Day 75- Big Chute Marine Railway Lock 44 to Starport Marina before Lock 45

 

Today we have officially completed the Trent-Severn Waterway. Okay, we do have one little regular lock left, but we consider it finished. Hopefully you have enjoyed seeing the unusual locks and sights along the way. We certainly have. While we try to show what we have seen and inject some knowledge and humor along the way there is no way that we can show you what we have really experienced. The colors are bright when the sun shines but you don't get to experience the smells, the sounds, the people, the water, the boats. The list goes on and we are very grateful for all of it!

Today it was our time and soon our turn to go through The Big Chute.

First things first, the disclaimer- Vessel damage may occur...

This boat was in line before us and the first to go through today. 
The crowd of people watching are from the big Kawartha boat. 
They came out in the rain to observe before departing.

This was the second boat. As you can see, the road is opened again once the carriage is past the road's edge.

There were no boats wanting to come our direction so they 
returned the carriage empty for us.

You can see what a contraption this thing is.  This photo is on the high side of the Lock and you can see that there is some angle to the deck as it lowers into the water.  The downhill side has an angle to it, too, but you are pointing downhill and all you can see is the water at the bottom.  It was worth the trip all the way here from Florida to ride this thing!

The guys working did their best to stay under the roof and out of the rain as we entered the carriage.
We motor into the carriage.

The widest straps I've ever seen are shortened until Snow Goose
is lifted off the platform, just the front keel is touching.


We are totally out of the water.

Up and over we go! It felt like an old roller coaster as it 
jiggled and bounced us up the incline. 
We felt like we were hanging in air. 

Disconcerting?  You betcha!


Watch it here.

One more view of the land we just crossed.

The full view of The Big Chute and the waterfalls from the other direction.

The water is really pouring out of these waterfalls.

There are always new and innovative way to either kill yourself or 
embarrass yourself in front of your girlfriend.

I want this.
Of course he does.


In the parking lot of the local LCBO (state liquor store) 
you need a weed whacker to make a call.

Would you believe me if I told you that the phone actually had a dial tone?

A few last photos of the day as the sun was setting.



After a chilly, drismal day, the sun came out in time to set!
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Paul comments in this font
Cheryl comments in this font













Comments

  1. Mary AliceJuly 1, 2024 at 11:47 AM

    I can just hear the discussions around the town about that crazy crossing, and the solution they arrived at met everyone’s interests! Rube Goldberg couldn’t have done it better.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bob the DuckJuly 1, 2024 at 4:11 PM

    Gives new meaning to getting over the hump, or hump day. So, were your able to inspect the Gooses bottom and all the feathers in their proper place? Silly Bob question, is the water level you are now on after being deposited of the railways at the same level when on Lake Ontario? All those 150+ locks and only one bagel stop in Kingston? No smears? I'm so glad you made the most of Parks Canada marine canal systems. Just Ducky!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Snow GooseJuly 2, 2024 at 9:06 PM

      Truly a new experience going over the hump. No inspection, we were suppose to remain seated during the hump experience. The feathers appear to be in order as she moves through the water just fine. Lake Ontario elevation is 243'. Lake Huron elevation is 577'. One bagel stop?? NO, no bagel stops. Lots of smear, but Paul has been "forced" to eat it with raw veggies. Check out the summary of June, it includes a side view of the lake depths and elevations.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousJuly 8, 2024 at 5:10 PM

    Very interesting post!!

    ReplyDelete

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