Into the Trent-Severn Waterway!

 Conditions settled enough for the locks along the Trent-Severn to open on Friday June 24 so we left bright and early to pump out and fuel up ($10 per gallon) before getting in line to be among the first boats to be lifted at lock #1. We are still on the leading edge of many loopers making their way through Canada. During our delay at Trent Port Marina around 20 boats had arrived waiting to enter the locks. We had an organizing meeting and it all worked out well as some decided to stay longer, some went early on Friday and some went later on Friday.  

It was a long day as we were on the water 10 hours and locked through the first 12 locks with a group of 3 others. We only covered 26 miles to the little town Campbellford Ontario and stayed on a wall above the last lock. The locks take about 30 minutes per so it took a while.

Leaving the marina and entering the Trent-Severn.

There is no radio contact with the lock masters. You line up on the "the blue line" (at right) and enter when the lock walls open. The locks are only big enough for 3 or so boats at a time.

For the first 12 locks we were directed to raft up with friends on a beautiful 49' Beneteau Grand Turismo. It is 14.5' wide as is "the Bles-sing!". The lock is only 32' wide so it was a tight fit. Our friends would tie off on starboard and we would gently squeeze in on port and hand them our lines.

Tight Fit!

These locks are very old and open with manual help from the lock staff (at left).