Well.... here it is the second day of spring, 2013. What a difference a year makes... Whereas last year at this time we were experiencing bizarrely warm temperatures in the mid 20's (C.) this year we languish in the cold and wet with the temperature hovering around 2 or 3. Last year, shorts and t-shirts as we sat on the aft deck eating sardines on crackers with wine and wondering if we should actually do some work while the boat was still on the hard; this year, snow coats, gloves and heaters.
 | |
| On the Travel-lift |
Last year the boat was in Toronto and we could go down when we wished to look inside or do a bit of work; this year she's 2 hours away by car in Port Severn and we probably won't get to her until its time to start the commissioning process.
 |
| On the hard. |
It's worrisome right now because this year (wouldn't you know it) the water levels have been at an all-time low with some areas fluctuating right around 1.5 feet below chart datum. Thankfully, there has been some snow this winter and rain recently, so we're hoping that the levels will rise by the time we have to launch and motor out of the basin belonging to the Starport Marina where we lie. If not we're looking at a dangerously low trip out onto Georgian Bay. The channel from the marina is one issue, the channel from the base of Lock 45 out into the bay is another. Tug Channel is a tough navigation at the best of times with little room for error on either side of a narrow way. At one point chart datum is 5 feet and change. Our draft is 4 feet and if we've lost anything more than a foot of water, we're in trouble.
 | |
| Lock 45 |
In the picture above you can see Lock 45 (1) to the right with its dam in the centre. You can also see that the water flowing out of the dam is moving pretty quickly (2) and where the white water is you can follow the route out under the bridge (3) into Tug Channel. In the upper left corner you can see our marina (4). You can't take the boat to the left and directly up under the bridge. You have to go back out onto the main channel. You can see the shoals (rocks actually) that are lining the narrow gap where we will have to maneuver (5).
We have discussed the possibility of running out there in the dinghy with a lead line and see beforehand what its like. The other factor we have to take into account is the current from the Lock 45 dam and running, as it does, over the couple of hundred yards of shallow water, we may be in for some tricky maneuvering. Add to this that it will be first time I've had the boat out in 2013 and well... some nerves will be at play.
Next week we will be exploring some alternate battery types and if all goes well we will install them this spring and cure some our electrical woes. Watching and waiting...
 |
| Why we do it... |
Cappie
