Days 108-116

Tuesday August 5- Tuesday August 12, 2025

Tuesday August 5

We left the wall at the Lakefield Lock this morning and made our way toward an anchorage just before the town of Bobcaygeon. Our first stop was Longs Point Lock, home to the Lockside Trading Company—whose tagline, “It’s not a store, it’s a shopping experience,” proved to be absolutely true. We took a break there to look around and were impressed by the selection. They had everything from furniture and kitchen accessories to clothing and home décor. All of it was surprisingly nice and reasonably priced! Jeff bought a T-shirt, and I could’ve easily picked out a few things myself—but I held off… this time.

We passed through four locks today, but unlike our previous stretch, these were much more spread out. We had long stretches of open water, wide lakes, and clusters of beautiful islands in between. The scenery was just stunning. I could come back to this area anytime—it’s that lovely.

We dropped anchor in the late afternoon and wasted no time jumping in for a swim. The sun had warmed things up, and the cool water felt amazing. After a good float, we settled in and just soaked up the peaceful surroundings—boats pulling kids on tubes, a few buddies fishing nearby, and a nearby church summer camp echoing with the laughter of happy kids.

The best moment of the evening came after dinner. We watched two boys—maybe 8 or 10—head out in their paddle boat, determined to fish. They stood on the edges just like grownups, talking back and forth while casting their lines. One caught a fish, but it was too small to keep. Then they switched things up—one sat down to pedal while the other trolled behind. It was simple and sweet and reminded us how magical this kind of summer can be.

Wednesday August 6

We decided to tie up at the lock wall in Bobcaygeon for the day—time to get a little shopping done and tackle a few chores. What an adorable, bustling town! Flowers spill from planters, hang from lampposts, and brighten every corner.

While we were docked, I managed to sew another cushion bottom, and Jeff helped me staple it back onto the board. The lock wall turned out to be the perfect spot for both people-watching and boat-watching. You see all kinds here: the show-off with the big cigarette boat, the family on summer vacation, and everything in between.

For dinner, we couldn’t resist a place called Just for the Halibut. Naturally, we ordered the halibut fish and chips—and they were every bit as delicious as the name was clever.

Thursday August 7

We made our way to Fenelon Falls today. The lock here was bustling—so busy they were even putting boats in the middle. Once we cleared it, we spotted a prime spot on the wall with power and quickly snagged it.

We set off for a walk, exploring the park before making our way to the local brewery for lunch. We split a delicious burger and enjoyed some top-notch people-watching.

In the afternoon, I dove back into my cushion project. Honestly—whose idea was this? Trying to cut a big piece of fabric in a small boat space should count as an Olympic event. Meanwhile, Jeff was happily tinkering away with the electronics.

Evening seemed to sneak up on us. We kept dinner simple with BLTs, then spent the rest of the night on the back deck, chatting with passersby and enjoying the laid-back vibe. A truly delightful evening.

Friday August 8

Today was a five-lock day, starting with the Kirkfield Lift Lock—our first time going down instead of up. It’s just like the Peterborough Lift Lock, only in reverse, which somehow makes it even more unnerving. Sitting in that massive tub of water and looking down at where you’re about to go… well, let’s just say it makes your stomach do a little flip. But before we knew it—about 60 seconds later—we’d dropped 65 feet. It’s amazing how quick it is!

We wrapped up the day at the top of Lock 40, “Thorah,” where we decided to stay the night. I managed to finish another cushion bottom, with Jeff stepping in again to help staple it back onto the board. I would have finished the last one… except I realized (much too late) that I’d sewn the entire thing upside down. UGH. At least it’s the smallest of the cushions, but still—🙄.

Saturday August 9

Today we make our way through the last two locks before we get to Lake Simcoe. We cross over to the Northwest and head to the Port of Orillia, a marina in the town of Orillia where we will spend two nights. Once we get into our slip, we go get provisions, do laundry and wash down the boat. We have docktails with approximately 15-20 other looper couples before heading back to our boat to cook burgers on the grill. It’s so nice to be in a marina with electric since it’s quite warm out and AC is very much welcomed!

Sunday August 10

We were so excited to reconnect with our friends Sue and Mike, whom we met on our trip to Peru a couple of years ago! They live just southwest of Toronto—about a two-hour drive from us—and graciously made the trip up to see us. We had the most wonderful day together: a boat ride out on the water, anchoring to swim, float, share snacks, and chat for hours, and then returning to the marina for a walk to a local favorite spot for dinner. It felt like no time had passed at all, as if we see them every day. We’re already dreaming up our next adventure together!

Monday August 11

We left the Port of Orillia this morning, heading further along the Trent–Severn Waterway. Our first obstacle was the Canadian National Railroad bridge, which has quite the reputation among boaters. Word on the water is, if you call the operator or toot your horn, he might just make you wait longer. A few days ago, 15 boats were reportedly stuck for three hours before it finally opened. Some say the delay is his way of keeping control; others claim it’s simply the railroad’s unpredictable schedule. Either way, when the bridge stalls, the lock just ahead backs up like rush hour traffic on water.

We arrived just before 10 a.m., with the board showing the next opening at 10:20. Right on cue at 10:19, another train rolled through. Even after it cleared, we waited another 20 minutes before the bridge slowly began to lift. We waved our thanks and carried on.

Two locks later, including one with a 47-foot drop, we pulled up to our stop for the night—the upper wall at the Big Chute Marine Railway! We’re third in line for tomorrow morning’s crossing, and I’m beyond excited to experience it. After tying up, we wandered over to watch a few boats make the trip—it’s absolutely fascinating to see them ride over land in a giant cradle.

Once the show was over, a few of us decided the day called for one last treat: a swim and a lazy float in the warm afternoon sun.

Tuesday August 12

So we woke up excited for the day! The Big Chute! The first in line was “Weezer” and they went alone since they were a larger boat. Next was “Happy Hour” and us. We went in first since we were a bit smaller, but that made for the best seat in the house! I did a video that I have linked to YouTube below. After the Big Chute we had one more lock to do…and WE FINISHED TRENT SEVERN WATERWAY! It was absolutely fascinating and fabulous! Now starts the Georgian Bay and the North Channel, which is supposed to be even more beautiful!

https://youtube.com/shorts/lm-YmW2M1ps?si=-nUHLVhkr6O5dDv_

Click above for my video of Sea U Later going on the Big Chute Marine Railway.

It was an absolute blast! The folks running it really knew what they were doing!