Wednesday June 6: Fenelon Falls - COLD, COLD

It has been so warm (like mid 80's) - almost too hot ever since we arrived at Orillia.

But that was going to change. So now the challenge was to plan our travel so we would be able to plug into power (so as to run our little 110 heater) as it was going into the 40's at night.

And one thing boats are not known for is their insulation properties in the walls and windows!

It was a gorgeous day on Saturday as we left Orillia with a destination of one of the 5 locks on the east side of Lake Simcoe. Not sure where we'd stop as the really cold nights weren't due in until Tuesday.

Simcoe was very calm so we cruised the 16 miles across. Just one minor problem: the boat would not get up on plane and was backfiring!

Felt like water in the fuel (we had just added 60 gallons). Ran fine on the way to Orillia. No seaweed on the prop - what else could it be? Get out the seafoam (gets rid of water in the gas).

Let's see: boat ran great to Orillia and now can't get on plane. Mmmm..... messed around in the engine compartment replacing the water heater. Maybe better check if there was anything disturbed down by the engine while working. Oh! Perhaps it is the spark plug wire that is laying unattached to the spark plug! Sure enough - put it back on and good to go :-)

Once across the lake and in the canal portion it was a perfect day - even had to change from jeans to shorts it was so warm.

A muskrat joined us in one of the locks - guess it wanted to go to the higher level as well!

Even though the locks were open until 6:30 we stopped about 5 pm at top of the 5 locks that connect the Trent Canal with Lake Simcoe.

Nice spot, quiet, and we were the only boat there. The generator ran great (first time we had run it this year and you just never know :-) )

It was a nice sunset - good thing as it was the last time we'd see the sun for three days :-)

It was cool the next day - Steve has on his 'winter' coat as we approached the Kirkfield Lift Lock.

Looking back  from where we came

This one is identical to the one in Peterborough - just a bit shorter. And definitely not as popular as a tourist destination as it's kind of out in the middle of nowhere. And of course we had to stay near the end of the 'tub' to have the view of the canal behind us. Never get tired of doing this ......

We debated about where to stay Monday but ended up just going to Coboconk as the really cold night temps were going to be Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The plan was to be in Fenelon Falls those two nights so we could plug in to run the heater.

Of course we could just use the generator to run the heater but the noise of it running gets kind of old - especially for those around us, I'm sure.

Before we could use our favorite public dock, Steve took to the goose dirt with a hose and brush. What a mess! Funny thing is we never saw one goose while we were there!



It was a pleasant day and night but the winds definitely were coming in.

By the time we left Tuesday morning I was bundled up in a sweatshirt (Veronica Mars - the warmest sweatshirt I have ever owned - thanks Becky!!), fleece and jacket.

Which was great until it started raining. Moved into the cabin to drive - definitely a good decision.

We made it to Fenelon Falls but it wasn't a fun trip. The wind was blowing 15-20 mph and gusting to 30.

The waves were rolling through the Fenelon harbor and we were bouncing at the dock!

But we were tied up, plugged in and the heater was running. Perfect :-)

Plus we had internet thanks to the Chamber of Commerce right next to our dock. Another chance to use our little wifi antenna!


Staying here at least until Wed and hopefully Thursday if the lockmaster will let us stay an extra night (there is a two day limit at most of the locks).

Steve fixed his bike as it was finally warm enough to ride on the path next to the lake here.

The city has added a splash park, new playground equipment and cute butterfly benches! Really nicely done.

Butterfly benches

The "cottages" along the path ranged from the crazy huge homes to the quaint old time cottages that have probably been here for many years.


Once back to the boat, Steve finally tackled washing the boat. It's only taken a week to get this done. Not sure where the time goes .....





Guppy is lookin' pretty spiffy now!

Tomorrow - Thursday - off to Bobcaygeon!