Cruising towards the Big Chute, we had to wait for a train to pass so the bridge could be raised. The boat in this photo is our buddy boat Halftime.
Some narrow waterways on the way to Big Chute. Along this way we encountered 9 boats coming towards us. We were too nervous at that point to take photos!
On the 7th we headed towards The Big Chute. A little background – first there was Little Chute. This railway was originally built because there was a shortage of concrete to build a lock at this location. Later, Big Chute was built “to prevent lamprey – a parasitic eel-like fish with a jawless, sucking mouth – from attaching itself to other fish thus damaging the fisheries in Lake Simcoe.” The way it works is that there is a twin rail track that goes up from the water, across a road, and down the “chute” on the other side. Boats are put on a carrier and transported on this rail system. We rode in the boat as this was being done. Oh, I should add that in this “ride,” there were also 2 center console speed boats and 4 jet skis. Two of the jet skis were on either side of our bow. We couldn’t even see them. We all traveled together in the carrier. Quite a ride!
Vitamin Sea starting approach into the carrier for The Big Chute. We glided over the yellow straps which would support us on the ride. Barely visible are the two jet skis behind the small boats. We were afraid we would run over them! 🙂
Not our boat, but this would be the view from behind the carrier as it travels up on the rail system.
Kathy and friends from Halftime watch another load of boats as they are carried over the roadway.
The view from behind our boat. There are upper and lower rails which help to keep the boats level as they travel up and over the road.
View from the flybridge of Vitamin Sea as we begin the descent down on the “other side.”
View from the Observation Deck of some other boats in The Chute.
At the end of the ride, we just motor off the straps of the carrier and cruise on out!
After the “ride,” we tied up to a dock below the Big Chute and enjoyed some swimming and relaxing fun. Andrea and Ken from Half Time were with us and we had a great time – which means ice cream was involved! We went to the top of the lock to visit with friends on Southern Cross. They had been so kind to take a video of our ride thru the Big Chute.
After the stress of getting through The Chute, it’s time to chill out with a little cool recreation.
Kathy & Ed with Ken & Andrea from Halftime. 
Big Chute – Big Memories!
On the 8th, we traveled thru some beautiful scenery as we traveled to the end of our journey on the Trent-Severn. To enjoy the last of our days on this waterway, we stayed at a resort marina – Rawley’s. At the marina is a hotel and we enjoyed some music and dancing in the bar, a little pampering at the spa, fun with friends, and just a relaxing few days. At this point we had to say “goodby” to Half Time as they were not continuing the trip west. It’s hard to part with people we have traveled with for several days. This experience binds people in inexplicable ways. BUT, we always hope to meet up again — somewhere along the waterways.
Street Entrance to the resort.
Marina side of Rawley’s.
Loved talking with you tonight, Reading your blog & seeing your photos. We never know who will show up on any given Saturday. Small group tonight. Brackett’s, Jim & Felicia, Marcy & Tony, Rex & Pat & Dimennas
Hall rented next Saturday, so no dancing at 205. We might get out for Third Saturday Watkins’s Kay & Randy Cook.
Have a great week.
Rich & Sharon
Wow and just amazing. Just when I think this is it and that it cannot be more exiting I see your new blog and love it. Thank you so much for sharing. I love reading and seeing everything through your eyes. It is amazing and exciting the friendships that is made and the memories from this adventure is priceless.