We decided to leave the town of Trenton and begin the Trent Severen Waterway.
After a steak and egg and mimosa breakfast to celebrate our 23rd anniversary, we left the Trent Port Marina.
Tight passageways.
I think they wanted us to go slow.
What do you think?
Weather OK
After several really hot and humid days in Trenton, we finally got a break with a cool and cloudy morning.
We got a few sprinkles but nothing more than that.
The good news is it felt like we were the only ones out there.
There was not much traffic at all.
It was also the reason that we were able to go through all six locks by ourselves.
Being the only boat in a lock decreases stress since the worry of crashing into another boat isn’t even a factor.
Locks 1-6
So we started the Trent Severen Waterway and decided to go through six locks and then tie up at the Frankford lock.
I was really nervous again for some reason about doing these locks.
I’m really not a fan.
Of any lock.
These are manual locks so the staff has to turn giant cranks to open or close the wall.
Speaking of staff, they hang out at the wall and visit with boats going through.
Where the Erie Canal lockmasters are usually alone working the controls, there are three to four staff working the Trent Severen locks.
All six locks had cables/stiff black rubber hose secured at both the top and bottom of the wall.
I wrapped a 12 foot, smaller line around a cable on the side of the boat closer to the front than on previous locks on the Erie Canal.
Once I had it secure, Sam had to turn off the engines and put on the bilge blowers and then leave the helm and go out to the back of the boat and grab a cable close to the stern.
This is a procedure unique to the Canadian locks.
Sam now has double duty.
Maneuvering the boat and managing the line in the back.
We have several fenders tied to the side at varying heights to make sure our boat doesn’t get scratched up.
And so it begins…
Making the Best of It
Now, I don’t know how you like to spend your anniversary but doing locks isn’t my idea of fun.
But it’s too late for complaining.
I’m here and I have to make the best of it.
There were a few bright spots on the trip.
Crossing water that is as smooth as glass brings an unbelievable peace.
A peace that is hard to find anywhere else.
Frankford, Ontario
Right after we passed through Lock 6, we tied up on the right side.
It was a tight squeeze but thanks to the boats parked next to us, we made it work.
We walked down a serene path on the opposite side to get to the town of Frankford.
Our Anniversary Dinner
We set out to Demetri’s to celebrate.
Sam got the special – fish (haddock) and chips.
I got the penne Alfredo pasta.
The portion sizes meant that we got to keep enjoying our celebratory meal for a couple of days later.
Peace, Love, and Locks
So all in all, it was a great day.
We had the opportunity to celebrate each other and be thankful for where we are and what we are doing.
It can only get better from here.
Our Thoughts
Our Trip
First…SLOW is all we’ve got! Lol. I don’t think those caution signs are needed in our case! Secondly…those locks! I’m afraid they might keep me from the Great Loop for a long time. Finally…Happy Anniversary to two of the sweetest people we’ve ever met. We feel blessed that our paths crossed while you were in MD. Good thing I was looking to make friends that day and approached you because we found forever friends with you two! God Bless you both!
What are you talking about?!? We are the lucky ones to know you! Don’t let the locks keep you from it. Some people get used to them and don’t mind going through them. I am impatient and just want to get there! Maybe I’ll learn patience though it all. Then again. Maybe not. LOL
Happy Anniversary. An adventure of a lifetime, just what you promised each other.
Thanks, JR!
Happy Anniversary Rev & Sam!
Since I know nothing about it I looked up the Trent Severn Canal System but now I am hooked on videos by BoatingWithBoogaboo . He has a lot of videos about the Trent Severn from several years, his boat is (obviously) Boogaboo IV. Since I will not experience boating on the Trent Severn I can at least watch his videos & follow you. It is actually very interesting with all the different types of locks. Who knows, I may get to check out some of the locks from land with our Glamper. It would be a fun trip when Dennis retires.
Can’t wait to see Lock 21 Peterborough Hydraulic Lift Lock, Lock 36 Kirkfield Lift Lock, the Summit & Lock 44 Big Chute Marine Railway.
Safe travels!
Thank you, Patti! We just heard about Boating with Boogaboo and look forward to binging his videos! We have a lot to learn in a short amount of time. Some of these locks are just crazy! A madman must have invented them. A very intelligent madman! I hope you do get to take that trip.
I hope we get to take that trip, Dennis would really love seeing the Lift Locks since there are only 5 of them in the world, 2 of them in North America (both of them on the Trent Severn) & the Kirkfield Lift Lock is the 2nd Highest Lift Lock.. He would love to see them in action.
Are there bike trails there?
Bugaboo was at Lock #35 Rosedale but that could have been days ago but they live on their boat out of Lake Simcoe. He gives lots of tips on his videos that might be helpful (like changing your Marker Minders when going downstream on the Kirkfield Lift Lock). https://youtu.be/2DCevuZJmnM
https://www.boatingwithboogaboo.com/about
Mimosa Cheers & Safe Travels!!!
Thanks so much for the info. I don’t know about bike trails. We don’t have bikes yet so we haven’t really researched that. We will definitely check out those videos!
Sounds like a wonderful anniversary!!! Penne Alfredo pasta and locks!! ? this journey is very cool!!! While we miss you, it is great following you!
We miss you, too! So glad you are following along with us. Maybe you could join us sometime. 🙂
So sweet! Peace, love and locks. I’m glad you two are experiencing this wonderful adventure. You have many more “great days” ahead! ?
Thank you for coming along with us on this journey. Love you!
Locks, Locks, and more Locks! Happy Anniversary to both of you! We had our 54th on July 9th. Look forward to seeing you in December during your stopover here.
Thank you, Tony! And Happy Anniversary to you and Nancy! December seems like an eternity away but I’m sure it will be here before we know it.