Bobcaygeon to....I really don't know where we are!

Morning fog at Bobcaygeon

We left the marina at Bobcaygeon around 8:30 to get a head start over to the lock that was very close by, well everyone else had that thought this morning too.  I couldn't not believe how many folks where there between those that had tied up to the lock wall to spend the night and those that were waiting on the "blue line" to enter the lock.  It was CRAZY!

So many folks and look there is Sea Bear, so glad to see Mark and Pam.

We met some new folks Steve and Janice on One Bay at a Time, they were literally just starting their "Loop" that morning.  Surprisingly enough we made it through on that first set of folks through the lock, boy they had us in there tight, literally 3 across in the back.  They squeezed a little guy in between two big uns.  I was completely and totally amazed at how quickly and smoothly the lock tender got us all in and out without one scrape.  After this lock was completed we were in open water going through some lakes for a while.  At this point One Bay at a Time and Sea Bear where following us.  The next lock at Fenelon Falls we encountered yet another gaggle of boats waiting to get through the lock.  We approached the blue line and a small boat with 5 people in it where parked right in the middle.  Ugh!!!  Proper etiquette when it comes to the Blue Line is if you are the first to arrive you pull your boat all the way up to the front.  Well this guy didn't do that nor was he willing to move it or even help a fellow boater out with their lines.  Some people.  Okay enough of that.

We noticed this guy in front having trouble getting the bow of his boat over, so Mike ran up ahead to give a helping hand, that folks is what good boating is about.

As the doors to the lock open out comes this HUGE boat, followed by way more boats
than I ever thought would fit in the lock.

Once again they packed the boats in the lock so tight, this time we were joined by a police boat.  Fenelon Falls is a big tourist place so on a beautiful Sunday morning there were tons of folks watching us lock in and out.  Unfortunately One Bay at a Time and Sea Bear did not make the cut for this go round through the lock.  Hopefully we will meet up with them again soon.

Packed in like olives in a jar and this time with spectators.

We emerged from this lock into a sea of boats waiting to enter the lock from the other direction.  The Lock tenders were going to earn their money today.

A hoard of boaters ready to take the next spot in line.

Once through this lock we had one more then on to Balsam Lake, ahh some open water to cruise through.

Saw this crazy guy along the way.

At the west end of Balsam Lake you enter the Trent Canal it is a long narrow passage way that if your boat is over a certain size you must get on the radio and announce that you are coming through the passage and which direction (that would be us).  The canal is not really big enough for two large boats.  Luckily it is not heavily travelled by the weekend crowd.  We were able to get through without to much trouble. 

This guy was small enough he snuck in behind us while we went through the narrow canal

Such beautiful country

First road we had seen in a while right next to the canal.

This old buy intrigued me 

One fancy looking bridge

The narrow Trent Canal was a challenge for the Captain, it is very narrow and lined with stones, large ones, you do not dare stray off the middle for fear of going aground or putting a large hole in your boat.  But it was BEAUTIFUL.  

Oddly enough none of the above photos have not been enhanced, that just really is how magnificent it is.  

The Trent Canal then dumps you pretty much at the Kirkfield Lift Lock which wholey moly is a marvel all to itself.  This lift structure is not like the one in Peterborough as this one is an open structure.  Once again you enter into a tub like structure and are lifted or lowered 5 stories.  We entered at the top and had the "tub" all to ourselves.  This lock is different than others since you are not moving in the lock you just tie up and enjoy the ride.  It was AMAZING.

Yes we are hanging out there 5 stories above the water below. Yowza

No he wasn't scared, just so very excited!

A Lock SELFIE

Hey look at the boats below, they will rise up while we are lowered.

On our way down.

No rope holding necessary on this lock.

It really is like a big ole bath tub

So exciting to have been able to experience this marvel.

After the lift lock we had only about 6 miles to go.  We did go through what they call the "Hole in the Wall Bridge".  And yep that's what it looks like.

Hole in the Wall Bridge built in 1905.

We traveled 38 miles which took us 8 hours went through 4 locks with the temps in the mid to high 80s and beautiful sunshine all day we were dog gone tired.

Sport one of the neighboring dogs hanging out at the Sunset Cove Marina.  (He was a real sweetheart)