GL: Trent-Severn Canal Locks 1 thru 12, northbound

[Bodie6413 at aol.com]

Colonel's Lady transited Locks 1 thru 12 on 7-7-2007 very slowly and  
carefully considering previous reports of low water and problems with  rocks.  The 
caution created was well founded, and I advise all to be very  careful to stay 
within the center of the marked channels, away from the  edges.  We found that 
in spite of all the removed markers, the channel was  marked well, except for 
the markers being so narrow they are almost invisible to  one who still has 
cataracts in one eye.
 
Departing Trenton at 0930 we found the channel between locks One  and Two 
averaging 7 to 8' in depth and only some problems with grass.   Departing lock 
Two we started with 23' which reduced to less the 6' at the  bridge.  Route to 
lock Four we experienced heavy grass with the depth  meter showing as low as 
4.8'  To lock five we started off with 7' to 23'  for quite a ways, then back 
down to 7 and 8' with lots of grass in the lock  itself.  To lock six we started 
off with 15' out of five dropping down to  7.2'.  To Lock Seven we started 
off with 7.2' and it varied constantly from  7' to 21', and on entering the lock 
we read 3.2 while creeping through the  grass.  Entering Danger Narrows we 
read from 6.9 to 12 feet, but it was so  narrow that we slowed down to just 
maintain steerage and stayed away from the  edges of the channel deliberately 
staying in the center.  There are two  other narrow parts after this.
 
Just before lock eight I measured 4.8' which may have been grass as it  was 
thick on the surface.  Out of Lock eight we slowly pushed our way  through the 
grass and the depth meter was worthless as it bounced from 2.3 to  8.6 
constantly changing like grass will produce.  Lock Nine was 7 to 8' and  lock Ten I 
registered 6.9 just before entering.  Entering Lock eleven I  lost my port 
engine which overheated and had to close down.  Thank goodness  we were all by 
ourselves in this double lock.  I now know how people can  end up hitting or 
bumping the lock doors.  
 
>From there to Cambellford on only the starboard engine trying to stay in  the 
center was a bear, so we did this part very slowly.  We arrived about  1700.  
Limping in to the east bank we were so relieved to see so many of  our other 
Loopers running down to help us dock the lame beast.  Not only  was the port 
strainer packed full of grass, but the entire hose from the  strainer thru the 
thruhull was packed tight with grass, allowing no water at all  to enter or 
pass.  No damage to the impellers however.
 
Talking with the folks who arrived ahead of us I found out there were three  
boats here without propulsion.  All three had destroyed their props, one  the 
props and one shaft who was going to limp on to Peterborough on spare props  
with one engine to get a new shaft, and one who apparently removed all of his  
undercarriage to include a shaft and is sitting high and dry on the starboard  
side of the shore as you enter the village.  The shop he picked to make a  
new shaft reports their mill broke down and it will be a couple of weeks before  
they can get back on the road.
 
So, I caution those behind us heading this way to plan on staying in  the 
center and away from the edges of the channels, even when they are narrow,  and 
watch your engine temps with all the grass.  Locals  assure me the  grass 
reduces significantly ahead of us.  Good Luck and Good  Cruising.  In spite of  the 
mixed message we still enjoyed the trip  and especially the scenery.  It was 
worth it!
 
There is WiFi at Cambellord Old Mill Park.  Strength depends on your  laptop 
make.  Several of the boats could use their computer on their boat,  but my HP 
doesn't receive enough signal and I had to go inside.
 
 
Ron and Molly  on Colonel's Lady, 1986 43' Heritage East, MTOA #2950, AGLCA 
#3460, San Diego, bodie6413 at aol.com



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