August 12, 2013 Swift Rapids (Lock 43)

Preparing for the days journey with the last of the cherry pie and Canadian coffee.

Entering Lake Simcoe

Our valiant try to make Severn today failed.  It was just to far.  We crossed  Lake Simcoe in a light breeze and the temptation to jump in was hard to resist.  Very clear and relatively deep.   Following the route took us through picturesque lakes and river runs lines with cottages.  Very northern Wisconsin-ish.  We opted to try and make it to the lock wall at Swift Rapids, Lock 43. The lock operator at Lock 42 assured us we'd make it with out a problem and even promised there'd be room on the wall.  And she was right!  

Narrow winding channels hewed out of the rock

Lock 43 is very isolated with nothing around.  There is a hydro plant here and one of the spillways has a ramp affair at the bottom which launches water in a spectacular arc.   Of course it wasn't operating so we only saw a trickle of water meekly dribbling down the spillway.

 

The lock wall and the calm before the winds picked up

Three other boats where there including a gold looper.  Gold loopers are people who have completed the loop twice.











So what is The Loop?  Here's a good explanation: The Loop


Skies were clear when the sun went down so I was anticipating a good star gazing night but it turned out the glare from the lock chamber flood lights obscured the sky making viewing difficult.

Lock 43 has a 47 foot drop, largest of the Canal's 45 locks.   It also has a double lock door arrangement on the up side for ease of maintenance.  Here is a map of all 45 of the Trent Severn Locks




We finished off the Texas caviar with cocktails and most everyone went to bed early.   The wild bunch takes a night off?  Hmmm ..