8/13/2010 FIRST DAY ON THE TRENT-SEVERN WATERWAY

Eager to begin our day’s adventure, we were on our way by 8:30. We exited the Bay of Quinte , a long arm of Lake Ontario, and entered the Trent River, just barely passing under a bridge that proclaimed it the “Gateway to the Trent-Severn Waterway”. This is the beginning of our 240 mile journey through the Waterway with its 44 locks and 46 bridges. This waterway was opened in 1920 after nearly 87 years of construction. We were ready!

WELCOME TO THE TRENT-SEVERN WATERWAY

CLOSE, TOO CLOSE

Each “new” lock system presents us with “new” and unknown lock procedures. We approached Lock 1, pulled over and tied to the blue-lined staging area and Dan walked up to the lock office. Within moments they were ready for us, water rushing into the channel as they lowered the level and readied the lock for us. We were on our way.

APPRAOCHING LOCK 1

TRENTON LOCK 1

In only 1,000 yards further, we came Lock 2 (19’ vertical lift) at Sydney where we were welcomed by the friendly lock tenders and quickly locked through. Upon exiting we decided that maybe we were not quite as ready as we thought and pulled over to the blue-line area to remove a few inches of things from the mast. The next bridge would be only 22 feet and a tad too tight for comfort. We are now 21’4” and should be fine for the upcoming 22’ bridges.

SYDNEY LOCK 2

Piece of cake! We passed under the Glen Miller Bridge with only the little, flexible, backup VHF radio antennae touching. Good thing we lowered the lights and lightening rod!

THE SAD LOOKING MAST

THE MISSING PIECES!

We breezed through Lock 3 (28’ vertical lift), the Glen Miller Lock. We got it now! Each lock has a well kept, park like setting around it. There are picnic tables and benches on the mowed lawns and trees that offer shade while you wait your turn or for visitors to view the locking procedure. Good job Parks Canada!

GLEN MILLER LOCK 3

PARK-LIKE MOORING AND STAGING AREAS

Batawa’s Lock 4 (18’ vertical lift) had the typical inviting park and again, no glitches for us. The water rushed to escape the damming gates and we marveled at the simplicity and efficiency.

BATAWA LOCK 4

NOTE BLUE LINE FOR STAGING BOATS ONLY

ESCAPING THE CLUTCHES OF THE GATES

Trent lock 5 brought more Park Canada welcoming staff, all working hard at to keep the locks running smoothly and the boaters happy. The locks really are manually opened and shut by these hard working folks!

TRENT LOCK 5

OPENING THE GATES

Frankford Lock 6 was to be our night’s home as it is the only Park Canada mooring with power and we were ready to join the grid for the night. We passed through the lock and knew right away this was the right decision as we viewed the inviting blue-line mooring site with beautiful shade trees and picnic tables for our enjoyment.

FRANKFORD LOCK 6

THIS MUST BE THE PLACE

HOME FOR THE NIGHT

After sauntering through the adjacent campground with its beach on the river’s banks, we found our way to the market for fresh supplies. Upon returning, we were invited to join our mooring neighbors, Del and Shirley Cooi on from the RoundaboutII, for cocktails under the beautiful shade tree. Later we walked to town for dinner at Demitri’s Italian Restaurant then moseyed on back under the stars.