August 11, 2013 Lock 38 (Talbot)

Pictures to follow shortly.

We left Bobcaygen around 9:30 following a large rental houseboat who were anxious to leave. THere were several long narrow cuts through forested areas.  We reached the Kirkfield lift lock in plenty of time to lock through.  Its not quite as high or mighty as the Peterborough lock but seemed to move at a much swifter pace.  After Kirkfield we passed through the Trent Canal, a very narrow cut through rock.

Trent Canal

Kirkfield Lift lock at the top of the lift

After leaving Kirkfield we wound through some very shallow areas filled with little islets.  A minute or two after passing this island we chunked on something.  The props weren't damaged so I think the keel must have hit something.








We did make water in one of the lakes and did a load or two of laundry on the way!  We had intended on anchoring  for the evening but given the ify weather conditions and unknown bottom conditions we elected to stay on a lock wall at lock 38.

Lock 38 is a rather desolate rural area, but nice.  The lock master here was very helpful and took our lines when we came in although we can now dock by ourselves .. more or less.  We gave him an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie as a tip since they cant accept real tips.







We took a walk and and observed chickens at one house which Kathy identified as ... well I forgot, but they weren't  normal chickens.  I ran up the road to a resort type place in my never ending quest for an internet connection, but couldn't get into the compound.

Made up a batch of Texas caviar (thanks Dona!) and had cocktails with it on rapidly deteriorating corn chips.

The continuing saga of  absconding with a real Parks Canada shirt isn't going well for a person with a burning desire to own one.  Bribery, charm and threats flounder against steadfast resistance of the Lock staff.  Only a few locks left now too.

Still shirtless in Ontario ...