July 24, Giant Lock

We left Bridge Port Marina and soon we were in the narrow canal traveling the 6 MPH speed limit to Couchiching Lock.  We were delayed at several swing bridges and one took over 15 minutes to open.  Later, we were informed that the bridge tender has to wait at least 20 minutes after a train uses the track before he can open the bridge.

The Severn River was towered by red and gray granite walls and soon we were entering Mc Donald’s Cut which was excavated by hand in 1905.  After six miles of remote scenery, the waterway opens into the headwaters of Swift Rapids power dam.  Lock 43 is the most isolated of all the locks and because of its 47-foot vertical drop it is known as “The Giant” of the Trent Severn.