We're Half Looped!; July 29, 2011

Link to anchorage near Sandy Island via Google Maps

WOW:

2,750 miles in 6 months

We are 1/2 way around the Great Loop!

Guess that makes us half looped :)

Page from our waterway guide showing a small part of the route.
Georgian Bay is a maze!

Navigation is challenging 

We see lots of aluminum boats

This big cruise ship handled the narrow channel like he did it before!
we stayed out of the way.

This plane landed right next to us - motored up to an
island restaurant and took back off.

We thought we were anchored fairly isolated when this guy pulled up next to us
and asked, "What am I looking at?"
Canadian's are Very friendly!

Up the Georgian Bay; July 28, 2011

Link to anchorage on the 12 Mile Bay via Google Maps

Working our way up the Georgian Bay -
small craft channel

30,000 islands.....

100,000 rocks...

Narrow and winding channel in places

Tucked in a Bay off the Bay for the night

July 26 and 27, 2011

July 26th....one word: Windy!

Winds 17mph -  Gusting to 25
We relaxed at our protected anchorage 

Even the channel had white caps

July 27th: pit stop to stock the boat 

Many thanks to our Canadian cousin for all his help!
We continue to be blown away by how friendly boaters are.

Link to Bay Port Yachting Center via Google Maps

Completed the Trent-Severn Waterway; July 25, 2011

Link to anchorage in a corner of the Georgian Bay via Google Maps

15 days

44 locks

240 miles

We have completed the Trent-Severn Waterway and will never forget it!

Lock 45 -  Port Severn: Lift 13 feet
This picture is looking across the river. If you look real close, Lollygag is
against the wall on the right side and Captain by the middle building...good luck.

Separated by a lock...how did that happen?

Boats coming in - have to hurry off the walkway

Strong wind to starboard would have pushed us off the wall, so the
lock tenders walked us into the lock.

Space looks tight. We went to the right of the boat already in there.
They put 2 more boats in and it was packed!

Opening the water valve by hand.
Note the sign as a reminder that the channel markers are changing sides -
back to red on right, green on left

"You're our entertainment" "Have a nice holiday!"

Trent - Severn Waterway; July 24, 2011

Link to anchorage close to Port Severn via Google Maps

How about a ride on a giant traveling carriage?

This is the "Big Chute" - a marine railway that dates back to 1978 and it's one-of-a kind!

You actually drive your boat into a rail car and it is positioned on straps. 

Then, you are then hauled over land and re-launched on the other side!

True story!

Lock 44 - Big Chute: Lift 57 feet

Lollygag pulling into the rail car

Lock master direct you over the straps

Going up - water is getting thin

Chugging along over the road - no water under the boat!

View off our stern going down the other side -
The car slid down these 4 cables

Fill 'er up for the ride up the hill

Sign is not kidding

Look both ways and go slow

Sunday traffic. Some cruisers take the weekend off, but its fun
seeing people enjoying the water and everyone is really friendly.

Loaded canoe - everyone was singing

People swimming at most of the houses 

We saw a lot of dogs having fun in the water also

Pool toys all along the river and kids having fun