Crossing Lake Ontario - Oswego to Trenton Ontario

As explained in the previous article, we arrived in Oswego Monday afternoon (7/16/12).  We stayed in Oswego for two days waiting for a weather window to cross Lake Ontario.

Lake Ontario is the smallest of the Great Lakes (7,300 square miles as compared to Lake Michigan's 22,300 square miles).  The lake is 193 miles long with a northeast southwest orientation and 53 miles wide north to south.  Oswego lies essentially at the southeast end.  With prevailing westerly winds, the potential for rough water is very high as waves build as wind blows over distance.

When we arrived at Oswego the wind was out of the northwest at 15 to 20 MPH resulting in 3 to 4 foots waves.  We could see the water breaking over the sea wall.  The winds continued from the northwest on Tuesday as a cold front lingered on an east west line at the north end of the lake.  Tuesday evening the front moved south bringing with it heavy thunderstorms some with hail. We watched the storms on Ron's satellite weather system.

Early Wednesday morning we checked the forecast, which indicated clear skies and winds from the north at 10 to 15 MPH.  Waves at the mid lake bouy were 1.5 feet.  Winds from the north would mean higher waves at the south end of the lake which should diminish as we moved north into the lee shore.  We had our weather window.

We departed Oswego Marina at 8:07 AM and reached the breakwater 8 minutes later where we encountered three foot waves of the starboard quarter.  This is really no problem for the 48.  We put the boat on plane at 22 MPH (2100 RPM @ 34 GP and headed northwest on a course of 306 degrees.  An hour later, we increased to 24 MPH (2200 @ 38 GPH) as waves declined to 2 feet and then 30 minutes later to 29 MPH (2420 @ 45 GPH) when the waves were 1 foot.  We continued at 29 MPH for another hour reaching Presqu'ile Point where we slowed to trawler speed in calm water.

Our route to Trenton took us through the Murray Canal where the Brighton Bridge Tender collected $4.95 (Canadian and US Dollar are on par) by holding out a tin cup on an extendable pole.

Hard to see but the bridge tender is holding a cup on an extendable pole

From the Murray Canal we crossed the Bay of Quinte, which brought us to the City of Trenton and the gateway to the Trent Severn Waterway.  This phase took anothewr 2 hours.

Approaching the City of Trenton

We docked at the Frazier Marina and immediately checked in with Canadian Customs and Immigration by phone.  It was very simple.  Canada's biggest issue is guns.  They do not allow you to bring them into the country.  That said, they do not physically check.

Guided Discovery at Frazier Marina as viewed from the bridge

We also topped of our fuel tanks taking 129 gallons of diesel at $5.15 per gallon ($1.38 per litre).  $5.15 is the highest price we've paid on this trip.   Essentially, the need to run on plane for 65 miles burned approximately 100 gallons of fuel.  While not efficient, it did allow us to cross the lake comfortably.  Note: The weather window was not available on Thursday.  The remaining 25 miles burned 25 gallons.

Frazier Marina was conveniently situated downton and next to two parks, the larger being a lovely War Memorial Park.  Canadians participated in WWI, Spanish Civil War, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Afganistan and Iraq.

Trenton, settled in 1784, is a community of 20,000 people.  It is home to an airbase that flies transports (CC 130 & 150s).  We arrived in time to enjoy their "Festival on the Bay."  It was well attended. 

As we walked through town, Diana noticed a gentlemen in a Parks Canada uniform and asked where we could get a Canadian coutesy flag.  In the process, she learned that he was the Lockmaster at Lock 1 on the Trent Severn.  As a result, we got a person orientation of the Trent Severn and the lockinbg process.

Diana and Kodi getting local knowledge from the Lock 1 Lockmaster

Trenton proved to be a nice place and we stayed for two days.  In the process we discovered a nice do park, a walking trail and a lovely restaurant.

We also discovered the Kawatha Voyageur, a 35 cabin ship that offers cruises on the Ontario waterway.  The 5 day Trent Severn cruise goes from Peterborough to the Big Chute (Lock 19 to Lock 44).  The cost is $1,748 per person.  Note: Our cost will be around $2,200 assuming 10 days enroute and that includes all 45 locks.

Kawatha Voyageur heading home after the cruise to the Big Chute

Next the Trent Severn Waterway.

Written by Les.