M.V.Tropical Horizons II: 2018-03-25

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.