Sunset Cove Marina to Orillia, Ontario

July 19, 2002 - Sunset Cove Marina to Orillia, Ontario

We checked everything out early in the morning and decided that everything was working and that we could safely leave for Orillia and the Port of Orillia Marina. I called them and they said that they were having a Poker Run and a Scottish Festival going on during the weekend and that they couldn't promise a spot for us. They said we could check with them later when we got closer. We knew that there were 5 locks to go through, all right in a row, before we got to Lake Simcoe, where we could cruise to Orillia, which everyone said we must see and explore. Lake Simcoe is the largest lake on the Trent-Severn and is 19 miles long and 16 miles wide and is pretty deep - which we like. We went through one lock and all was well, but when we got to the second lock the starboard engine wouldn't start after having to shut down the engine in the lock, for no apparent reason. Bill thought it was related to the key problem that we had just had fixed. Bill was frustrated, but we continued on using only one engine, which was o.k., and we stopped after the locks to try to figure why the engine wouldn't start and discovered that it wasn't the electrical problem we had fixed the night before, and that we would need the PRO's. So, we called the Orillia Marina and told them of our problem and they said they would save us some space of their wall. Long story short, we limped in there on one engine. The wind was blowing hard and it made for a difficult landing, but the dock boys and some neighboring boat folks lent a hand and we got the Rendezvous safely at the dock. Never a dull moment lately it seems. Bill got the name of the Detroit Diesel people from the Hot Knots Marina folks and called and talked to them. These Canadians have been very helpful and swift in trying to help. They sent Brian out to us on Saturday morning to see what might be wrong. He had to drive from Toronto, which I think is about 2 hours. He checked things out and discovered that some raw water had gotten into the cylinder heads, which is a no, no. Nobody can figure out how or why that happened. Bottom line - we will be staying in Orillia for a few days while the sick engine gets fixed. At least this is a cute town to explore and there is a lot to do. Festivals, Casinos, Movies, Summer Theater and plenty of good eating places. It looks like we'll be delayed a bit, so I'll let you know when we start out for Georgian Bay and on home.