The Big Chute

Kirkfield Lift Lock

View from the top of Kirkfield Lift Lock

Narrow Passage on the Trent Canal

July 17-19   Finishing the Trent Severn Waterway

     We traveled for several days through locks 37-45 to finish the Trent Severn at the town of Port Severn.  We experienced a thrilling ride on the Kirkfield Lift Lock where we started 5 stories high and descended down to the other side.  We are going downriver now!  We were traveling with two other looper boats, owned by Laurie and Peter and Laurie and Kevin.  We stayed with them for several days, enjoying their friendship along the way.

     Lock 44 is by far the most  interesting and challenging lock we encountered.  It is called the Big Chute Marine Railway and it is a one-of-a kind lock in North America.  It actually lifts the boat out of the water and over the hill on a railway track system and sets you down on the other side, a change of height of 60 feet.  The boat floats onto the wooden track and then is supported by straps onto a cradle.  Karl and I were pretty nervous at first, but everything went smoothly.  We were taking pictures the whole time.  Some fellow loopers took some great pictures from the ground, where they were waiting to be next on the Chute!  It was an amazing ride!

   

Endorphin Voyager Entering the Big Chute

Strapped into the cradle

The boat is totally out of the water

Good view of the props!  

   

View from the top of the chute and down we go!