Great Loop: Our trip to Orillia

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Early morning at Rosedale Lock - Lock 35



We had a long distance to travel today. To expedite our departure we had staged at the upper lock wall in Fenelon.  We arrived at Rosedale before 9am, when the locks begin operation for the day.  We had some time to wait, so we visited with other boaters who were staged on the blue line.  We also walked around the grounds of the lock.  Parks Canada does a great job maintaining the locks.  Boaters, canoeists, and kayakers can tent camp on the grass or tie your vessel overnight to the lock wall.  Such a great way to explore the interior of Canada!


A sign to the trails and resources arrayed around the lock



Flower gardens add a nice touch to the lock grounds



As we departed Rosedale Lock we passed some lovely waterside homes



As we moved further into the Canadian interior, we entered an area where canals had to be blasted into the rock of the "Canadian Shield".  The Canal was ~40' wide and 8' deep.  In reality, the depth was as low as 4' and it sure seemed tight when you passed another boat.  Keep your Crisco handy in case you have to grease up the side of your boat for a close pass!



Here is what the rock looks like on the sides of the canal.
I don't think that would be "boat friendly".



The canal was ~ 20 long and cut through rolling terrain.



The view ahead is similar to what we saw when we travelled the Dismal Swamp in North Carolina



Mike is making sure Amy Marie is in the center of the channel!



To break up the days journey, we found ourselves loading in the upstream bucket of another hydraulically operated lock.  You can see the gate is open on the right bucket and closed on the left.



The skipper got Amy Marie lined up with the left bucket and loaded on the right front.



Here is the view from Amy Marie's bow as we started our descent



This lock operated identically to the Peterborough Lock.  The lift was about half the height of what we encountered at Peterborough.



Here you can see a boat in each bucket.  As the right side travels down, it's piston pushes water through a pipe, which forces the piston on the left to lift that bucket up to the top so the vessel inside can be discharged into the canal at the upper level.



Yes, was does seep through the lock to be discharged back into the canal



This is the Canal Lake concrete arch bridge.  It it were a calm day, a perfect circle would be reflected in the water.

Orillia


The Canal meets Lake Simcoe
Check the weather prior to crossing
The wind can have a long fetch



What is the weather going to do?



Art installation at the marina



Downtown Orillia
Doesn't this look inviting?!




Stop in at Mariposa Bakery




Sunset in Orillia


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Berthing Information

  • We stayed at the Municipal Marina in Orillia.
  • This was a first rate facility with showers, restrooms, power, and FREE laundry!
  • The staff was very helpful.
  • Shopping and LCBO (Canadian Liquor store) is nearby.
  • There are many close restaurants from which to choose.
  • A scenic and long bike path starts at the marina.
  • We really enjoyed our stay.


Trip Log






 

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