Day 116 @ Port of Orillia, Orillia, Ontario

The danger in life is that you might miss opportunities if you don’t grab them! We found out about The Great Loop a few years ago from friends from Quebec. They had told us about their goal to do the loop someday but no real plans. Nick and I knew it was something we wanted to do but we weren’t sure when was the right time.

Today was the right time! Here is the beautiful morning mist that greeted us today!

The adventure is great but the nature is breathtaking!

Our first swing bridge. We arrived 10 minutes early but no problem – so did the bridge operator and she opened early for us!

Then our first lock. Today we will descend 73.7 feet.

Lock 37 Bolsover

21.7 feet descend

This is the wheel that they turn by pushing and walking around. We call it their ‘hamster wheel’.

Lock 38 Talbot

14 feet descend

Lock 39 Portage

13 feet descend

This lock looked completely new. The walls were replaced over the winter!

Farmland just beyond the lock!

Lock 40 Thorah

14 feet descend

This lock was named for the Thorah Island in Lake Simcoe and it was once inhabited by the Chippewa Indians.

Lock 41 Gamebridge

11 feet descend

That was it for locks today. Just 5 and only 73.7 feet descend. Next we met up with Lake Simcoe and Captain Nick opened up the engines! He got her up to her top speed and everything felt good!

Once we were docked at Port of Orillia we went to explore the town and stretch our legs.

Here is the marina.

We were in the only downtown area we found on the maps but it said the Arts district! Which was awesome!!

Beautiful architecture!

And lots of art to enjoy!

Then we found the Metro Grocery and some of my family namesake on the pasta!

Great day and just relaxed on the boat. Nick beat me at Upwords – but only by 2 points. I am not sure if that hurts more or less.