STONY LAKE/JUNIPER ISLAND, ONTARIO TO BOBCAYGEON, ONTARIO

Tuesday, July 21st, 2015

Day 351

Miles Traveled: 29

Total Miles Traveled: 5236

  Although we had a bright sunny day, the wind was higher than anticipated, making for some chop on the various lakes we encountered.  When we left our anchorage at Stony Lake, the waves were not too bad.  But, as the day progressed, so did the wind; and, by the time we got to Pigeon Lake (the last lake of the day), there were some pretty good white caps on the water.  

  After leaving Stony Lake, the next lake we encountered has some interesting history.  The lake was named for an Indian boy spurned by a redheaded Irish girl.  To leave this lake and enter Lower Buckhorn Lake, we went through Lock #30 - Lovesick Lock.  This lock is unique in that it is located on an island.  There is a small footpath to gain access to the island, but, no road for any vehicles.

leaving Lovesick Lock

  After Lower Buckhorn Lake, we entered Buckhorn Lake, and then Gannon Narrows which took us to Pigeon Lake.

Pigeon Lake

  We departed Pigeon Lake via the Big Bob Channel, also known as the Bobcaygeon River.  The Bobcaygeon Lock lies right in the middle of downtown Bobcaygeon.  We had hoped to tie up below the lock at the wall with power, but, all the spots were taken.  So, we locked through and tied up to the mooring wall above the lock.  This location had less wind protection but a better view.

  

  After securing the dock lines, we took a stroll around the town.  At this lock is a restored Lockmaster's Watch House.  Buildings like this were built in the 1920's at the locks to provide shelter for the lock operators.  As new facilities were built, these buildings were dismantled or sold.  This was the last one to be taken out of service (from Lock #20 Ashburnham).  In 1980's it was restored and moved to this location.

Old Lock #20 Lockmaster Watch House

  In downtown Bobcaygeon, there are several shops and restaurants.  A large shoe store is now housed in the Old Bank of British North America building.

downtown Bobcaygeon
the old bank building is on the right

  We went on a search for internet.  Subway's connection was so slow that nothing worked.  Dan stopped for a beer at a sports bar, but, their WiFi signal was so weak that the phones wouldn't stay connected.  We finally decided to go to the local library.  Inside were computers available for everyone to use.  Yeah!  We were able to check our email, and more importantly, the upcoming weather (which showed another very windy day for the next day).

  We had leftovers for dinner and Kawartha ice cream for dessert - Death by Chocolate for Angie and Salty Caramel Truffle for Dan.  It was delicious.