Robert H. Wilkinson
New member
Last winter at the Hamilton Ontario boat show we stopped for perhaps 3 or4 seconds too long at the Stingray booth and were set upon by a salesman determined not to let us get away......Well come May we were driving home with our brand new 205cs. 20'11" of beauty and speed!! I had the dealer install a plotter and vhf (standard horizon). I then spent the summer outfitting it for cruising,,,a 20'cuddy cruiser??? just insane most boaters would think,, but I knew the C Brats would understand. It came with full canvass, sink, porta poti and single burner butane. On the swim platform I had a pedestal barbeque, propane cooler (Dometic) and an instant hot water shower (Bass Pro store) added. Shore power, inverter, onboard charger house battery, a extra marine cooler for dry goods,,, yes we were ready!!! I said to my wife, we will do a 9 day shakedown cruise to see if we need anything else or if our boat is too small.. .. .. This story is about the incredible couple we met while moored for the night at the bottom of Youngs Point lock (mile 104.5) on the Trent Severn. After the locks were closed for the evening, the lockmaster from Lakefield (mile 98.7) came by and started unloading firewood from the back of his pickup. We were the only boat at the bottom that night so he came over and told us we were welcome to use the wood but that he had brought it for a couple that would be along later in a canoe. I expected perhaps a young, local couple out for a few days of lock camping. When they arrived I went over to greet them and point out the firewood that had been delivered for them. I was surprised to see a couple who I suspect must have been in their late 60's. After commenting how beautifull their cedar strip canoe was, I casually asked how far they were going. The gentleman calmly stated that their truck was waiting for them in Port Severn!!!! It took a minute for the signifigance of that to hit me, but looking at him I got the impression that he was wondering -- what other possible answer could there be to that question!!! Your doing the entire Trent (240 miles) in a canoe I asked? incredulously. Yes, with the grace of God and Lake Simcoe he says. Now I know that a cedar strip slides threw the water easier than fibreglass but still-- fully loaded for cruising?!! He had just finished making camp when it started a light rain. Undaunted he proceeded to make a small fire. We talked while he let it burn down then cooked 2 awsome looking steaks on a small grill directly on the coals. Now I asssumed they were retired and would be taking a month or so for this trip. I was again astounded when he told me that they had to average 20 miles per day (paddling). The 4.5 Evinrude on the square back of their canoe was for Lake Simcoe - if she gets rough and for evenings if their tired and need to put in a few miles to make a particular landfall before it gets too dark to make camp. I told him he should right a book about their adventure. 240 miles in 2 weeks, paddling a fully laden canoe 20 miles per day, making and breaking camp every day, sleaping on the ground in a tent every night, minimal cooking and comfort equipment---I'm sure it would sell!!.. I took a picture of them the next morning paddling into the Youngs Point lock. I will try adding it to my profile for you to see . I never got their last names all I know is they were from Hamilton Ontario, but I will never forget that incredible and brave couple. They were an inspiration. After that day I never once questioned my boat. I had a comfy cuddy to sleap in, shelter from the rain, and all the comforts of home. (well almost) After that day I felt like a millionare cruising on a luxury yacht. Regards Rob