Orillia to Severn Falls, ON

FINALLY, released from the endless rain we set out this morning in only a slight mist and 94% gray sky.  We stopped for fuel and found some folks at the dock that we had been docked with in Marathon Key last February.  Barb and Ross had been about 4 weeks ahead of us, but they ran into a rock and had to stop for major repairs.  The rocky shoals here are everywhere.  Anyway, they left the channel for a little “shortcut” and ended up wrecking both propellers, bending the shafts and damaging their hull.  4 weeks worth of repairs and a bill I don’t want to imagine….. they should be on their way again soon.  Another reminder that the only rule up here is Stay In The Channel.

We went through only two locks today, one was 47’ high.  On both occasions we saw them close the door just as we came into sight – so we spent a lot of time waiting.

By afternoon the sky was turning blue and this evening it is beautiful out.  We are docked at Severn Falls, Ontario at a village that has one restaurant, a general store, a boat dock construction business and a government dock.  Shouldn’t take too long to do the tour after dinner.  One of the things we have learned in Canada – and that I feel compelled to pass along is that Kawartha Ice Cream is superb.  We have tried a lot of ice creams – and if you are going to stop for ice cream, you should make sure it’s from Kawartha.  That’s my commercial message for the day.  (Fudge truffle, Cran-raspberry, Wolf tracks, and Salted caramel – yum).

Swing Bridge with Train

Exiting lock Couchiching

Restful cottage

Rock Islands

Rock Islands with Cottages

McDonalds Cut dug by hand in 1905

Swift Falls Dam