Overnight at Upper Level Frankford Lock 6
44°11’54.9240″N, 77°35’28.4964″W
What3Words: ///assemblies.abolish.avoidable

Mornings have been getting noticeably cooler. When we left London at then end of June, it was 41 degrees C with the humidex. I tried to tell Cath that she would need warmer clothes, but she didn’t feel the need in that moment and thought I was nuts! With recent mornings at 5 degrees, she wanted to get a couple of things to tide her over.

After a light breakfast we went to the Stedman’s department store on the main street to buy track pants and a long-sleeved top for her and gloves for both of us. We also wanted to get stocking caps but none were available as it’s a bit early. We both have hoodies so can make good use of those.

Cath popped back into the sewing store to chat with the owners and look at the fabric again. She told them that the walking foot had worked. They do a very big business in sewing machine service and repair, with machines coming from as far away as Bowmanville. It’s getting to be a bit of a lost art. There were about 30 machines lined up in on of the aisles waiting to be serviced or ready to be shipped back to their owners.  Cath commented on how unusual it is anymore to see so many high-quality fabrics in a store, beautifully displayed and with such helpful staff.

Next, we walked over to the Saturday morning farmer’s market in the parking lot behind the Town Hall and bought some veggies. The market was small but still quite busy with shoppers.

When we got back to the boat, we started getting ready to cast off and head down the river to Frankford – our next overnight destination. Before we left, I took a photo of the panels that the Chamber of Commerce had placed in front of a shipping container that was beside their building.  The exposed side of the container had custom made panels that were painted by a local artist. It was a very clever and effective disguise for a shipping container that is certainly functional but not very attractive on its own.

Local artist painted mural of local scenes on panels disguising a shipping container used for storage – very clever and effective. Tourists like me were even taking photos of it!

We really enjoyed our time in Campbellford. It was a very welcoming little town, with lots of amenities within easy walking distance, beautiful landscaping, good restaurants, fantastic YMCA, wonderful bakery and sewing shop to keep us both happy. It was somewhat reminiscent of France with the beautiful tree lined canal but without the cheese shops and baguettes.

Tree lined canal in Campbellford reminiscent of our charter boat trip on the Canal du Midi in France in 2023

Today was grandson Levi’s birthday. We called him in Kamloops, sang Happy Birthday, wished him a great year ahead and had a nice catch-up conversation. It was good to talk with him, but I wish we lived closer to our grandchildren.

We left Campbellford around noon and during our trip to Frankford we dropped a total of 130 feet through 7 locks. The largest drop was 48 feet at the double locks 12 and 11 in Ranney Falls.

Ranney Falls – waiting at the top of Lock 12 for Lock 11 to be filled

Leaving lock 12 to enter Lock 11 was pretty impressive. We were accompanied in the ride down by two people in a canoe and a lively and colourful water snake. We think the snake was a Northern Watersnake.

Lock 11 almost ready to exit with Lock 12 gates in the background

When the Trent River widened out Catherine took a turn at the helm for a few kilometers.

Catherine at the helm – note her white knuckle grip

This area is noted for the presence of lots of wildlife making their home  along the river including many turtles basking on rocks and fallen trees.

Heron patiently waiting for its lunch to swim past

We knew we were getting close to Frankford as we approached the last canal leading to Lock 6.

Canal leading to Lock 6 – canals bypassing rapids and waterfalls are thankfully very obvious and always well marked

We arrived in Frankford around 4:00 pm and moored on the wall of upper side of the lock. This was a beautiful spot with several electrical power points available for only $10 per night. We will be sure to stay here again.

Belisama’s view of the mooring basin at Lock 6

I barbequed salmon for dinner, which we enjoyed that with fresh green beans and thickly sliced beefsteak tomatoes – the best of late summer produce! We settled in and decided to stay at least one more night at this great location.

Cheers!