A Day on the Water: Exploring Otonabee River and Rice Lake

Our day began, as the sun rose above the horizon, with a departure from the town of Hastings at 7 am. Our first lock was going to be in four hours so we left at early, knowing that the new lock hours were 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. In order to get as far as possible today, we needed an early start. The early morning hum of the boat's twin engines set the tone for what would be a scenic cruise up Rice Lake and then the Otonabee River

Rice Lake is located west of the town of Hastings and south of the city of Peterborough, and it is part of the Trent-Severn Waterway, which flows into the lake by the Otonabee River and out via the Trent. The lake is 28 km long and 5 km wide. Its maximum depth is 30 feet, and is 187 m above sea level, raised to its present height by the Hastings Dam, built in the 19th century as part of the Trent-Severn canal system. About 3/4 way down the lake, we turned north and entered the Otonabee River.

The River, greeted us with its calm waters and an abundance of wildlife all along the shoreline. There were turtles basked in the sun, lots of Osprey soaring through the sky, while the elegant Blue Heron stood tall and majestic and followed us up the side of the river landing several times to find food. And then there are our famous Canada Geese friends who honked a cheerful melody every time we came close to running over them. We enjoyed the boldness of a Cormorant as he, or possibly a she, stretched it's wings to dry out the feathers.

Nature's Playground: Stumps, Trees, and Lunch at the Helm

The riverbanks were adorned with remnants of nature's cycle – stumps and fallen trees serving as a testament to the passage of time and the resilience of the environment. Amidst this natural playground, we enjoyed a hearty lunch at the helm. Lasagna, warm and comforting, fueled our bodies as we soaked in the beauty that surrounded us.

We only passed a few boats today but there was one homemade boat that, our unanimous opinion, won the prize for the most original design. Oh yes, we also passed the Kawartha Voyageur, a local cruise ship that runs from town to town along the Trent Waterway System.

Chester, Our Captain: A Skilled Navigator

Throughout our journey down Rice Lake and up the river, Chester expertly steered the boat, guiding us with precision and care. His steady hand at the helm ensured a smooth sailing experience, allowing us to relish every moment of the adventure unfolding before us. It has been many years since he last took control of a ship's helm and today he mastered the task.

We were a bit worried that we would not make it to Lakefield Marina because of the short hours at the locks and it got even more concerning when we found out that the operators at the locks past Peterborough, were in charge of 2 sets of locks so they travelled from lock to lock along with ourselves. This slowed our progress over the afternoon. We made it through the last lock precisely at 3:20 pm with 10 minutes to spare and were able to get to the Lakefield Marina where we tied up to spend the evening. We needed a pump-out and the shower facilities were a welcome treat

Reflecting on a Day Well-Spent

We relaxed on the aft of the boat, had a shot of apple whisky, red wine, and some scotch and then went to a local pub called the Loon, for some dinner. And for Jan and Cynthia, who are no longer on board, we passed this store on our way to dinner. Too bad it was closed.

The tranquility of Otonabee River and the allure of Rice Lake left an indelible mark in our minds, reminding us of the beauty that exists in nature's embrace.

Tomorrows goal is to get to the Sturgeon Lake area and with the long distance to travel and short lock hours, we are not certain just how far we will get.

Conclusion: Embracing Nature's Gifts

Our day on the water was more than just a boat ride; it was a journey of discovery, connection, and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. Through the lens of adventure and exploration, we experienced the harmony of nature and the joy of camaraderie, creating memories that would forever light the path ahead.

So, to all fellow adventurers and nature enthusiasts out there, set sail, embrace the unknown, and let the wilderness of Otonabee River and Rice Lake captivate your senses and nourish your soul. Visit it some day.

Here is our Nebo Log for the day. We travelled 77.7 km in 7.12 hours with an average speed of 12.6 km