Day 15 & 16: Prop change & Orillia to Port Severn, ON

Yesterday, as Crate's Marina opened for fuel only (Sunday) we spent the day cleaning and doing general housekeeping as well as a note about props and the Trent-Severn.  A dinged prop is not unusual on the waterway, especially this year due to low water caused by no snow this winter, and no ice, causing evaporation. We were told that this being early in the season there has been some residual debris that has not been cleaned out as yet. This morning the folks were on the job at 8 am. The boat was on the lift, prop changed out and ready to go by 9:30 am. Our couclusion is that Crate's Marina is a first rate operation, and equipped to service your needs. We advise you stop by.

There was virtually no traffic on the waterway, we had it all to ourselves, with the exception, of a lock or two. Lock tenders like to wait until they get enough boats to fill a lock before beginning the lift or decent process. When the traffic is very lite, there is no wait.  A note, The Greatest Loop is equipped with bow and stern thrusters which make locking thru a breeze.  When entering a lock we stayed about 5' off the wall, run up to the front because of less turbulence and engage both bow and stern thrusters and lay the hull gently against the wall.

Lock#44, the big chute is a real highlight. Imagine portaging over land without ever stepping out of your boat. The Chute has been in operation since 1917. One of the neatest things you can do with your boat.

Best, 

Bing