We headed out with Lucky Lucky and Set Free at 9:30 to be at the lock when they opened at 10:00. This was a great day for travel.
There is such a contrast in the operation of U.S. locks and Canadian locks. Set Free and Saunter were the first through the lock. The lockmaster was courteous and eager to provide the information that would be beneficial to the venture. Every Lock, 1-8 was prompt, professional, well staff and engaging. The lock grounds were landscaped and manicured nicely with tie ups above and below the locks with picnic areas. U.S. Locks are commercial and allow recreational boaters. Canadian locks are recreational and run by Parks Canada and aim for positive experiences for the boaters. In our book, they succeeded, and we so appreciate the lock set-up and operation consistency. The canals are clean and free of debris.
In the photos you will see that most of the lock doors are operated manually using a turnstile on each side pushing the gates into position using human power.
Trenton Lock 1:(18' lift)
Sidney Lock 2: (20' lift)
Glen Miller Lock 3 (28' lift)
Leaving lock #3.
Batawa Lock 4: (18' lift)
Trent Lock 5: (18' lift). One of the prettiest and oldest of the lock buildings, Trent Lock's red brick and stone office is the original lockmaster's house, built in 1936.
Frankford Lock 6: (22' lift)
Approach Leaving Looking back
Glen Ross Lock 7: (10' lift). Set in a long narrow canal, lock 7 is known as the "Flower Lock". It was a little to early in the season for us to enjoy the gardens.
Inside Leaving Looking back
Percy Reach Lock 8: (20' lift) Our overnight at the top
What a relief having Mike here with us. An extra pair of hands and boating skills reduces the anxiety along with the consistency amongst the locks.
We tied up at the top of Lock 8 in this beautiful setting. With keys to the restrooms and shower, we enjoyed our solitude in this quaint and quiet location. There was one boat below the lock on delivery.
Mike purchased an array of happy hour meats, cheeses and crackers, and so we noshed (Canadian for munched).
In the morning we got up and leisurely prepared for our day. Locks don’t open until 10:00 and Lock 9 is just around the corner. The captain of the boat at the bottom of the lock approached us in the morning looking for jumper cables. They woke up to a dead boat. He was on delivery of this vessel and not familiar with the way the battery systems. But with jumper cables he could jump himself from one bank of battery to his starting batteries. We didn’t have anything to help him out, but a bit later he was able to secure a charger for a local that lived nearby.
If all the locks offer this type of setting I think we will enjoy the use of the lock walls.
