Hard rains fell overnight and showers continued through the morning. We were very glad that we had made the decision to stay in Orillia for a final day and were able to check a few more projects off our list. Barry changed the fuel filter and then decided to install a new water pump which we had received back in Burlington, VT. We spent most of last summer and fall working on the exhaust cooling system only to not entirely solve an overheating issue before our Loop departure. Our next plan of attack was to change out the water pump. Once he removed a hose, I heard a loud commotion from the engine room, followed by, "Look at this!" In a hose, downstream of an intact impeller, we found little nuggets of a former impeller left for us by the previous owner. We are hoping that this solves our issue and are anxious to test it out tomorrow. Barry buttoned everything back up and I finally got the opportunity to run the vacuum cleaner. We felt good about our accomplishments here in Orillia. After lunch, the rain stopped and we ventured out to discover the north side of town.
We did make our way to Couchiching Beach Park. With wet sand and an overcast sky the beach was not as pretty as I had seen from a distance yesterday. It was deserted and the only person there was the lifeguard. We were impressed with the dog water fountain, but distressed that it actually needed a sign to tell people not to wash their feet in it.
Couchiching Park is a large open green space and we kept seeing new and interesting things as we wandered through it. The traveling midway was being erected in advance of the weekend's fair. Two of my favorite rides were there. The spinning, oscillating ride they call Music Fest was being unloaded and pieced together. The ride I know as the Scrambler looked to be all set to load its first set of riders. Keep your hands inside of the car at all times and enjoy your ride.
Returning to town, we passed a very nice playground. The surface was not the common dirt, sand, or mulch, but molded sheets of cork. I did 10 minutes on the swing set while Barry checked his email while seated on a park bench. The last stop on our trip was the grocery store to restock the fruits and veggies. We made it back to Crossroads just before the heavens opened for an hour-long shower. Barry napped and I piddled, anxious to get back outside and make a final trip into town to deposit a few items in the Canada Post box.
We have at most two more days in close proximity to Canadian soil, and after that about a week in open Canadian waters before checking back into the United States. Hard to believe we only have four more locks to traverse before exiting the Trent-Severn Waterway.
Finally, an admittedly poor photo of the neon sign that sits on the breakwater and shines brightly at night ... into our bedroom window. Canadians love their flag and it can be seen on anything and everywhere. Americans could learn a lot about patriotism by looking north.
We will depart around 8:00 in the morning and hope to tie up just above The Big Chute in order to go to the visitor's center. More details on this unique passage to come.
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