Boating.....the communal experience!

photo courtesy of Brad Quinn

There are times in life when events come together to build a positive and long-lasting memory that will bring a smile to your face whenever you recall that moment.  August 25th, was one of those times.  We had been approached by one of our boater neighbors and friends earlier this season about volunteering our time and boats to host a number of couples for a day trip.  These couples are all part of the Canadian Forces Family.  Personally I know what it is like to be part of this family of acting, retired and veteran service members.

There are many times however; when it feels like anything but a family, and you feel like you are left alone to deal with situations that you may have been exposed to.  Although I have served within the Canadian Forces for a time, I don't always feel part of the family, but every once in a while, I meet someone who reminds me that no matter how long my service was, I am still part of that family.  One of those people is our boat neighbor.

photo courtesy of Brad Quinn

This isn't about me however; this is about others, who carry with them the unseen and often discounted burden of their service.  Until recently these burdens, that are carried individually and can often make someone feel very alone, have gone ignored by society in general. It is only in the past decade that strides have been made in dealing with the unseen injuries of active duty.  What I know, is that sometimes a simple act of kindness can go a long way to help someone.

Off to the anchorage!

The day started off with a quiet sail from the marina to an anchorage some 15 nm away.  We started off as 4 boats in all, two power flybridge cruisers and two sailboats, all in the 40 ft range.  The sailboats set off first and we made our way out last on the short journey to Sandy's Cove just past Massasauga Point.  The sailing was just a little too quiet for us.  Without any real wind to speak of, the sailboats were moving along at about 3 kts while the power boats would have to shift into neutral and just drift along with the sailboats.  After a bit of the "drive and drift" routine, we decided to head up ahead of the pack so that we could find an appropriate location to anchor and set our anchor properly in order to hold the boats that would be rafting off of our boat.

Approaching Sandy's Cove.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the practice of rafting, here is a short explanation of how it is done.  One boat, generally the heaviest, will drop and set their anchor.  The same boat then sets out fenders on both sides and prepares to receive other boats that will tie up to that boat as if it were a wharf.  Other boats that will become part of the raft up will then tie to the anchored boat trying to keep an equal load on both sides of the anchored boat.  Ultimately a raft of boats is formed and depending on how many boats make up the raft, other boats may also put out their anchors to help hold the raft in place.

Final approach to the raft up!

This is a very communal experience as people congregate on the different boats to share food, drinks, stories, go for a swim, soak up some Vitamin D, and just enjoy each other's company.  I enjoy rafting for just that reason.  Karen and I have done this in the past when we were sailors and this was a first for us as power cruisers.  Normally we are tied to a wall or in a marina and we have people over to our boat to socialize.  This brings us to the point of a raft up, it's a very social activity and after a while tends to bring people out of their shells and with so many boats, there are so many areas for people to meet up and break off into smaller groups if so desired.

Glad the anchor was holding.
photo courtesy of Brad Quinn

Alegria and her crew.

"Yet Another Adventure" and "Elysium  V"

Smiles all around!

Time Traveler and Tropical Horizons
photo courtesy of Brad Quinn

Some last minute additions dropped in from shore 

We spent the day in Sandy's Cove and as the grey clouds started to approach and the air temperature was dropping, we made the decision to head back to the marina for dinner on the dock.  As the boats left the raft one by one, we would be the last boat left and we focused on retrieving our anchor.  During the raft up we had two other boats join us and the winds picked up which did have me concerned at one point paying out more chain.  At that point we figured that we had over 100,000 lbs pulling on the anchor!  Needless to say the anchor had dug itself deep into the ground, we worked for about 30 minutes to retrieve it!  (note to self here....set trip line from now on) This was a real test for our ground tackle being all chain rode with a 25 kg Rocna anchor at the end.

See you back at the dock!

We made our way back to the marina and tied up waiting on the two sailboats to arrive before we joined fellow boaters on their boat for drinks and supper.  Some of the photos on this post were taken by Brad of "Yet Another Adventure" who also made an amazing smoked pasta salad, coleslaw, and cooked some sausages for the entire crew.  Even though the military couples who were at this event appreciated and were ever so thankful that we were there, I am just as thankful to them and our boater friends for allowing us to be part of this event.  It was a great deal of fun and we enjoyed ourselves immensely.  Thanks to Norm and Katherine for organizing the event and inviting us to take part in it.  This was a fun and rewarding event for all.

Harbor Hosting and the AGLCA

Some of you who have known us for a while are aware that Karen and I joined the AGLCA (America's Great Loop Cruisers Association) last year.  In fact I posted about this organisation and the active part that we are taking in it as Harbor Hosts.

You can read about that by following this link http://mvtropicalhorizons.blogspot.com/2017/07/more-fireworks-and-aglca-american-great.html

AGLCA Trent-Severn Waterway and Georgian Bay Cruising Seminar

Karen and I really did not have much guidance as to what we should be doing as Harbor Hosts, membership is casual and as a Harbor Host, you can do as much or as little as your resources allow.  Although Karen and I are still working and living in Ottawa we have taken a very active role as Harbor Hosts and have finally figured out what our version of Harbor Hosting will be.

Spending Canada Day with our Looper friends

The first thing we did this year was to compile information that we put together in a document that is handed out to any Looper that is heading through Trent Port Marina.  This document contains local information about goods and services within easy commuting distance from the marina as well as our picks for local restaurants.  We also added a spreadsheet about the Trent Severn Waterway itself, with distances between locks, services available, local anchoring spots, bridge heights, preferred tie for each lock, and so on. 

Looper boat heading through a canal

The spreadsheet is being reviewed by Chad Buchner  who manages the TSW for additional information that will be helpful to Loopers heading through the TSW.  This "Looper Handout" is provided to anyone who identifies themselves as a Looper passing through the Trent Port Marina.  Karen and I have these handouts printed out at our own expense, and so far the information is very well received.  Since we can't be at the marina all the time, we figured this is the best way to help Loopers out.

Looper boats arriving!

The fun part of Harbor Hosting comes when we are actually at the marina where we can actively greet Looper boats as they arrive.  We try our best to welcome every Looper boat we see on the docks, and we often host "Docktails" on the aft deck of Tropical Horizons.

Looper boats at the marina.

  "Docktails" are a great opportunity to meet and interact with people and learn about their experience so far on their journey through the Loop.  There are so many different people out there taking on this adventure and although they all come from very different walks of life, they all have one thing in common .... the Loop.

4th. of July aboard M.V. Short Vacation

Karen and I also try to get out to the fuel dock in the mornings when people are starting their trip on the TSW and take a photo of their boat passing under the "Gateway to the Trent-Severn" sign located on the bridge as they enter the Trent River.  We then email the photos to the individual boats to add to their experience.

The most rewarding part of our Harbor Hosting experience is when we can help people out.  Whether we are providing a lift to a store, or offering advice for accessing medical care or mechanical assistance, suggesting places to visit, or simply catching a dock line.  The satisfaction we get from helping people out, along with the friendships that are forged make Harbor Hosting a rewarding experience.

Spring Launch

Springtime and Boat Ownership

As I write this we are finally back in the water after what seemed to be a long winter and a spring that seemed forever elusive.  I don’t know if the winter just seems to get longer and longer as I get older or if, as I get older, I am less and less tolerant to the cold.  Either way I know that the winter is spent working on certain boat projects, going to the Toronto Boat Show, producing our videos, and catching up on the blog.  All of these activities are designed to help us through the winter blues and give us some kind of boating activity to look forward to. 

Buffing begins!

Spring time brings on a lengthy list of tasks to accomplish in order to get Tropical Horizons ready for the upcoming season.  Most of these projects are very much weather dependant as Tropical Horizons spends her winters on stands in a paved boat yard under her winter cover.  We have limited power so installing a heater in order to warm the inside of Tropical Horizons is not always possible.  The power is really to keep the batteries charged and power lights within Tropical Horizons as well as use various power tools individually.  So we have a lack of power, add to that the angle that Tropical Horizons sits at when stored on land in order to allow any water within the bilges to drain, approximately 10 degrees, and you have a less than ideal place to work.  We still make it work though and there are some jobs that we just need to farm out to the boat yard.  So what did our to-do list look like?  Here it is.

Pre-Launch Tasks

-        Remove winter Cover

-        Install canvas

-        Clean, wax and buff hull

-        Freshen up bottom paint

-        Clean interior and bring out items from storage

-        Check bilge pumping systems

-        Change impellors in engines

-        Change spark plugs

-        Check oil levels

-        Inspect all engine hoses

-        Clean out flash arrestors

-        Check battery levels

-        Flush out fresh water system

-        Install and check electronic systems

-        Check navigation lights

-        Install anchor

-        Inspect deck hardware for wear and tear

-        Inspect docking lines

-        Inspect steering

-        Inspect anodes

-        Test bow and stern thrusters

-        Check flares and replace as needed

-        Inspect fire extinguishers and shake them

That is just our routine list with the most back breaking work being the cleaning and polishing of the hull.  Now to add the project list to our pre-launch list:

Project List

-        Change electrical inlet plugs

-        Change duck bill valves in heads system

-        Install new cabinets on port side in main salon

-        Sand and oil teak bright work

-        Mount solar panels

-        Re-install the re-built carburetor

-        Upholster wall panel in main salon

-        Install CO detectors

-        Install LED bedside table lights

-        Re-locate chart plotter below deck

-        Install chart table

-        Install new house battery bank

-        Install solar charge system

-        Have props balanced

-        Check shafts for trueness

-        Have broken stanchions repaired

-        Repair swim platform

-        Install new fume sensor

What exactly did we cross off of these lists before being launched?  Only a fraction of the tasks were accomplished before being launched.  This spring was not terribly warm and the marina staff wanted to get us in the water so that they could launch other boats that were behind ours.  So we prioritized our tasks and both Karen and I worked like mad for the better part of 4 weekends.

All taped up ready for bottom paint!

Bottom paint completed...thank you Karen!

Props, re-balanced, polished and tuned!

Generally Karen and I like to have Tropical Horizons completely cleaned up and fully ready to go, unfortunately because of the late start, cold weather we were on our way before testing every system out.  In spite of being rushed and feeling unprepared as we headed out from Belleville to Trenton, we did get to our slip in Trenton safely.

So the final completed list looked like this, the items in red were still yet to be completed.

-        Remove winter Cover

-        Install canvas

-        Clean, wax and buff hull

-        Freshen up bottom paint

-        Clean interior and bring out items from storage

-        Check bilge pumping systems

-        Change impellors in engines

-        Change spark plugs - Completed Dock Side at TPM

-        Check oil levels

-        Inspect all engine hoses

-        Clean out flash arrestors

-        Check battery levels

-        Flush out fresh water system - Completed Dock Side at TPM

-        Install and check electronic systems

-        Check navigation lights

-        Install anchor

-        Inspect deck hardware for wear and tear

-        Inspect docking lines

-        Inspect steering

-        Inspect anodes

-        Test bow and stern thrusters

-        Check flares and replace as needed - Completed Dock Side at TPM

            -     Clean and oil all interior teak -  there is a lot of teak on this boat - Completed Dock Side at TPM

-        Inspect fire extinguishers and shake them
-        Change electrical inlet plugs
-        Change duck bill valves in heads system
-        Install new cabinets on port side in main salon
-        Sand and oil teak bright work
-        Mount solar panels
-        Re-install the re-built carburetor
-        Upholster wall panel in main salon
-        Install CO detectors 
-        Install LED bedside table lights
-        Re-locate chart plotter below deck
-        Install chart table
-        Install new house battery bank (we're just a tad bit short on cash for this)
-        Install solar charge system (waiting for the battery bank)
-        Have props balanced
-        Check shafts for trueness
-        Have broken stanchions repaired
-        Repair swim platform
-        Install new fume sensor  The old fume sensor still works this was an upgrade.

So all in all we did get most things ready and we did continue to work on Tropical Horizons while in our slip at Trent Port Marina.  Some items such as the solar charge system and new battery bank will need to wait until next year as we replenish our vessel maintenance funds.  

Back in the water!

New Cabinetry installed and new chairs....very comfortable!

Corner curtains finally finished.  This was not an easy task.

Ultimately we ended up performing a few other tasks such as tuning the carburetors on both engines using a recently acquired vacuum gauge, changing out the heads vacuum pump (could not get a re-build kit for the old one) and a few last minute bits that we wanted to complete.  Just in time for our July holidays we are finally finished most of the tasks that we wanted to have completed.

Back in our slip at TPM

Now we can sit back and relax

Spring Launch is always a hectic time of year.  This is normally a time when projects all come together.  Now with most of our big projects completed for this year we can finally sit back and enjoy the warm sun and fresh breeze on the aft deck of Tropical Horizons, while we welcome AGLCA members to the Trent Severn Waterway.  Hope to see you out there.

Trent Severn Waterway Weekend September 2017

As I write about our first experience on the Trent Severn Waterway that took place last September, the warmer weather seems to be finally upon us.  We are busy working on boat projects and eagerly waiting for the ice to turn to water once again.  So read on and join me on our journey down memory lane as we turn the pages back to the end of September of 2017.

To re-cap 2017 saw a grey and rainy summer with record water levels and cool weather.  Fortunately September saw the summer that never was with beautiful sunny days.  Karen and I had previously attempted to travel up the Trent Severn Waterway earlier in the summer when a breakage at Lock #3 closed down the waterway for the better part of a full week.  With the news that Lock #3 was running again and the waterway, although operating on shorter hours, was open for business. Karen and I packed up Tropical Horizons along with Mack and we made our way to Lock #1 just up the Trent river only 10 minutes away from the Tent Port Marina. 

The journey begins!

As we came to the blue line, I gave a few toots (ok our horn is a buzz) and did not observe any movement at the top of the lock.  The gate was closed so we tied up at the blue line.  Still no indication that the lock master saw us. 

Blue line at lock #1 and we wait.....

I disembarked and made my way up to the lock station only to find it void of any staff and locked up.  There was a sign that indicated that we were to call a phone number for service.  Back down to the boat I grabbed my cell phone and made the call only to be greeted by a voice messaging service.  I left a message and waited.  About a half hour later the sky started to darken....it was forecast to be sunny??  We called again, and left yet another message.  An hour went by and still no staff to be seen.  Finally as we started up both engines on Tropical Horizons and were about to give up, two lock staff showed up.  Our journey was finally about to begin.

Just as we were about to turn around, the keepers showed up and we were on our way.

Since this was our first time through locks for Karen and I alone we were happy that we were the only boat on the system.  As we made our way through Lock #1 we cut across the Trent river as it exited the power generation station and made our way to Lock #2.  It is important to note that we were instructed to tie up on our Starboard side except with Lock #3 which would be a Port tie.  This is to reduce the turbulence that would push Tropical Horizons around within the lock chamber.

Lock 1 almost done....so far so good.

Lock 1 completed!

And now we approach Lock 2

Our system at the time seems to work well, Karen gets a mid-ship line on first, then the bow line, I shut down the engines and grab the mid-ship line and that seems to do the trick.  Later we switch to running a stern line up to the wing doors and handing that line to the lockkeeper who would run it back to me.  Karen still uses the mid-ship line to first control Tropical Horizons as we come to our initial stop.

Lock #2 completed on to Lock #3!

Arriving at Lock #3, see the patch at the bottom of the left hand door!

This is a good reason to keep clear of the channel markers. The water was still high and this is the end of September, you can see the submerged seawall that is designed to keep the turbulence from the generating station down as you enter the lock!

Very turbulent inside of this chamber.

Lock #3 completed, on to lock #4 in the rain.

We kept making our way through locks #3, 4, and 5, arriving at Lock #6 in Frankford, where we would tie up and stop for the night.  As luck would have it, the rain started to come down as we travelled this portion of the trip, but that didn't dampen our spirits.  Lock #6 is a great place to stop with power on the upper side of the lock.  We stopped here for the day, warmed up and dried out.

Lock #4

Exiting Lock #4.

Lock #5 opening up.

Power generating station at Lock #5

Lockkeepers house at Lock#5, identical to Lock #4.

 Lock #5 in our wake.

Look out for these!

 Approaching our final destination for the day.

 Lock #6, ready and waiting.

Lock #6 completed and off to the wall for the night.

Will it ever stop raining?

Finally a break in the rain, time to get Mack off for a quick walk.

The next day was beautiful and sunny as we made our way to Glen Ross, Lock #7, where the plan was to explore the area between Lock #7 and #8.  Because of the reduced operating hours, we wouldn't have time to make it to Lock #8.

Early morning on Tropical Horizons

At her overnight dock, power included.

Mack has been walked and we are ready to head off.

Day 2 begins with a bit of a breeze and lots of sun.

Don't stray from the channel.

Lock # 7 on the Horizon.

When we arrived at Lock#7, once again we had to wake up the Parks Canada staff and pull his focus from his summer student.  We got the impression that this lockkeeper was just annoyed and grumpy as he complained about hours being cut and so on.  We made it through Lock#7 and slowly plodded along as the area between Lock #7 and 8 is mostly a reduced wake zone.

Arriving at the blue line of Lock #7.

The gardens at Lock #7 are well kept even in the Fall.

Almost through the lock, just waiting for the bridge to open.

And we're off!

Lock #7 in our wake.

Once we were through Lock#7, we continued along the Trent River towards Ranney Gorge.  We never made it to Lock #8 as the short operating hours forced us to turn around in order to arrive back at Lock #6 for another overnight stay.  We did not want to arrive late at Glen Ross and miss the last locking.  The lock through on our return was a little hectic as it seemed that we were not set up on the proper side with our lines and fenders.  We found out later, unlike the Welland Canal which has specific sides to tie up when going up or down stream, on the Trent it doesn't really matter just take your pick.  This still seems to be a bit confusing as some lockkeepers told us to look for the blue line and tie to that side as a rule, so we still have no clue.  The best strategy is to be ready with lines and fenders on both sides and this way you can tie either side.

Just outside of Lock #7 we spotted this Blue Heron, too bad it isn't real.

Much of this area is sensitive marshland, so stick to the channel and watch your wake.

I would avoid this area if you are a duck!

And this spot too!

Yet another one!

The waterway is also lined with many small cottages.

Plenty of docks too!

Some cottages seem to find a small remote patch.

Others like to have neighbors around.

So much for no wake....Slow down ***hole!

I can only imagine the view from up there.

Heading back towards Lock #7

Beautiful Log Cabin

Approaching Lock #7

Once we were back through Lock #7 we ambled along making our way to Frankford and Lock #6 where we would tie up for the night.  We spent a beautiful day on the water and were so happy we made the trip.

More beautiful scenery on our return to Lock #6.

More birdlife in the wetlands.

We pretty much had the waterway to ourselves.

Approaching the canal to Lock #6.

Another beautiful log cabin.

Back at Lock #6 for a nice relaxing evening.

Once tied up to the wall back at Lock#6, the lockkeeper stuck around and handed us the keys to the power before bidding us a goodnight.  I have to admit, this was by far our favorite lockkeeper.  He really made us feel at home and was helpful answering the many questions we had.  The following morning we paid our mooring fees and headed back to Trent Port Marina making our way quietly and comfortably through Locks #5 through 1.  With the confidence that we gained over the weekend we had worked out a system that seems to work for us and learned some lessons along the way.

To start, communication is key, Karen and I both wear headsets so we can quietly talk to each other. No yelling and no frustration, Karen lets me know how close we are and tell her which tie I am going to choose. 

I always enter a lock at idle speed, with the twin engines and bow and stern thrusters I can easily manoeuvre Tropical Horizons where I need to bring her and can do so safely. 

After I shut down the engines, I now turn off the master switch to the thrusters.  I forgot to do this twice, the first time was not so bad as Mack got up and decided to nudge the boat closer to the wall for us.  The second time he did the opposite and had me running like a mad man to move him out of the way and bring the boat back to the wall.  We were lucky as we were the only boat in the lock at the time.  As for Mack, he is still learning the difference between Starboard and Port! 

Always make sure to have lines and fenders ready on both sides, this way you will always be ready regardless of what side you are asked to tie. 

Finally, enjoy the trip, there is no reason to rush, sit back relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery that will be passing you by.

We do expect to get back out on the Trent Severn this year and explore further up the waterway.  Maybe we'll see some of you on the water.

BBQ after a perfect day on the water, it doesn't get any better than this.

We woke up to a think blanket of fog the following morning.

I don't normally like spider webs, but this one wasn't on the boat.

The fog lifted to reveal yet another blue sky day.

Back in Trenton.

With an F-18 to greet us....perfect timing!