BALSAM LAKE Anchor to PORTAGE LOCK Wall / Saturday, July 9 (Day 170)

Admiral's Log:     10:10 am, 7/9/16
                         Air Temp:   69    Water Temp:   72
                        Winds:     12 mph
                        Speed:     8.5 knots

We did 3 locks today, #36-38. It started out overcast and the wind picked up quite a bit. We went through the Trent Canal. It is very narrow and shallow. The charts say 6 feet, but we got as low as 4 feet. We bumped bottom a few times, which means more nicks on the props!

Exiting the lock into the Trent River

The Kirkfield Lock is the summit of the Trent-Severn Waterway, and the markers reverse. It is another pan lock and the first of the "down" locks.

Tying up at the Kirkfiled Lift Lock

We wanted Bill and Kate to experience a variety of dockages. So today we are spending the night at a lock wall. We tied up at #39, Portage Lock Wall. What a peaceful spot. We had a picnic lunch, then I walked up to the next 2 locks and back, which was about 2 miles. I met a friendly couple walking their dogs; they gave me a couple of interesting Canadian facts. There are only 35 million people in the whole country, less than are in Florida! There are 10 provinces and 3 territories. 

Hole in the Wall Bridge

Our boat tied to Portage Lock Wall

We saw another Looper, Over Ice from Mississippi at the bottom of the wall. A French couple were tied up with us in a small houseboat. They are practicing doing the Loop, so they were full of questions.