Starting the Trent Severn Waterway - Ep#11

I begin at Lock #1 on the Trent Severn and learn the ropes.

[@MV_Checkmate]

I spoke too soon. The next video will actually be transiting the huge Peterborough Lift Lock. The rainy day maintenance video will follow the week after.

[@adamlivelife2608]

What you traveling through the lift locks in peterborough ? My own town your living my dream solo through the great loop

[@jcdc1824]

Keep them coming. I haven't been up the Trent-Severn for many many years. We are enjoying your trip. I hope you can do a special episode when you get to Port Severn and the cool lock at Big Chute!

[@HankFrederiks]

@@MV_Checkmate I would assume you are now on or past Georgian Bay. How was the travel through the remaining locks ? In particular, the marine railway.

[@MV_Checkmate]

@@HankFrederiks that will be in upcoming videos.

[@michaeladams8383]

Enjoy your videos and welcome to Canada ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@deanglicos4465]

Listen my friend....when I first started watching you, there were some mistakes that were shocking and yes entertaining. My 11 year old son was watching them with me. I've since watched your channel without him and he walked in today and said (and I don't mean to be rude) "is that dummy crashing his boat again"? And I explained to him that you were one who did not hide his mistakes and have really improved his boating skills. It was a learning moment for both myself and my 11 yo son. You are indeed keeping it real, and I applaud you for that! My son will learn a valuable lesson because of your videos and for that, I thank you sir. Safe travels my friend.

[@gary9674]

Glad to see you getting more confident in your quest

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thanks. Me too.

[@karikarr6377]

Really appreciated seeing you change the belt. Content like that is why I watch KZbin University! 😂👍

[@MV_Checkmate]

I appreciate that! More to come.

[@denniscolleen]

Great video content. We will keep a look out for you on Georgian Bay!

[@MV_Checkmate]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@brianlaurence3470]

Mike, it was great to meet you today at Port Severn, your final lock before entering Georgian Bay. I hope the eddies and current weren’t too bad at the bottom of the lock. Keep up the good work and safe travels.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Nice to meet you as well,Brian. No, I powered through the eddies with your advice. Have a wonderful day.

[@BobEstler]

As a future solo looper this is some of the best locking advise I have ever heard. Thank you so much for sharing your trip.

[@FPD194]

Thank you for a great trip on the Loop! I really enjoy watching and your explanation of what you have encountered! I just have a small bass boat, love fishing and at 64, admire you doing this trip by yourself.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thanks for watching.

[@HankFrederiks]

Great video. Watching you travel alone makes me think of what I'm trying to do, with my wife whom doesn't like boating too much. Lol

[@MV_Checkmate]

You can do it!

[@HankFrederiks]

@@MV_Checkmate safe voyage

[@kkeane5749]

#1 Rule on a boat NO Bannanas!! Great Videos

[@butchblum5676]

I am enjoying your videos.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Glad you like them!

[@nerdgarage]

I like how you analyzed your experiences vs what you've read/watched. As someone else said this is a big part of why I watch channels like yours ... to learn. From my own [life] experience I think the reason you seem like an old pro vs other lockers is that you [appear to] take an experience (ie tying up in a lock) and think it through until you actually _understand_ it, while most people [seem to] just file the raw information away for reference as is. This allows you make adjustments for variations to the situation (tying up) while others only have that singular specific example to refer back to which may or may not match a new situation.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Well said my friend.

[@marxtr6]

Glad you got the locks down. Keep doing what you’re doing.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thank you! Will do!

[@theabsolutetruth2024]

Finally! A Looper who has finally done some fishing! Nice bass! Awesome to see! Safe travels, sir!

[@MV_Checkmate]

More to come!

[@brianwallebeck1906]

I'm wondering what the ins and outs of license requirements?

[@MV_Checkmate]

@@brianwallebeck1906 I bought the non resident 1 year permit. It was $52 www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence-non-residents-canada

[@HankFrederiks]

I also just passed the 70 mark in life. I'd over my assistance to you doing the locks. I live near North end of Lake Simcoe

[@nelsonongai9506]

Great videos, I live on Lake Simcoe. Do a shopping vid in the towns you are docking in. Get yourself some poutine or ice cream, walk around a bit. Make for interesting vid also. Keep up the great job and enjoy Canada 🇨🇦 cheers

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thanks for the tips!

[@jbrushoe]

I have to admit that first lock you encountered I was lol a bit😅 You had her mid tied and she really can't go anywhere. Love your honesty, keep up the great content. Far winds and following seas 👍

[@MV_Checkmate]

Yep, live and learn. At least I’m having a great time. Thanks for your comments.

[@jbrushoe]

@@MV_Checkmate no matter what anybody says at least your out there doing it.👍 The only way I have ever learned anything is the school of hard knocks.LOL

[@brianwallebeck1906]

'Lifeon the boat' content would be awesome. Living the loop vicariously I am

[@MV_Checkmate]

It’s challenging coming up with content at times. I’ve got some more stuff coming up. Stay tuned.

[@nerdgarage]

There is nothing 'boring' about 'the daily grind'. I look forward to the next video and boat maintenance.

[@MV_Checkmate]

I still have one more video to come before the maintenance day. I think I spoke one week out of line.

[@ReaganBosveld]

i love your videos!

[@mikaelpedersen1327]

Another great video. Also enjoyed watching you do the maintenance in the engine room.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thanks. I’ve got more maintenance coming.

[@raypeavey3515]

We enjoy watching your channel! Great job, wonderful content and thanks for sharing!

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thank you so much!

[@MrRules100]

Glad you are feeling comfortable with the locks! I have never done them but, like you, In have watched and read about possible problems. The more different things you can include in your videos the better for me. I have not done the loop and at 83, probably won't . Experience usually makes us better at whatever we are trying to do so keep at it and I look forward to the rest of your journey until you cross your wake.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thanks for sharing.

[@renatrepanier8125]

Another wonderful video! Thank you for your time in putting these together. We’ve seen other boaters go through the Peterborough Lift Lock. Looking forward to your take on it! Fair winds and following seas!

[@MV_Checkmate]

Many thanks!

[@jrschantz]

Yes...I don't need to hear anyone else's choice in music. Save that for the sandbar. I've really been interested in your solo effort more because of that than the actual travel. At the onset of your Loop, I thought, "this could get real interesting in a hurry", but you've gone with the flow and made it all work. Quite an accomplishment. Maybe I'll be able to catch you sometime as you pass through the Straits of Mackinac area. Cruiser "Last Resort" Mackinaw City Municipal.

[@ronkeay8173]

I just started to watch your videos.....very, very informative and interesting.....will continue to follow your journey....tip in Canadian $

[@MV_Checkmate]

I need to go get some Canadian bills. So far the dock hands have no problem with the American money as the ones I have talked to say they visit the US quite frequently.

[@bryfree]

Just wanted to say that I've really enjoyed watching your videos and you have been an inspiration to me and my wife. Congrats on going for it!!

[@MV_Checkmate]

So glad to hear you are enjoying watching.

[@glbaker5595]

At least you did not wait around till you could not do your trip like I did, I retired and bought me a touring bike and going to travel this beautiful country, got the bike on a Monday got used to it and packed my stuff up on a Thursday evening going to leave out Friday instead Friday morning I was in a Life flight helicopter heading to Lexington for quadruple bypass surgery, never have got back to where I feel like I could take and make that kind of trip, so I've got a brand new bike it's about 8 years old with less than 3,000 mi on it in my basement,, may God bless you and please enjoy yourself you deserve it,

[@Steve-qn8gn]

Don’t sit around, get up and start moving around a little at a time. Even if you have to improvise on your original plan, don’t give up on it.

[@MV_Checkmate]

@glbaker5595 It’s stories like yours that give me motivation.

[@glbaker5595]

@@Navy1977 a 650 VStrom,,

[@vernoneasterday9838]

I like your videos.

[@prestonfortin9419]

This was very interesting. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@steevetheriault1717]

I can't wait to see you go through Big Chute Lock and Peterborough Lock

[@barbarahuson8831]

Amazing to come across your videos today. I live near Lake Simcoe. If there's anything you need while in the area, please let us know, be happy to help you! Hope you enjoy your visit to Canada. Happy Canada Day!

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thank you so much. Happy Canada Day to you as well.

[@philboyer2036]

Enjoyed the video. I will be heading up the Trent Severn in Aug. You should show some of the scenery a bit more especially after you cross Simcoe as you enter the Canadian Shield area which is very nice.

[@MV_Checkmate]

I will be. It is spectacular!

[@danielnicholls6868]

i had a line jam at the buckhorn lock going up. glad i keep a sharp knife handy.👍👍

[@tomtillman4650]

I’m really enjoying your journey. I plan to do the loop in a year or two. I will also be solo much of the way. I can’t tell you how many “experts” have told me I can’t do it alone. Ha…. I’m also a huge fisherman and plan to fish as much as possible. You are about to enter bass fishing nirvana. Some of the best smallmouth fishing in the world is in the thousand island, Georgian bay and Great Lakes. I’m jealous… Happy trails….Tom

[@AdventuresCG]

It can be done solo. Don't listen to those that it can't. You would be surprised at the number of solo boaters and loopers. Some boats make it easier than others. So research the vessels you are interested in to see what features make it easier for soloing.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thanks for the comments. I plan to do a lot more fishing.

[@craigaustin4779]

I boat the Trent and Otanabee rivers nearly every week, I will keep an eye out for you.

[@MV_Checkmate]

It’s a beautiful place.

[@ThomasKuhar]

I always thought I wanted to do the loop, but travelling with you is much better. I don't have to pay for fuel or make up my bunk each morning! Safe travels!

[@hawkdsl]

Very glad to see you got the lock situation figured out. The marina at the opening has to be one of the finest marinas I've ever seen. As far as future updates go it would be nice to get the specs of your boat, what year is it, engine type and manufacturer... and all that jazz.

[@AdventuresonTour]

Trent Port is my home marina.. Andrew and his staff are amazing

[@craigaustin4779]

I have a big carbiner on a rope to clip to the Lock lines, works slick and doesn't stick.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Wow, that sounds quite interesting. I might give it a try. Thanks.

[@johnmarschalk1977]

Mayflies is what everyone calls them. Just watched some Canadians starting the loop and she said what the real name was. They've only got 4 videos out so far. RIMO is the name of their channel I believe

[@nerdgarage]

I would definitely use horizontal bags for locking, but vertical for most docking. Basicly if you're against a wall, horizontal bags, if you're against a shelf (ie dock), vertical bags. YMMV

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thanks for the tips.

[@Najitaka]

I enjoy your videos. I've been following since day one of your Great Loop trip. It's your "welcome to the internet" moment catching trolls, congrats you've arrived at the internet. I think you've come a long way since the departure wind issues and the first lock where you hurt your back. Experience is the best teacher. If you don't mind my asking, what was your reasoning about using your bow thruster as an emergency tool only? I think if I've got a tool, use it. Did you mean you wanted to be good enough with the engines, not to require using it? I think the more wind and current you are in, the more you'll be able to anticipate what you need to do. Hope you continue to have good weather and safe travels.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Yes, probably a poor choice of words. It is exactly as you stated. I want to be good as possible with the engines and not rely on the thrusters is probably what I should’ve said. Thanks for watching. Cheers

[@tjborekvideo]

I'm enjoying your Great Loop series and learning a lot. Although not my first choice, I may end up doing the Loop single-handed someday, so I'm wondering if a twin engine express cruiser 30 to 35 ft. LOA might be easier to manage? A flybridge seems like a liability due to being more vulnerable to wind, rocking, and going up and down stairs for handling lines. In your experience, what would be the smallest capable--in terms of cruising range and seaworthiness--boat for the loop? I won't add comfort to the equation because that is a relative term; after all, I've heard of men cruising the Loop on a WaveRunner. I look foward to your next installment! God bless you in your travels!

[@MV_Checkmate]

Definitely a twin engine for multiple reasons. And I agree, the flybridge can be a hindrance in single handing a boat. I have seen many Xpress cruisers doing the loop. Looks like an easy boat to handle. For single handing I would have preferred the minimal cabin space however resale value is better on a boat that can accommodate a couple.

[@steevetheriault1717]

Thank you very much for the comment at the end of your video regarding the locks

[@MV_Checkmate]

You bet!

[@steevetheriault1717]

@@MV_Checkmate I'm looking to do the Loop alone, and lots of people told me it was impossible, because of the locks. You prove that it is possible.

[@jrfmichigian]

I didn't know you had to pay!! Is that going down the Mississippi also!! How much all together did all the locks cost?? Did you have to pass into Canada? I'm going to have to do it as cheap as possible! Sorry for all the questions! Im enjoying watching you!! When are you going to be in Michigan

[@jrfmichigian]

​The hole loop? I'm wanting to start I'm Michigan and Go down the Mississippi was still adding to my question you answered fast i​@@Navy1977

[@AdventuresonTour]

The Trent system in Canada is $5 per boat foot (based on mfg spec length), for a complete system 1 way pass.

[@rickdoll7220]

Great lock comments. The 3 foot loop makes a lot of sense. Thanks!! Is there a fee for the Erie canal?

[@MV_Checkmate]

The Erie Canal has no fee.

[@pokeygravityryder]

Just keep an eye out for broken pvc covering. I’ve had mine catch on a section of cable that was missing an inch of the pvc covering while on the Rideau Canal.

[@BobEstler]

About your migraines when you drink. Not sure if you have always been that way but I used to drink in college and then started suffering a similar thing. It started with two beers and I felt like i was hung over, then latter, even one beer would make me feel awful. Turns out I hared a large brain tumor the size of an apricot. I think the alcohol dilated the blood vessels in my brain and there just was not enough room for everything. There is medication for what I have and now 20 years latter and with treatment I can have a beer with my dinner again.

[@lesliefleming4359]

I like what you’re doing, but as you say, if you can make it more interesting with going around, lightning storms, cruising during the day during a rainstorm, boat repairs. I’m so glad you’re having fun. I’ve been up and down the canals Hudson river in lakes for 45 years. Just thinking what would be interesting to me.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thank you so much for the comments. Have a wonderful day.

[@jrfmichigian]

The answer us!! No bananas on boat's!!

[@Steve-qn8gn]

I’m very conflicted, I too want to stop listening to social media as gospel, and yet here we are 😂

[@MV_Checkmate]

I know, It’s a strange world we live in. Just remember.. everything you read on the Internet is gospel, ha.

[@winnie363]

Can you explain the fees associated with the Trent Severn locks, is it a per foot cost for locking and overnighting can I just buy locking fees and no overnighting fees can I just overnight on the waterways. Are there any amenities to camping on the wall?

[@MV_Checkmate]

Here is a link that should give you all the answers you seek. parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/visit/tarifs-fees

[@AlaskaRog]

Nice video but I would encourage you to fly your Canadian courtesy flag forward of the American flag displayed at your transom. Traditionally it was flown at the starboard mast spreader. If you have two masts it’s supposed to be flown at the forward mast spreader. I suspect you could find a place to display the Canadian flag that would be more in accordance with flag etiquette and “rules” than its irrelevant t location near the American flag. I enjoy your videos. Please keep them coming.

[@robgionet9582]

You didnt show the lock at Peterborough, or the one at Kirk field. Two the highlights of the Trent Severn.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Next video will be the big lift lock. I forgot that I’m one week behind in my videos.

[@charliemanders1417]

Did you purchase a fishing license as required in Ontario. Nice bass!!!!

[@MV_Checkmate]

Yes I did

[@charliemanders1417]

@@MV_Checkmate perfect, only asked to make sure your fishing experience in Ontario wasn’t ruined by an over site. Safe travels and we love your videos!!!

[@michaelgill5673]

In Canada you MUST have a fishing license

[@MV_Checkmate]

Yes, that is correct. I purchased the full year license before I entered Canada because I knew I was going to be fishing. It was worth it.

[@wlarrry]

Where abouts are you in real time today July 1st, I'm not far from the trent

[@wlarrry]

Saw a looper in Buckhorn today,boat name is Sea Bearings

[@MV_Checkmate]

I will be entering Georgian Bay today.

[@johnmarschalk1977]

Maybe ROMI. First 2 letters of each 1st name. She's Michelle. Guess he's Robert or Roger. Maybe Rick. LOL.

[@craigaustin4779]

Most of those students have never been on a boat, be careful. The often say " perfect" but don't always mean it.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Copy that. Thanks.

[@TheGoldenboy476]

Did you get your CDN fishing licence? Cops take that very seriously in the area. Heads up

[@Tom123mike]

Do you need a Canadian fishing license? Aren’t bananas on a boat bad luck?

[@MV_Checkmate]

1) Yes, I purchased the full years Canadian fishing license when I started my Loop. 2) I’m not superstitious. I always have bananas on my boat.

[@craigdarby9533]

Pretty sure the bananas weren't bad luck for the boat that brought them here.

[@glenngray1201]

@@craigdarby9533😂 funny but your right ..

[@craigaustin4779]

Competent workers are hard to find and tend to be spread thin, friendly but useless people are everywhere.

[@MV_Checkmate]

You are so correct.

[@hterrebrood]

When single handed, do not leave your boat. A Hank of line in a loop to throw over a cleat or bollard is the method of securing your boat. Do not leave your boat. A sudden gust and the boat is moving away leaving you to attempt to pull it back. When you were younger, you might win that battle. Now?

[@hterrebrood]

I haven’t operated a boat that small since the 1980s in high school, but even when younger, I didn’t leave the boat when single handed. My 48’ Egg would drag you away in a breeze.

[@MV_Checkmate]

@@hterrebrood I understand what you’re saying and I do agree, but maybe I need to do a video that shows my reasoning why I jumped off the boat in that situation. Sometimes you just have to do what you got to do even if it’s not right.

[@vernoneasterday9838]

People exaggerate!

[@Garethclaydon]

your virtical fenders are too low, in loch they shoudl be up on rub rail, they wont dig in that way

[@steveblake4187]

Your belt issue makes me wonder about the bearings in the tensioner. And, have all the bananas you want. I have seen otherwise rational people take this superstition seriously.

[@panacea407]

Was enjoying the video, until your 20 minute dissertation. Less preaching, more boating please. Your viewers/subscribers will appreciate it.

[@gordmccormack]

We all watch these videos to learn stuff, mainly through the experiences of others who are good enough to spend the time producing them for us. It is not only about pretty pictures, So if part of it is listening to an opinion, sharing part of their learning that will ultimately help make others worry less and enjoy it more…. Bring it on!