Day 44 Through The Chute and the end of TSW

Today's the big day! We've been hearing about The Chute for a long time. It's a lock of sorts, but there is a machine/railway car that goes under water at the entrance. Straps are put under your boat just like when you are hauling in or out. You are lifted and set on the deck of the rail car and go over train tracks to be lowered into the final stretch of The Trent Severn.
We anticipated a long wait here, but we were waved right in!
What a ride.
We pass the vessel Steadfast with Mark and Susan Perlick at the helm from NCYC before the chute heading in the opposite direction with friends on another boat. Mark and Susan helped us find some great anchorages 2 years ago on our first visit to The North Channel. Although we both are members of the same Yacht Club, NCYC in La Salle, we had never met them and ran into them at Meldrum Bay. Great things just happen out here!
The last lock of the system is supposed to be easy, however, rude boaters made it a bit frustrating for the captain.

We finally go through with a couple power boats, Two Turtles (lopper's), and a wave runner PWC. After the bridge narrows and more rude boaters coming at us, it's smooth boating all the way to Beacon Bay Marina where we enjoy a swim and relax.