PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO - VISIT TO THE FAMOUS LIFT LOCK

Saturday, July 18th to Sunday, July 19th, 2015

Day 348--349

Miles Traveled: 0

Total Miles Traveled: 5185

  Saturday, we walked the 1.5 miles to see the famous Peterborough Lift Lock that we would encounter upon leaving Peterborough.  Fortunately, there was some wind to help keep us cool during our walk on this sunny day.  We decided to go right away in the morning to have cooler temperatures.

  The Peterborough Hydraulic Lift Lock is a unique lock.  It raises and lowers boats in two water filled chambers.  Built between 1896 and 1904, it was the first of two of this type of lock built in North America.  The second, Kirkfield, is also on the Trent Severn Waterway.  It is the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world at 65 feet.  It operates on a balance principle.  A constant water pressure supports each ram through connecting pipes below the ground.  Extra water is let into the upper chamber (1 foot to be exact) and the connecting valve is opened.  The heavier chamber automatically descends, forcing up the lower chamber to start the cycle over again.  We watched as several boats were locked up. 

Peterborough Lift Lock - boats in chamber/pan on left ready to be lifted
notice raised pan on the right

Peterborough Lift Lock - boats in pan on right now locked up
pan on the left is now in the water and down

  Located on the lock grounds is a Visitor Center with a movie about the Trent Severn and its locks and an exhibit about the building of the Peterborough Lift Lock.  Both were very fascinating.  We were looking forward to our upcoming lockage at this famous lock. 

  After visiting the Peterborough Lift Lock, we had time left to get some jobs done - grocery shopping and laundry.  That evening there was a large Looper gathering on the dock - too many names to mention.  The get together was arranged by Harbor Hosts - Don & Freya on "Last Resort".  Harbor Hosts are individuals who volunteer their time for all sorts of cruisers needs and knowledge about the cruising area where they are located.

"docktails" on the dock

   That evening in the park next to the marina was a music concert.  We sat on the back of "Seahorse" and enjoyed the music and the light show from Centennial Fountain.

Centennial Fountain in Little Lake  with lights

  Sunday was another day for jobs.  Angie did some work on budget and finances and Dan changed the engine oil and replaced the fresh water pump.  We have decided that these fresh water pumps are poorly made.  This pump was just installed in February.  About every 6 months we are having to change out for a new one.  We have just decided to keep at least two on board.  Dan is getting very proficient at replacing them.  After completion of our tasks, Dan worked on trip planning and Angie did the blog.  We finished just in time for dinner.  We grilled peameal bacon - a Canadian specialty.  We had never had it before, but, Freya told us we had to have some before leaving Canada.  It is a type of back bacon made from lean boneless pork loin, trimmed, wet cured, and rolled in cornmeal.  Dan applied a brown sugar rub which gave it a salty sweet flavor.  After a busy day, we relaxed for the rest of the evening.