Left the lock wall at Buckhorn and headed out into Buckhorn Lake. After one mile we made a fuel stop- and had to learn how to convert liters to gallons. It was a little weird to see the fuel counter go by so fast as 128 liters was the same as the 30 gallons we needed for each tank.
Once fueling was completed, we headed back onto the lake to travel its length of 7 miles. Buckhorn Lake is similar to Lower Buckhorn, except bigger. Cottages line the shore and small granite islands are scattered throughout the lake. Only a few islands were big enough to have homes on them. Also the southeast portion of the lake is Indian Reservation.
As we come to the end of Buckhorn Lake, we encounter a tight channel between two islands- rocks to one side and marshy grass on the other. The lake then opens up again until we traveled through Gannon Narrows and enter Pigeon Lake. We will travel the 4.5 miles thru Pigeon Lake and make a turn into Big Bob Channel that leads to Lock 32 and the town of Bobcaygeon. (Obijwa for fast current with rocky narrows)
Pigeon Lake is 15 miles long and we traversed the middle section of the lake. The lake shore line is less developed until you get closer to the town of Bobcaygeon and does not have the small granite islands of Buckhorn Lake. Instead Pigeon Lake has one big island, aptly named Big Island!
We were trying to out run a shower as we went through Pigeon Lake. Made it to Lock 32 and got tied up to the wall with the help of a couple from Toronto doing the Trent Severn. The storm caught up with us about 30 minutes later so we buttoned up and had lunch.
Lock 32 is in the center of the town of Bobcaygeon. This town, established in 1830, is like so many others in this area starting out as a lumber and mill town. The lumber business blossomed and Bobcaygeon was the center of the largest lumbering industry in Northern Ontario. Bobcaygeon is also the site of the first lock built on the Trent Severn Waterway in 1833.
Once the rain subsides, we will explore the town to find Kawartha Ice Cream! We might also find some historical buildings. Oops, will explore after Bill fixes a leak in the fresh water system. Luckily was a relatively simple fix. Then he had to check for a leak on the generator and balance the fuel.
At last, we finally got away and enjoyed a short walk through town. You can tell by the shops and restaurants that Bobcaygeon today focuses on supporting the local cottagers and the boater like us. We found some neat old buildings and, of course had to indulge in more Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream- Moose Tracks. Still yummy!
On our way back to the boat we chatted with another couple who tied up to the lock wall. They were from Sarasota and are doing the Loop. Then we called it a day!
June 15 Lay day in Bobcaygeon
Woke to a beautiful sunny day. A good day to explore the town more and yes, to do two loads of laundry. Used the local laundromat and had our first experience with Canadian quarters. Their dryers seem to eat quarters!
We finished the laundry and walked through town again and had lunch at the local diner. I had to try the poutine, which is fries and gravy, but I added cheese curds and chicken. Was delicious. When in Canada, eat Canadian. Then I purchased a Bobcaygeon baseball cap for Bill for Father’s Day.
After lunch we locked through Lock 25 at Bobcaygeon and rose 5 feet. We tied to the upper lock wall so we could get an earlier start tomorrow. Enjoyed the lock staff at Bobcaygeon. They were very helpful and friendly.
We discovered this row of houseboats for rent. Reminded us of Key West houseboat row.
Spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing.