Big Chute

We went on a wild ride yesterday- The Big Chute Marine Railway Lock. Out of the 40+ locks we have went through this one was truly unique. Unlike the other locks that we drove into and held onto hanging cables from the side walls, Big Chute was a wooden structure you drove on and when in position straps that hung across from side to side of the structure started to tense and lift the boat up in the air. The boat was tilted slightly forward and we rested on our keel with the help of the straps. Because of our size we got to ride the Chute alone. Once in position the railroad gates were lowered on shore to stop traffic and the Chute lifted out of the water and began riding cables over the road and down a steep slope into the bay on the other side. I was terrified. I was just waiting for the straps to come unhinged and the Tidings of Joy, Jeff and I to go plummeting down the hill to our death. Of course that didn't happen and the lock operators were very knowable and professional when handling us. The whole ride only took 7 minutes (despite feeling like an hour) and then the Chute entered the water, the straps were released and we were on our merry way.

We have officially finished with the Trent-Severn waterway and have entered the gorgeous and pristine Georgian Bay. The Georgian has lots of little islands and is known for its clear water, anchorages and lush landscape. After finishing the Chute we drove across the Georgian Bay to a town called Midland and checked into Bay Port Marina where we got pumped out, provisioned for the next week, did laundry and had a nice swim in their pool. Today with the help of a couple of dock guys, the four of us raise our arch for the next few weeks. Since we are done locking for about a month we can finally utilize the top driving station without sweltering in the sun. For the next 10 days give or take we will be cruising through the Georgian Bay hopping from anchorage to anchorage and enjoy all that she has to offer.