Camping on water in the Trent Severn Waterway

Trent Severn Waterway

For our post-Mother’s day/Victoria Day weekend get-away, we rented a houseboat to go around some of the lakes of the Kawarthas. We started off in Pigeon Lake and made our way up to Fenelon river via Sturgeon Lake.

After some instructions for handling the boat and a crash course in chart reading, we left the southern part of Pigeon Lake at past 10am. I would not recommend operating a watercraft if you have absolutely no experience with boats. While it was simple enough to steer the wheel (the boat goes where you turn the wheel), the wind direction and waves greatly affect where the vessel goes. Good thing Hubby was quite comfortable with boats as I would not have the courage to venture out into the waters. Driving the boat for the few minutes that Hubby had to go to the loo got me concerned that I was going to head straight onto one of the islands, the speedboats crossing or the many fishing boats anchored along the lake.

It took us 3 hours to get to Bobcaygeon where we docked for the night. I learned quite a few things as first mate. One of which was how to read the charts and look for buoys to figure out where we were. I also learned to tie the boat to the dock. It was not too late to teach this old dog new tricks! I had to jump off the boat into the dock and tie it securely. Scary for me at first but I managed to get a hang of it (I think :P).

 We went around town before settling down for the night. The boat could sleep six by converting the dinette and couch into double beds. There was also a bunk bed. The boat was running on batteries which were charged as we ran the boat. The fridge, stove and heater ran on propane. It was pretty much like a trailer, like camping on water.

Between the batteries and propane, the heat from the flameless heater was not sufficient to warm up the entire boat. Even if it was the first unofficial weekend of Summer, it was still pretty chilly. We ended up with jackets and blankets through the night. But during the day, the sun shone and the rain stayed away! 

 

Lock 32 Bobcaygeon

The next day was another adventure in boating. Navigating the lock connecting the lakes was pretty tricky and intimidating for newbies like us. We first had to get the boat to the blue line to signal to the operator that we wanted to lock through. We then waited for them to open the swing bridge and listen to their instructions before proceeding. Inside the lock, I had to again learn new skills in attaching the boat’s ropes to one of the black cables. As I hooked up our front, Hubby (aka El Capitan) hooked the back ropes. We then had to wait for the water levels to adjust before proceeding. Each lock through took about 20 minutes. Our supporters from the other boats showered us with encouragement—the first lock through was always the toughest, they said! Well, they didn’t see the second!

  We went through Sturgeon Lake up to Fenelon river. The lake was just beautiful and the cottages lakeside got us dreaming of winning the lottery! Islands, some with cottages, dotted the lake. We also saw some floating Osprey nests. It was very relaxing! 

Osprey nests at Sturgeon lake

 Another 3 hours from Bobcaygeon took us to Fenelon falls where we docked for the night. As it was the beginning of the fishing season, there were many folks fishing on the shore by the falls. We disembarked to explore the area but we no longer went to the museum (supposedly one of the main attractions of the area). We had to set aside some time for Hubby to take the girls fishing for perch. 

Fenelon Falls

Lock at Fenelon Falls

We stayed at an inn this night to get a hot shower and some well-heated sleeping quarters. The water on the boat was just freezing and the engine had to be running for quite a while to get some hot water.

 

The next day, we headed back to Bobcaygeon. We dropped anchor somewhere in the middle of the lake and the girls did more fishing. I also tried a bit of trolling. The girls were ecstatic over their catch! They caught fish after fish! I hope this does not set such a high bar for the next fishing expedition! We did release most of the fish and only kept those we were going to have for lunch. Hubby was not only captain and head fisherman, he was also the fish-cleaner! I wasn’t totally useless, you know. I did grill the fish in the propane grill on the boat and charted our path at the same time! Ha!

 When we got back to Bobcaygeon, we had to lock through again to get back to Pigeon Lake. Locking through with half the town’s locals and tourists gawking was quite an embarrassing experience. Instructions from the lock master rang loud over the PA system, clearly highlighting our lack of experience. But folks were so nice and encouraging that we did not feel so bad! We do need to practice for the next time!

Am sure a video of us is floating out in YouTube somewhere. With a strong tailwind, Hubby struggled to get the boat close to the dock. We got some awesome help from the lock master and a nice gentleman walking on the docks who tied our boat as I couldn’t get off. The other boaters were so friendly and gave out tips as best they could. We finally managed to lock through after several attempts.

Since it was a long weekend, the dock parking was full. We ended up having to moor overnight at Gordon’s marina. They charged just under $2 per foot for the length of the boat. Not bad at all since they also have fuel, showers and filling/pump out stations. We hooked up the electricity and managed to charge some of our gadgets. The electricity also boosted the heater and we slept comfortably in the boat. 

 The next day, we headed back to return our boat. This time, Hubby masterfully docked back at the marina--a weekend of experience did help!

 The girls have declared this as one of their most memorable vacations. It was not only memorable for me and Hubby but a learning experience as well. I learned everything I needed to know about boating and charting this one weekend. This will not be the last of our journeys for sure, now that the girls are totally hooked on fishing and boating. Anchors Aweigh (or Away, whatever suits your fancy)!

Dragons and Kings: a visit to the Game of Thrones Exhibit

I had not followed Game of Thrones the past 3 years. However, when I got to reading the first book, I was hooked. The first few chapters required much concentration as there were so many characters to keep track of. But after that, I simply couldn’t put the book down. I’m currently reading the fifth book and have completed the first three seasons on DVD.  It does get confusing at times for me since the series has not been consistent with the book. But, needless to say, I loved it! Got Hubby hooked on it as well.

Imagine our excitement when one of my very good friends managed to get tickets to the internationally-touring GOT exhibit at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, just before it got sold out?! The exhibit toured only 8 cities this year and what luck that they would stop by Toronto! Hooray! 

Our tickets indicated 4:30-5pm, which was actually the line-up time. Once inside the exhibit, you could stay on for as long as you pleased.  Though the queue was so long, we managed to get in at a little before 5pm.  

The exhibit featured 100 original artifacts, costumes and weaponry from the three seasons, plus some pieces from the fourth season of this epic fantasy series. We checked out some photos and storyboards displayed right outside the main exhibit as well. I should have warned Hubby not to look at some stuff, but it was too late. As he had not finished Season 3 at the time we went to the exhibit, the wall that featured the Red Wedding served as a spoiler for him. 

Red Wedding @ GOT exhibit

The costumes were awesome. The exhibit was divided into several sets—Daenerys and her dragon, Arya and the Hound, Jamie and Brienne, King’s Landing, Stannis and Melissandre, Jon Snow and the wildlings, and so on. You get the point. 

Daenerys--Mother of Dragons

Jon and Ygritte--wildling costumes

After checking out the costumes and blurbs on each section, we went to line up at the “Ascend the Wall” experience. Folks strapped on an Oculus Rift (virtual reality headset) to simulate ascending the 700ft wall by “elevator.” It was realistic enough for me to hold on to the rail as I truly felt I was zooming up the wall. It was mind-blowing to be on top of that wall of ice and look out beyond. The whole thing lasted for all of a couple of minutes but this 4D experience was super cool! 

Ascend the Wall @ GOT exhibit

After that, we went outside for everyone’s favorite photo-op: posing on the replica of the Iron Throne.

Iron Throne

 The exhibit made the book and series come alive. We spent a good hour or so  checking out various props and costumes. It was well worth the line-up to any fan. And outside, the gift shop sold merchandise, of course! 

Dragon eggs

 

I wanted to end with Valar Morghulis, but I feel it’s too morbid (even if it is not truly negative in essence). The series, books, and exhibit are game-changing indeed if they get wildlings like us speaking High Valyrian!

Colonel goes modern: snacking at KFC Select

A trip to downtown would usually have me looking up a new place I want to check out. I generally stay away from Food Courts at the PATH, but I will not lie. There have been some cases which necessitated eating at the usual chains. 

Now, one Friday, as I was looking for my old Green Mango restaurant (they have renamed the place and apparently have a new set up), Hubby and I saw KFC Select. I really would have preferred to find another place, but this KFC Select is the only one I know of (they opened December 2013). So, I allowed Hubby to convince me to check it out.

We walked in to some pretty fresh interiors and promptly tried to figure out what to order. They had no chicken pieces like usual KFC. What they do have are chicken burgers, burritos, rice bowls, salads, chicken strips and desserts! Well, burritos and rice bowls in KFC?! That is truly something to check out. 

But as we were only having a snack before dinner in a couple of hours, I could not try the burrito or rice bowl. That just gives me an excuse to try something else next time!

Anyway, for $5.99, you can pick burrito, rice bowl or salad and choose your style (fajita, mango or California). These come with grilled chicken. I wanted crispy chicken and opted for a single fillet. Hubby ordered the “Big Boss”—two crispy chicken fillets with the works.

KFC Select chicken burgers

The usual coleslaw side was available but none of the mashed potatoes or regular fries. I ordered waffle fries but skipped dessert. They offered the “Kream Ball” (which is like a layered mousse) and cheesecake as well.

The burgers we ordered were good, but nothing above other chicken burgers—well except that it was KFC! The rice bowl from the other table that I saw seemed appetizing enough. Something I would definitely try next time I find myself in the area.

The available drinks also reflected how they promoted individuality and focus on the younger crowd. You can select a flavor shot (strawberry, cherry,etc) to spruce up your usual Pepsi products. Hubby and I enjoyed our Diet Pepsi-Strawberry concoction!

I can see how this concept might appeal to the “fresh” crowd. This is the trend, after all--like how McDonald’s and other chains have added salad to their menu. If I frequented the area, I might go in there once in a while as well. But most likely, I would still go back to the old Original Recipe chicken with gravy and mashed potatoes. Is it Toonie Tuesday yet?

Glow in the Dark games: Putting Edge and Laser Quest

DD#1 has attended parties at both Putting Edge glow in the dark mini golf and Laser Quest. As these parties were for her classmates she could not share the experience with us. Thankfully, she is at the age where she wants to go to these places with us. So, we make the most out of these times before things change!

On a couple of occasions, Hubby and I took the girls separately on a game of mini golf and laser tag where we entered a world of neon and had a blast (well, literally for laser tag :)). Either activity costs under $10 per person per game.

At Putting Edge, they have both adult and junior sizes of putters. After DD#1 and I secured our putters, selected our golf balls and got the scoring paper and pencil, we began our round of 18 holes. Various neon landscapes greeted us inside. There were actually some challenging holes and we had fun as we tried to get below par. Other players were also having a great time. The entire place was a good size. They even had a second floor/loft which had the last 6 holes and a couple of party rooms below.

After ceding victory to DD#1 (ok, so I’m a little bit rusty, but I did get a hole in one!), we checked out the arcade games that they had available--to make the fun times last just a little bit longer. It was entertaining, indeed!

I had the Laser Quest outing with DD#2 at a separate time. We were both excited to check this out after hearing so much about it from big sis. They gave us a coloured card upon payment/registration then waited for them to call out our card colour. We then went to register our code names. Here’s where you can get creative—DD#2 decided to call herself, Dark Shadow. Oooohhhh. And upon the suggestion of DD#1, I named myself after a dainty Little Pony, Twilight Sparkle. I actually got a few laughs from the other kids (Yeah, yeah. I actually think it was cooler than being called Underpants, mister!).

Anyway, upon registration of our code names, they gave us an activator (like a 6-inch plastic ruler with a silver round thing at the end) and waited to enter the prep room. In the prep room, they explained the rules then allowed us to grab a pack—consisting of a vest with a laser gun attached. The vest had lights in the front, shoulder and back, on which you aim to tag “enemies.” The pack was a bit heavy for my 6-year old (minimum age for the game) but she was able to manage. The “warden” (whom you can shout for if you have problems) then took the activator and brought our packs to life.

DD#2 and I joined forces and went against this party group of 9-year olds (with a couple of their parents). It was a fun mission—glow in the dark style as well! We went up and down the ramps and behind walls and fired our laser guns like crazy! Every time we got hit, though, it disabled our lasers for a few seconds. We also learned to avoid the mirrors which caused some inadvertent self-tagging. After about 20 minutes, we were called back to return the packs. To find our way back in the midst of darkness and neon, we followed orange footsteps to the prep room.

After we got out, the group gathered to check out our scores. And there it was on TV, for all the world to see, Twilight Sparkle at 4th place! Ok, so I was behind some very cool 9-year olds who had obviously done this before. Nevertheless, in a group of 33, I would have to say, that was pretty awesome—if I may say so myself! DD#2 also did great! She was #21 and beat out 12 other 9 year olds! Ha!

Well, until the next mission. This will be fun for all four of us. Next time, we will have a better strategy! Team Hubby and DD#1 is looking to be a formidable opponent.