The locking systems on the Trent Severn are really amazing! Lots of good ingenuity and engineering went into them.
The busier locks and those with long drops use hydraulic pumps to raise and lower the boats. The less busy locks with shorter rises/drops still use manual methods to open valves and to open the gates.
The most interesting of all is the Peterborough Lift Lock, although the flight locks are fun, too.
Peterborough is similar to the Kirkfield lift lock, but much bigger and functioning as designed. It is also in the middle of a populated area, so it gets more press and attention.
We arrived at the top of the lift lock just as they were making their last run of the day. Our timing was deliberate, as we wanted to spend the night there to be able to walk around and take pictures.
We were alone at the top of the lock for the night, except for a couple of jet skiers who pulled in and ran off for a couple of hours and except for the judo club who use the adjoining stairs as a training run.
The next morning, after the crew arrived at the shoulder-season start time of 10am, we were greeted with the news that there had been a break in during the night and some of the breakers and pumps had been messed with.
They had electricians and maintenance people and even a welder in to get things fixed.
Our friends on the American Tug “Katie B” caught up with us before it was all fixed.
Finally, just before noon it was ready for us. In this case, pictures really are worth thousands of words.
We stopped in at the Peterborough marina for a pump out and to get filled up with water, but didn’t stay.
After just one more lock on the south side of Peterborough it was a long lock-free afternoon through a river and a lake before arriving at Hastings. The lock was in the middle of town, so we walked around a bit enjoying the canal side.
The next day took us through our first flight lock. This is a situation in which there is a long drop which they divide into two. You exit one lock directly into the next.
We ended the day in Campbellford, where the city has a canal wall with power pedestals and a “buy two get one free” deal. We are taking advantage of the deal and the electricity and the nearby stores and laundromat to get things done.
Attended a local Free Methodist church on Sunday, but neglected to get a picture.
One huge item off our plate. Gary from “Katie B” helped Lance put the new part on the windlass. There were complications in the fit of the new part, but with Gary’s know how and file and Lance’s drill, they were able to make it work. So we have a working anchor again! Yay! Just in time to be in locations to be able to use it.
We have about two more travel days on the Trent Severn and then we’ll be in Lake Ontario waters before entering the Erie Canal.