7/5/14 Peterborough

 

Ron was up very early and got a load of laundry in the one washer at the marina.  We had four loads which took all morning because others would come in an pop a load in before we could return for our next one.  Not a problem, since we had no real plans.

Ann and I headed downtown to scope out the boutiques which were supposedly abundant.  However, we only found a couple of stores.  They contained very expensive clothing and much of it was very dressy.  We don't usually wear ball gowns on the boat!

We rode our bikes to the Peterborough Lift Lock about two miles away,  Our harbor hosts, Don and Freya had suggested that we ask for the lockmaster and he would probably give us a tour of the control room.  We waited for him to finish talking with a family, two parents and their four boys.  He had given them popsicles and Canadian flag tattoos on their faces. 

Once they left, he escorted us across a very narrow grated lock wall, maybe 2 feet wide.  This wall had a railing but was very high, 65 feet down below us on the right.

Once across, we entered the control house Different from most locks, where a chamber fills with water and the boat slowly rises to the top of the lock,  this one is like a bathtub always containing the same amount of water.  The "tub" itself is lifted while the adjacent "tub" is lowered.  This process happens very fast.  Ann and I were invited to push the buttons to lower and raise the lock gates.  Scary!  Rising up was a local tour boat and a large recreational vessel.  Going down was another recreational vessel.  The lock staff climbs out onto what looks like a bridge arch to assist the boats in tying up. 

Trenton Lift Lock (control room is top left structure)

 

 

looking down into lock 2

walking upper lock wall to clear fish out of the gate

boats entering lower lock

 

Peterborough lock tower

Ann operating the lock gate

I mentioned to the young lock worker that you couldn't do this job if you were afraid of heights.  However, he is afraid of heights and each morning has to climb this bridge-like structure to a house above the lock where he goes through an opening in the ceiling to raise the flag.  Not for me!!!

After our wonderful experience at the lock, we headed back toward the marina and stopped to buy butter tarts (small pecan pies with a cookie style crust). 

butter tart lady's house

The tarts are a specialty in many of the ports in Ontario. 

eating butter tarts

 

There are now at least 15 looper boats here.  Peterborough harbor hosts have been praised by many on the AGLCA site, but we have to reiterate that praise.  Freya and Don go out of their way to make everyone's stay spectacular.  Each boat was given a Canadian bag containing homemade jam (made by Freya) and lots of information packets. 

They also organized a docktail party which was great fun. We met some new people with whom we will probably travel as we continue on the Trent-Severn. 

Ron and I with harbor hosts Don and Freya

Ann, Stel, Meg, Jan and Terry

After the party, we joined Ken and Ann at the marina for dinner on the upper deck.  Good sandwiches!

Since it was Saturday night, there was a concert in the park.  There were concession stands, ROCK music, and lots of people everywhere.

 Since our boat is on the wall, we were only about 50 yards from the bandstand.  VERY LOUD MUSIC!  We turned both air conditioners on which muffled some of the sound.  We were thrilled when the band stopped at 9:30 and people rapidly exited the park.  The park was empty and quiet by 10:30.