07-15-09 Orillia, ON

We had a very easy day of it today. We did not leave the marina until 1100, and passed 5 locks in 4 miles. Then, it was on to Lake Simcoe. We skirted the Eastern part of the lake, heading for Orillia, ON. The total time was 4 hours and the distance was 25 miles. The lake was glassy smooth and we made great time. Cruising guides and locals warn that the lake can be very rough in a hurry if the wind kicks up, but it was perfect for us.

Before arriving at Orillia, we decided to pumpout our holding tank. We stopped at a marina in the narrows. The cost to pumpout was $20. This seems excessive to us, especially since most of Canada is very serious about waste control, recycling, and keeping the water clean and we only have a 10 gallon tank. A lower pumpout price will encourage boaters to pumpout, rather than dump the waste into the water systems.

Orillia is a rather large city, and is one of the “must” stops on the loop. Many people stay here three days since the town marina, run by the Chamber of Commerce, offers 3 nights for the price of two. And the rate is $1.40 per foot. They have excellent restroom/shower facilities (we rate them an 8) and power (hydro) and good free internet. We did have to move to get a better internet signal but it is great now. A large boat in front of us blocked the signal, as it was good before the boat arrived. Such are the trials and tribulations of being the smallest boat in the marina, as we frequently are.

We need to be in Penetanquishene on Monday for a mini-rendezvous, so we will stay here for at least 3 days. Then we may stay at a nearby casino marina one night so Betsy can get her fix. We have only 4 more locks, including the Big Chute, and only 50 more miles to cover in the Trent Severn Waterway. We will be creating a small blog entry each day, but mostly we will be touring and seeing Orillia.