Nassau Mills, ON, CN
We had a long 8-hour day, only through 4 locks, but a long, slow 6-knot slog in narrow channel from Rice Lake to Peterborough. One of the locks is called a “bathtub” lock, formally “The Peterborough Lift Lock” which was quite the experience (see pics and video). It is a massive two sided lift lock, on the Canadian national historic register, and was originally built in 1904. For many years, the lock's dual lifts were the highest hydraulic boat lifts in the world, raising boats 65 ft (20 m). This was considered quite the accomplishment in the first years of the 20th century, when conventional locks usually only had a 7 ft (2.1 m) rise. Being up in the air in a “boat bathtub”, parallel to another boat going down as we were being lifted up was a bit harrowing, especially since we had not seen anything like this before. Unlike all the other lock staff we had encountered, this lock staff was about as helpful as a snake bite-We had to yell down to them and ask what to do to steady the boat, and all they yelled up was “ take your line, find a cable and hold it steady”! Thanks for absolutely NOTHING!!! Some how we managed and as we were lifted 65 feet up to meet the Trent Severn at the top, we had a Birds Eye view of Peterborough, and surrounding countryside - which was spectacular. It was sort of like being on a Ferris Wheel, but with no seat belt.
We ended up spending the night on the wall at Lock 22 and it ended up being one of the most peaceful, beautiful stops to date.
Go here to find the Nebo summary for the day. No good track today.
