Fenelon Falls, Orillia and north to Port Severn, Ontario

Today is a driving day as we near the end of the Trent-Severn Waterway. From Bobcaygeon we head to Fenelon Falls - Lock 34. 

Fenelon Falls

Known as the "Jewel of the Kawarthas," centered around the stunning Fenelon Falls and the Trent-Severn Waterway connecting Cameron and Sturgeon Lakes.  

Fenelon Falls with Lock 34 on the right

All these towns along the Trent-Severn waterway are so quaint and colorful. This whole area is so darn beautiful. 

The Fenelon Museum

There is a local museum we poke our heads into. 

Fenelon Falls public school bell - 1875

There is an old school room with classic old desks and a chalk board.

RIP - Sophie

We leave a tribute to Sophie...The price of a good dog is broken heart - RIP Sophie

Horse and buggy traveller

Next up is the City of Orillia along the shores of Lake Simcoe. We meet this horse and carriage on our way. 

 

Gordon Lightfoot - Golden Leaves Sculpture

Orillia is the birth place of Gordon Lightfoot, the famous Canadian singer/songwriter folk legend. We head to Tudhope Memorial Park in search of the bronze sculpture called "Golden Leaves". The sculpture depicts Lightfoot playing a guitar, surrounded by an arch of maple leaves that feature carved scenes from his songs. Our picture cannot begin to show the detail in each leaf depicting various Gord's Gold songs. 

Gordon Lightfoot and his guitar

Wreck of the Edmunds Fitzgerald bronze leaf

This individual bronze leaf of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald depicts the sinking of the freighter, including large waves and the ship's bell. There are even 29 bells, which chimed 29 times to honor each life lost. Such an amazing piece of work. 

The leaf was actually installed in the park in 2015, the 40th anniversary of the shipwreck.

It's a very cool tribute to a wonderful musician. We listen to Gord's Gold album as we drive on to Port Severn to see the final lock of the Trent-Severn Waterway. 

Port Severn - Final lock on the Trent-Severn 

Lock 45 - Final Lock on Trent-Severn. 

We have come all the way from Trent on Lake Ontario and now if we were a boat passing through lock 45, we'd officially be in the Georgian Bay and free to travel onto Lake Huron. 

We are able to spend the night right at the lock :)