August 7, Day 55 - In Peterborough

This morning we woke up to warmer temperatures (mid 60’s) and beautiful blue skies. It was another of those perfect weather days. After a quick breakfast we decided to walk to the Peterborough Lift Lock while it was still cool. We strolled along a trail down by the river, through a couple of parks and eventually made it to the lock. We took a few video clips of the cruise boat as it locked up and then again as it locked down. It was the only boat around, with the exception of one other boat locking down. It was interesting to watch the whole process and now we have a pretty good idea of what we’ll be doing tomorrow.

Next we visited the Peterborough Archives and Museum which had very good exhibits concerning the history of the area.

We also stopped at a place that sells electric bikes and Gerry took a test ride. He was very impressed with the torque and acceleration, not to mention how quiet and solid it was. It isn’t as fast as our gas powered bikes, but certainly adequate for scooting around town – quietly and smell free. Hmmmmm – have to sleep on this one.

Back at the boat we did a little maintenance and cleaning. During the cleaning process Gerry had a bit of an accident. Boy, what he won’t do to get out of work.

Later in the evening we walked (well, Gerry hobbled) across the street to Captain George’s Fish & Chips & Family Restaurant. It was very crowded, but we got an outside table and it was very pleasant sitting there sort of people watching and enjoying a couple of glasses of wine with dinner.

Back at the boat we just kicked back and relaxed and listened to the music coming from the band that is playing at the hotel next to the marina. We plan on heading out early in the morning. Not sure where we will stop …. We’ll just see what the day brings.




The Children's Pond along the trail on our way to the Lock. This little girl was adorable.

Some more of the park

More statues at the park

A view of the trail along the river

Arriving at the Peterborough Lift Lock

The lock itself. It went into service in 1904. It is really an engineering feat, especially considering it is over 100 years old. The lift works like a simple balance beam scale. A boat enters a huge tank called a pan. Parallel to that chamber, but 65 feet up on a big piston is another identical chamber. The water in each chamber weighs 1,500 tons. When the upper chamber is filled with an extra foot of water (130 tons) the increased weight in the upper tank forces the lower tank, boats and all, to rise on its piston, while the upper tank sinks down. It doesn't matter how many or what size boats are in each pan as the boats displace their own weight.

Tour boat entering the lower pan

The view from above

This is an Albin 36 we saw parked at the lock. It was an older boat, but in perfect condition and spotless. We figured the owners were just out for a little cruise, but we spoke with someone who told us it was a liveaboard couple that traveled all over. Don't know how they keep it looking perfect. Our boat looks nothing like this -- it constantly has that "lived on" look.

A very neat Harley with cargo trailer we spotted in the parking lot

Clock Tower -- humm -- wonder what time it is

"As I was walking down the street one day

A man come up and asked me what the time was that was on my watch, yeah

And I said

Does anybody really know what time it is"

Words courtesy of CHICAGO

(Deborah ... this is for you)

On our way back to the Marina, we walked down a different trail, over the old railroad track and were surprised to see .... Monk's Vineyard

Sign at a local bar ..... NOT necessarily a good deal.

Peterborough Lift Lock moving up

Lock reaching the top

Boat entering the lock from the top.

Lock starting down.

Peterborough Marina fountain with full moon rising.