Wednesday, June 17, 2009

The lock opened at 9 am and even though they were having some difficulties with the gates, we were on the other side by 9:20. The day was cloudy and the temperature about 65 degrees. We were hearing that some weather in the form of rain and wind was expected to arrive around noon and last for the next three days or so. Gale had some concerns about the fuel pump on the engine – even though the engine was running fine, there was a change in the way it sounded when he started her up. He called his friend, Bob Schaut, and asked him to do some research on the problem for him since we were unable to get a reliable internet signal and the cell phone service was questionable, too. Bob and Gale connected a little bit later and concurred that there probably was not an immediate problem, but it should still be investigated at the earliest opportunity. We continued through the Waterway and Locks 28, 30 and 31 (no Lock 29 exists). Lock 30, at Lovesick, Ontario, was a unique lock in that it is only accessible by boat. It is totally isolated with no services (like groceries or fuel) available. The lock tender told us to make sure we told anybody who asked that we really felt bad for him out on that island. The tender said that his boss can’t even visit him without notice because he would have to pick him up in the boat!

At the top of Lock 31, Buckhorn, we stopped at the Buckhorn Yacht Harbour, which was supposed to be the best all around, full service marina in the area. Gale wanted to talk to a mechanic and resolve the fuel pump issue. They loaned us a mechanic, Ralph. Ralph and Gale spent about an hour working on the engine and finally determined that the fuel pump was fine but the solenoid, which controls the fuel pump, was faulty. As remarkable as it may sound, they actually had a solenoid in stock at the marina. It didn’t take long to remove the old and replace with the new and we were on our way again at 4 pm. If we had been anywhere else but Canada and about to enter the Georgian Bay and the North Channel, we probably would have continued along without addressing the problem right away; however, knowing that we would soon be entering some very remote areas, we did not want to take any chances. Having taken care of this issue, we can enjoy the scenery without concerns for any type of engine failure.

We really began to see a change in the topography today from hardwood forest with scattered pines to all pine and exposed granite along the shorelines. We have to be especially careful navigating the shoreline, the lakes and the rivers in these areas as everything is granite and outcroppings can occur anywhere – even in the middle of large lakes. Appropriately enough, some call this area “The Land of Floating Rocks.” Oftentimes both of us are at the helm – one piloting and one with binoculars on the lookout for the floating rocks. Fortunately, Blue Heron only drafts 18 inches (with the keels up) and makes a journey like this less worrisome and much more enjoyable. We have noticed that most of the marinas are thriving on damaged propellers and bent shafts!

Not only have we been enjoying the beautiful scenery, but some of the homes and properties along the way look like they have been designed especially for House Beautiful. We commented that anyone who has owned waterfront property on these Canadian lakes will likely not be satisfied with what might be available in other parts of the world – even if the climate is milder!

We arrived at Lock 32, Bobcaygeon, about 7 pm after traveling a total of 30 nautical miles. We tied up below the lock for a little dinner and some rest.