Happy 4th of July – through skinny waters of Trent Canal—Orillia

Kirkfield Lock--hanging out suspended 50 feet in the air

Beautiful blue of Simcoe Lake--smooth (today)

Very narrow water

We went through very narrow waters of the Trent Canal, by beautiful homes on Lake Balsam and another hydraulic lock at Kirkfield.  Balsam Lake is 841 ft. above sea level and our highest geographical point. We found our first really rude boaters and were save by some who pulled over in the skinny waters where passing was impossible.   After 5 more locks including another hydraulic lock at Kirkfield, we spent the night on the wall at Thorah (Lock 40) where we found our friends Mark and Karen on Captain’s Choice.  Next day we found the beautiful navy blue, smooth water crossing Lake Simcoe (the largest lake of the Trent Severn) and went into the little town of Orillia, Ontario.  They too have fabulous bakeries, a great bike path, a grocery and laundry.  It was really great to get the bikes out—first time this summer.  We rode through the parks and did a little shopping and site seeing—noteworthy were The Mariposa Market and Wilkes Bakery.  In the 3 days we will be here (wind and rain predicted for Tuesday) we will do some housekeeping. 

Beach at Orillia

 

For Dr. Steve--made us laugh
 

 

Loved the dog chauffeur
 

 

Macdonald is Canada's Geo. Washington

 

Mariposa Market
 

 

Orillia Firehall

 

Sam Chaplain--French explorer colonized Canada in1615