HEALEY FALLS LOCK

We left Peterborough after 9 AM and cleared the first lock by about 9:45. There weren’t any other locks for quite a space as we transited the Otonabee River for the next three hours before we hit Rice Lake. It was a cool morning in the low 60’s, but felt much cooler when we were going against the wind, which was blowing around 15 knots.

Otonabee River

The river is very circuitous, so when we were with the wind, we would take off a layer or two, but put them back on when we changed direction. This stretch of river is pretty, but without much personality or high points. I was amazed that the deciduous trees seem to be turning fall colors already. It’s still August, but there is a definite tinge of red and yellow as one scans the forest. It is a short summer season up here, surprising, since we are about at the 45th parallel. On the West Coast, the 45th parallel is between Salem and Portland, Oregon, which doesn’t feel to be as far north as it does here.

Starting to get Fall colors

Going across Rice Lake, we had the wind on our stern, so it was very comfortable, even though there were half to one foot waves. After the lake, a few more miles on the Trent River, and a few more locks, we were at Healey Falls, where we are spending the night. Healey Falls and Healey Dam have three locks, numbers 15, 16 and 17. Sixteen and seventeen are a double lock, so the lower gates of 17 are the upper gates of 16. In this situation, they can lock boats through going both directions, with the boats passing each other in the middle as the water level coincides. Between 15 and 16, which are only a few hundred yards apart, is a small lake and waterside park, and that is where we are tied up.

Lake at Healey Dam, powerplant in background

Each lock has a small “station,” or office, which includes space for the staff as well as public restrooms (“washrooms” here in Canada). Each lock also has park-like grounds with well-mown lawns, gardens, picnic tables and, often, fire pits. These are maintained by Parks Canada (as are the locks) and used quite a bit by the local population both for day use and for camping. There is an informal competition among the lock attendants to impress boaters with how nice their own lock is compared to all the others. The attendants are very sociable and helpful, chatting with you as you transit the locks and very willing to answer questions. When you stay overnight at a lock, the attendants leave when the locks close, but always make sure you have either the code or the key for the washroom to use overnight. These washrooms are impeccably maintained, and we have found several to be newly renovated, including one with a very nice shower.

Healey Falls Lock park area

There is a charge to tie your boat up overnight “on the wall” at the locks, but we purchased a season pass for all of National Parks Canada. This allows us free moorage at all of the locks and at any dock in any National Park in Canada. There was a National Park in Georgian Bay with several docking sites and there are sites along the St. Lawrence River, where we are headed next.

The site here at Healey Falls is one of the prettiest ones we have seen, and we are the only boat here. We barbecued some great steaks for dinner and are now relaxing as the sun goes down, listening to the Canada Geese honk as they fly by, starting their migration south for the winter…

NOTES FROM ELAINE:

So we have been on our journey for 18 weeks now and it has become apparent that Dave and I have different tastes. Not Venus/Mars different - probably more tangential. My eyes light up when we get to a city - stores, museums, historic sites. Dave hunts for the pastoral setting - lakes, fishing, trees and seclusion. Dave says dips in the lake are "refreshing". I call that an euphemism for "cold". I must admit however that I am stunned by the beauty of the landscapes that we have seen. And he tolerates my side trips to more "touristy" places, even though I know that in the scheme of things he would rather forgo these side trips. I prefer to think that I am broadening our horizons - or perhaps he is trying to keep his first mate happy. Despite the circumstances we have experienced and seen some astounding scenery and wildlife on this trip and met some of the most interesting people ever. And I guess that is what this trek is all about.