We left Bobcaygeon Lock and headed into Sturgeon Lake. On the way we passed islands that had homes that took up every square inch of the island!
Sturgeon Lake is “V” shaped with each arm about 9 miles long. We traveled part of the east arm of Sturgeon Lake and all of the west arm. As there has never been sturgeon in this large lake, the name is a mystery. Now the lake is famous for the large summer cottages and elaborate boat houses. Beyond the shore, you can see the farms that are a major part of the economy in this area.
After 5.5 miles on one leg of the lake, we rounded Sturgeon Point and headed north toward Fenelon Falls.
The lake narrows and we enter the Fenelon River. This river winds through a rocky gorge with homes up on the ridge. Got to be pretty narrow at one point!
At the end of the channel is Lock 34, Fenelon Falls. This lock is newer and replaced the original flight of 3 locks in 1960. We rose 24 feet through the lock and tied up to the wall for the night. We were greeted by the native wildlife- lots of chipmunks and black squirrels. We also met Rick and Anne on Rikahna and they gave us the highlights of the town that we should not miss. Bill went crazy with pictures of the rental house boats and cottages across from the lock wall.
Here are the house boat pictures!
The town of Fenelon Falls was established in the 1830’s and its history follows much the same as Bobcaygeon- lumber and mills. In fact, the two towns merged their lumber interests back in the 1860’s.
We checked in with the lock staff and headed into town for lunch and a view of the falls.
Thought we had enough Fenelon Falls pictures, but found out you could walk down a path, well used by teens, and get a another view of the falls. So us old folks climbed down the rocky and tree root filled path and actually got some good shots. Made us feel like true adventurers!
Came back across the bridge and took some more shots of the falls and the lock from yet another perspective. Needless to say, we have lots of Fenelon Falls pictures.
After stopping at the Visitor Center near the lock, we walked down Oak Street which has the oldest houses in Fenelon Falls. Most date from 1837-1896. There are several beautiful big old homes here.
Returned to the boat to do the blog and relax. Bill also did his chores in between talking to other boaters!!!
June 17. Lay day in Fenelon Falls
Woke to a lock wall filled with boats! Apparently on weekends all the cottagers in the area come into Fenelon Falls for dinner, movie or just ice cream. That coupled with this being the first nice weekend for boating in a while made for a busy lock and lock wall.
After chores, we had lunch and walked back into town. Fenelon Falls is right on Lake Cameron, so we walked the lakeside path. Lots of kids playing in the park and picnickers and boats being dropped into the lake at the boat ramp. Thought you’d be interested in what their beaches look like. Some have dirt “beaches” just along the shore. Mostly they are rock ledges.
Wandered down some residential streets with lots of gardens and down Lindsay St, the main drag.
We found the DKG Moose(DKG is a real estate agency). Bill couldn’t resist the shot with the moose.
We stopped and picked up some fresh vegetables and fruit and were tempted to try another flavor of Kawartha Ice Cream. Bill stuck with Moose Tracks and I tried Chocolate Peanut Butter. We ate it all, delicious!
Will cook out tonight on our grill and visit with other boaters.
We enjoyed our stay in Fenelon Falls, but tomorrow will move on.