CAMPBELLFORD, ON

Trip Day:	114	Latitude:	44°18.41 ' N	Locks Today:	5
Miles Today:	9	Longitude:	077°48.04' W	Locks Total:	50
Total Miles:	2,269	Location:	Campbellford

Our anchorage at the Blue Hole was so serene and peaceful, but we were glad we had the screen enclosure on the cockpit and on the opening ports.  We were the only two boats anchored so the serenade of the crickets and frogs was just for us. 

We cleared five locks today, still ascending in elevation.  Locks 11 and 12 were a double lock, after rising 24 feet the front gate opened and we motored directly into the next lock and rose another 24 feet.  The Canadian locks operate very smoothly and have been ready for us every time since the lock masters call ahead to notify the next lock of oncoming traffic.

Just before entering Lock 11 we could see the suspension bridge which offers visitors the perfect photo moment.  As we approached the town of Campbellford, we felt welcomed by the cheerful homes lining the canal.

RT Campbell is a favorite stopping place so by mid   afternoon boats begin to fill the wall king taking dvantage of wifi  access, water and hydro connections.  The must do list for this town includes a stop at Doohers Bakery for the  best doughnuts in Canada  and a walk to the Chocolate Factory. 

I had to snap a photo of Ron, Betty and Marc in front of the Toonie Monument celebrating the Canadian Two Dollar coin. 

  JULY 2, 2012   THE BLUE HOLE

Trip Day:	113	Latitude:	44°14.87 ' N	Locks Today:	7
Miles Today:	20	Longitude:	077°43.40' W	Locks Total:	45
Total Miles:	2,260	Location:	Glen Ross / Blue Hole

Trent Severn here we come!  The Trent Severn Waterway, beginning at Trenton and ending in Severn which is in Georgian Bay is 240 miles long with 45 locks to traverse.  Today we saw Canadians at play along the waterway since it is a holiday from work due to Canada Day.  There were communities of homes most having small docks with boats and many having a floating swim dock anchored 100 feet offshore.  Everyone seemed intent on getting the most out of a sunny, warm day since their boating and swimming season is so short.   

We had to stop at the first lock to purchase our locking permit which was $153 for a one-way passage.  Canadian locks operate the same as the U.S. with one exception—the gates are cranked by hand.  Docking is allowed on the walls before and after the locks.

These areas usually have picnic sites and restrooms and sometimes showers and  hydro are available as well.  These two boats,  whom we have met before, spent the last two nights at lock six under huge weeping willow trees.

Having travelled 21 miles, completing locks 1-7, we anchored off a small island in an area known as the Blue Hole.   Our view scenic view of the island and a large farm in the distance made us feel it was the perfect spot for our first night on the Trent Severn. 

Shortly after anchoring, Ron checked the water temp and convinced me it was warm enough for a swim.  Seeing that Betty was already in the water, we dove in, swam over to KatMan2 and hung out in the refreshing water for a little while. 

We invited them for dinner at our place, then returned to our boat to relax, log our day and check out the cruising guides to plan for tomorrow’s travel.