July 27 Kirkfield to Orillia

July 27

Left Kirkfield lock at 8 AM so that we arrived at the first swing bridge some 6 miles down steam at 9 in time for their first opening. The day was really two very different journeys.  First, we’ll continue through more skinny water and narrow man-made cuts and go through 5 locks, 2 swing bridges and under a bridge built in 1905 called the “Hole in the Wall”.  

This doesn't look too bad.

Well, maybe a bit tight.

OK - a lot tight.  But we made it!!

Then, in the afternoon we’ll hit big deep water and run several hours across Lake Simcoe.   This morning’s run was a bit harrowing with the depth finder constantly showing those .1 to .2 feet readings under the keel and we touched twice which just added to the drama. We have a full keel with a metal skeg extending under the rudder, so all our gear is protected. But the sound of these rubs against stone are just very different from thumping over a log or sandbar.   Lockage was easy today with just us and “The Lower Place” a 42’ Jefferson so plenty of room and quick load in and out. 

Approaching the downbound lock

All loaded in

These locks are all going downstream now so the procedure is a little different when we enter at the top side since we can’t reach down to tie our lines.  Thankfully the Parks Canada staff is very accommodating with taking your lines, wrapping it around a tie off and handing the bitter end back to you.   Finally made it to Lake Simcoe.  The breeze had picked up and because this is a large body of water it can become choppy and even develop significant waves. 

Finally!!  Heading for some deep  open water s

We saw 1-2 footers and a few whitecaps but nothing that would be excessive for us.   The waves were coming from the SW so we were taking them on our port side bow most of the time.  A little rolly but better than a full beam sea.   After about 2 hours of cruising we approached land and things settled down.  Made it to Port Orillia by 2:30 and got all settled in.  Counted out over a dozen other looper boats here.   We’ll stay here a few days. Our original plan was to get here Friday so Martha could attend the Sat. farmers market.  I had gotten her some maple syrup from a local producer – Feltis Farms - when I was here 2 years ago.  She’s never found anything comparable and had been wanting to load up on it.  Luckily our friends on Cat n Dogs arrived the previous day and Jax was able to buy Martha a jug of it.  She is happy! Says we can go home now. 

Can you say "Super Size me??"

We’ll hunker down here a few days.  Just a couple more days  running time and we'll be off the Trent-Severn and heading into the Georgian Bay.

Journey for July 27