Since we had almost a full tank of water and free water access, everybody showered, we topped off the water tank, and then we were underway.
At our first lock, Rosedale (#35), the sun was out and the warmth was very welcomed compared to the past few chilly and rainy days. As we started the engines back up, the bilge alarm was going off, so we pulled off to tie up quickly and Ben checked it out. The water line sprung a leak under the girls' bed. We had to turn off the water pump and not use water again until Ben can change the lines. He said this is to be expected on a 22 year old boat and that is why he has spares for it.
Going along the waterway, there are lilypads. Some are giant areas with a ton of them all together, while others are open areas with a few lilypads scattered here and there. When we are in a narrow section with lilypads, it is fun to watch them. Looking out the side of the cockpit, we spot a group, then follow it with our eyes as our boat passes. Right before our wake flows over them, they fold up and pull down under the water. It is almost as if there is something pulling them under. Lilypads are obviously alive, but you don't think of them interacting like that, so it is fun to see, over and over again!
We had beautiful crossings on Cameron Lake, Balsam Lake, and Mitchell Lake before making it to our second lift lock, Kirkfield (# 36). Ben was able to use an open stretch in one of these lakes to fix the water line with Moose's help, while I drove the boat for a little bit.
Kirkfield is the highest point (840.9 feet elevation) of the TSW and is the first down lock. It is the second of two lift locks on the TSW and is the 2nd tallest in North America at 62 feet tall, second to Peterborough.
Last time we were at the bottom of the lift, facing forward, so we tied up close to the back of the tub so that we had the best view and could see the waterway off our stern as we went up. This time, we started at the top and we tied up close to the front of the tub so we could see the waterway off our bow as we went down. Ben, of course, wanted to go to the very front by the gate, but I had the line and tied up with plenty of room in front of us to spare. I don't know if it was the excitement and novelty of the first lift lock or the fact that we went up instead of down, but we liked the Peterborough lock better than the Kirkfield lock.
Locked down for the first time in a while at 37 (Bolsover). Going down is different because we just hand our lines over and the lock attendants loop us and then we cleat the line. We don't need the boat hooks to pull us in, they are used to push us away from the wall or gate if we get too close instead.
Lock 38, Talbot, was the lucky winner! We got metal pink and metal green dogtags. Now we don't have to ask anyone else!! The kids were thrilled to get these ones, since we were told they don't exist anymore because the rubber ring around the outside can come off and is a choking hazard.
Lock 39 (Portage), 40 (Thorah), 41(Gamebridge), then a swing bridge and we were on Lake Simcoe. We were going to stay overnight at lock 41 and wait to cross first thing tomorrow morning, but the weather is nice today and supposed to get stormy in the afternoon tomorrow, so we figured we'd do it now. We will get to watch game 7 at a Canadian sports bar!
Lake Simcoe was mostly flat (maybe 1-2 footers) and the breeze was welcomed by all of us! It was 75°F today, but when sitting in the locks, it felt way hotter. The color of this lake reminded us of the water in the Bahamas. It was very pretty and I did not expect it!
When we pulled into the marina, Port of Orillia, it was almost completely empty! A local boat guy, Shane, came and helped us tie up. He was super friendly and helpful. We talked about the game and hockey. Ben asked for a few suggestions of places to eat and watch the game. I asked if we'd get into trouble at a sports bar in town rooting for the Panthers. He said no. I said we were rooting for the Panthers, but are actually Avalanche fans. He said he's friends with a couple of players, even Sakic! He gave us a quick rundown of the marina and town, and even offered for us to watch the game on his boat.
We walked up Mississaga Street, the main street of downtown Orillia, where all the restaurants and shops are, with the goal of going to Sidelines to eat dinner and watch the game. We had a few restaurants that were options for watching the game, but figured it was similar to a Buffalo Wild Wings and would be best. There were a few people hanging out, outside in Oilers jerseys ready for the game. We walked inside and it was mostly empty. They asked us if we had reservations and we said, "No, do we need them?" Apparently they were booked for the game. (Side note: Newmarket, Ontario, where Connor McDavid grew up, was just south of Lake Simcoe and pretty close to Orillia.)
Plan B: We walked back toward the marina and stopped in The Hog & Penny, a British pub. They had the game on their one TV in the corner and we asked to sit so we could see it. They put us right under it and we watched with our heads tipped back, think 1st row of a movie theater.
This small pub started filling with other hockey fans and we watched with about 10 other groups of people. Bear, Moose, and I all thought the Oilers would score first. Moose decided he was going to root for the Oilers, and so did Ben. The girls and I were rooting for the Panthers. I honestly didn't care who won, but was excited for both teams to win. When the Panthers first scored, Moose pumped his fist up in the air and quickly realized he didn't mean to do that. He looked around real quick to see if anyone noticed and I called him out.
When the Oilers scored, Roo was startled and froze! She wasn't expecting it to be so loud, and is sensitive to noises, but didn't cry and just let it go.
The Panthers scored a second time and, again, Moose pumped his fist in the air. This time he didn't care who saw. I think he always roots for whoever is winning. I was the only one who wanted to keep watching the game, but everyone else was ready to go, so we walked back to the marina. It was nearly 10 PM and still not completely dark! (Peep the Cartermaran in the middle of the O!)
Everyone went to bed. Moose and I watched the scoreboard for the last period on my phone and we were the only ones who knew the Panthers won before we went to sleep. I am so happy for them to have their first cup!
We had 7 locks today. Trip total: 110 locks.
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