am so the lock should have been opening soon. As we approached, we learned that the lock was short 1.5 feet of water and they couldn't open until water was sent down to them. During our travels through the 37 locks or so we'd done in the Trent, I had the pleasure of talking to some of the Park's Canada crew. I learned so much about the waterway and how the huge system works as a whole. It's actually very interesting and pretty involved. We expected to be about an hour before the locks ahead of Bolsworth sent enough water down for Lock 37 to function. The time seem to pass quickly, and soon we were untying and floating 22 feet to the top water level and were on our way to Lake Simcoe (Barrie, ON).

This stretch of the Trent is cottage country. Gord kept Holy Cow nice and slow as to not shed a huge wake for the cottages, docks and boats on the nearby shore. It was a leisurely and scenic route to Lake Simcoe.

Our destination was the Port of Orillia Marina. It's a newer marina, and the facilities are beautiful. Gramps and I did a small grocery shop at the nearby grocery store, and then we all headed to Fionn MacCool's for dinner. Years ago, I worked in Orillia and it had been a long time since I'd last visited. It was a little nostalgic for me. After dinner, we had some friends visit Holy Cow. Long time friends of Gord's, Tom and Pam, and their girls popped in for a tour and visit. It was wonderful to see them and to catch up. As we get nearer to home, we not excited about getting back to the grind that is inevitable, but it is really wonderful to see friends and family that we have been missing.

A few familiar boats cruised in to the marina later in the evening. Bob and Pam were keeping the same schedule so we planned to travel with them the next day. Saunters was also on the move, but felt the pull to get home, so were planning to continue on as far as they could get. It was a lovely stop in Orillia. Sadly, time wasn't on our side and in the morning, we untied with goals of the Big Chute as our destination. I've been dreading the marine railroad this entire journey.

Voyage Log

Kirkfield to Orillia travel log here.