APPARENTLY, THIS ISN’T A DOG PARK
July 25-26, 2026
Howie and I are pretty good about splitting docking and de-docking from marinas, though we like to have the person who docks it also undock. As I had brought the boat into the Port of Orillia, I took it back out as well. That also means that I took the first leg of the trip which usually lasts about an hour, though Howie sometimes needs reminding and I have to call him to get his “butt” moving. I think he zones out on something and doesn’t realize it is time to take over driving.
We had about 33 miles to go to lock 43 (Swift Rapids) which meant two locks and the CNR railroad swing bridge. We went through lock 42 without issues, but as we got to the swing bridge, we were met with a guy driving his truck up the road beside the narrow channel and saying without preamble, “There are three trains coming through which means at least an hour or more before the bridge will open.” Then he drove off. We pulled the boat over, tied up and then walked up to this grassy area beside the bridge. Howie threw the ball for the dog for awhile. No trains came through for over 30 minutes. Trains do get priority, so I guess the bridge master didn’t want to chance it by opening the bridge for us. After an hour wait, he walks onto the bridge and says, “did you pick up your dog’s poop? This isn’t a dog park you know.” Hilarious. We are out in the middle of nowhere with forest all around us and he is worried about a little dog poop (which by the way, there wasn’t any). Oh well, we thanked him for opening the bridge and went on our way. If you read the comments about this bridge in the Waterway Guide, people have called the bridge master, “a curmudgeon,” “bad tempered", “mean,” and “not nice.” Yikes.
Waiting for the railroad bridge to open.
First train came through after waiting 30 minutes. There was one more about 15 minutes later. Never saw the third one.
After going through lock 43 (Swift Rapids) we parked on the starboard (right) wall. There was no power on this wall, so Bella quickly found a spot and jumped into the water where Howie sat and threw the ball for her. I did a great weight workout next to the boat and then switched with Howie so he could get in a workout. We swam with another couple and their dog. Great way to end the day.
Lock 43 at the bottom of the lock. We tied up on the right side, though we aren’t in this picture.