At about 10am yesterday, we headed over to Birch Point marina from the lock at Bobcaygeon. There, the boat would be taken out by a hydraulic trailer to allow for the inspection of hull, shafts, and propeller.
We parked the boat there and marina staff took over. They got the boat on the trailer and began pulling it out.
They inched it up the ramp slowly when all of a sudden, there was a big bang
and one of the staff was gesturing on the other side of the boat. The trailer had gone off the ramp!
The marina staff were scrambling to try to get it back on. Soon, a huge tractor was brought out. As time went on, I became more and more anxious. Despite assurances from the marina owner that nothing would happen to the boat, I made the decision not to continue with hauling the boat out. I consulted with surveyor first, who said, from what he had already seen, he was certain the hull and shafts would be good. Everyone, including the current owner, agreed with me. The boat was put back in the water and I filled it with gas and finalized the deal. The boat is ours.
Shortly after, we headed out, planning to make the Rosedale Lock. Ted had me take the wheel from this point to get a feel for it. It was great having my friend Harry and Ted’s friend Brian along to grab lines at the locks.
We did better than Rosedale and made it to the Kirkfield lift lock where we stayed for the night. This lock works like two giant bathtubs – one going up and the other down with boats in each.
It is a very peaceful setting here.
Today we head for Atherly where we will stay the night. Ted and Brian will leave and Chis will join Harry and me for the final leg to Georgian Bay on Saturday.
Life Unfolding 