We were teated to the prettiest morning we've seen in weeks with blue sky, light wind, and cool temperatures. These conditions alone had us excited to get underway at 8:00 and make the mile run to our first lock passage when it opened at 9:00. Our route was very scenic and I was snapping away on the cameras trying to capture these moments. A few highlights were the "floating" truck, a seaplane dock (when having a boat just won't do), and perfect reflections in the clear water.
When we reached Clear Lake we were able to throttle up and run at high cruise for a while, finally shedding the grass that was clogging our speed sensor. I was in a position to capture a great series of shots as this seagull picked up its mid-morning snack.
We passed St. Peter's on the Rock on Stony Lake, a church establishing on an island in 1914. Worshippers can only attend the services in the 225-seat chapel by boat. Two services are held each Sunday throughout the summer and our guidebooks say most are full. A short time later, we came across a beaver swimming in the channel. The wildlife was entertaining, but the sky was amazing. The blue sky reflected in the water, making this area as scenic and picturesque as any we have travelled. I understand why folks with lakefront property might want a house of glass. As seen below, it does have its downside when blinds are installed on every window.
We passed Burleigh Falls then saw one huge flamingo float platform and wondered where you go to purchase such a thing. A hard shower followed us for 15 minutes, but didn't deter us. We closed the doors and windows until it passed. Then the sun came back out.
The lock in Buckhorn is a gathering place for both tourists and locals. We had a nice-sized audience as we passed through. As is always the case, boat handling becomes more challenging in direct relation to how many folks are watching. It was scary enough when the huge houseboat passed us to tie up on the wall. It was tight quarters for folks leaving the lock, but they threaded the needle with a few inches to spare.
At 4:00, we cleared our fifth lock of the day in Bobcaygeon, eight clock hours after leaving Lakefield. We were fortunate to pull into the last spot available on the wall. At least today, we were living right. There is a very nice town surrounding the lock and we set off to check it out.
Almost immediately, our question of where to buy gigantic inflatables was answered. I saw the cute unicorn float and thought how my favorite soon-to-be-5-year-old would enjoy riding on it. Barry and I then played on the oversized adirondack chairs (because we couldn't resist) before heading off to dinner at Just for the Halibut, a locally owned place recommended to us by the nice lady at the gift shop. The final thing to check off on our Bobcaygeon checklist was a trip to the actual Kawartha Dairy facility. We have enjoying their ice cream for several weeks now. While it tasted no different than getting it at a retail outlet, the walk to the "mothership" at least burned off a few more calories -- and gave me the opportunity to visit with their cow.
We'll depart tomorrow morning and hope to make another 30 miles or so.
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