Rosedale, Ontario to Kirkfield, Ontario

We (IRISH AYES and XPLORER) left Rosedale about 8:20 a.m. on July 10. SEAQUEL was waiting for us as we passed the Rosedale Marina where they stayed the night.

IRISH AYES led the way, with XPLORER and SEAQUEL following, as we crossed Balsam Lake this morning, which is the highest point of the Trent-Severn Waterway. At this point, we were more than 840 feet above sea level. The Lake was choppy, but we did not have far to travel, so it was not too uncomfortable. Once we made it to the entrance of the Trent Canal on the west side of Balsam Lake, the water was smooth as glass. However, once we entered the Trent Canal, things changed. The canal is VERY narrow and full of rocks on both sides. Paying attention to charts and watching where you are in the channel is very important.

Before entering the narrow canals, Mike would give a Security Call, informing boat traffic who might be entering the canal from the other end, that we, and two other boats, were entering the canal. The reason for this is that the canals are so narrow, if you meet another boat, or one of the cruise boats that frequently travel these canals, there is no where for either of you to go. You can’t turn around and you can’t move over. There are rocks everywhere.

We tied above the Lock wall at Kirkfield Lock 36 for the night, as did XPLORER and SEAQUEL. By 4:00 p.m. a rainstorm, with winds, thunder and lightening, began and lasted for several hours. According to the Lockmaster this morning, this area received 4 inches of rain from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Later, while having dinner at the restaurant located down the hill from the lock, the power went off just as we had received our food. We enjoyed our dinner by candle light, thanks to the owner. We walked back to the boat (it was still raining) and called it a night.

On Wednesday morning (July 11), we decided to leave from above the lock. We went through the Lift Lock with four other boats. This Lock looks to be more intimidating than the one in Peterborough, but it turned out to be okay. The difference in this Lock is that the structure is not enclosed, so you get a feeling of “hanging out there.” We were the first boat in, so we went to the very front of the pan, and it looked like we were about to go over the edge. This was a little scary for Pat who was controlling the lines on the bow of the boat. In this Lock, when locking down, you are five stories up and can see everything around you from high above.

The lockmaster helped get our lines so that we could secure the boat. Once all boats were secured to the pan, we were free to talk to other boaters or take pictures or do whatever as the lowering of the lock occurred. The fun actually begins when the lift begins to descend. The lowering of the lift is done rather quickly, and you get a feeling of being on an elevator on the water.

Upon leaving Lock 36, IRISH AYES and XPLORER went to the Lock wall and stayed one more night at Lock 36. SEAQUEL went on for about 7 miles to a marina for the night. We will meet up with them on Thursday.