William Self
Date: August 2, 2015
Time: ~5:30 AM to ~8:00 AM
Launch Point: Trusty Cherry Beach
Destination: Port Lands Ship Channel
Crew: Michael Mitchener & William Self
Conditions: Light and variable winds with smooth seas in a very protected channel.
Sightings:
1 sleek mink, many ducks, a haunted boat, 3 freighters, a SWAT team, 2 power plants, many dog walkers and dogs (of course), 1 star in the making, a couple on a board, and a "you shall not pass" drawbridge.
William Self
After reading about the latest plans for the Port Lands including the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project, we thought we'd explore the before view of Port Lands waterways before they gentrify the joint. This also seemed like a true urban voyage and different from some of our more nature-oriented past trips around the Spit and Toronto Islands.
Michael Mitchener
Initially we thought we'd put Nessie into the water off Commissioners near Carlaw but realized that would involve a 5 foot drop into the water and wouldn't bode well for our camera equipment (or Nessie). The rowing club near this location has a dock in the water but it's locked up behind a fence. Not put off, we headed to our trusty launch location, Cherry Beach.
Michael Mitchener
The moon was full and still prominent in the sky as we put Nessie into the calm water about 5:30. We took a few pictures and jumped into the canoe and headed out. It was another beautiful morning, very calm and quiet as we rounded the point and saw our first view of the city.
Michael Mitchener
Passing by the old Rochester Ferry dock, we noticed a large group of people dressed in black gathered on the edge of the pier. I'm guessing they were police officers involved in some sort of training exercise. Thankfully they took little notice of us as we passed by.
William Self
Next on the route was two large docked freighters. Nothing makes you feel smaller than passing one of these towering bad boys in a 15 foot canoe. They are freakin' huge and must extend 8-10 stories above the water. They didn't seem to be going anywhere so we passed by fairly close in awe.
William Self
After that we headed towards the Cherry Street drawbridge noticing a sign on the bridge that stated:
CAUTION
BRIDGE UNMANNED
Commercial vessels only
Small craft access by prior
arrangements only.... 416-462-1260
Toronto Port Authority
We quickly evaluated our options as a non-commerical vessel with no appointment, and put our heads and paddles down and went for it. Luckily, we entered the channel unchallenged.
William Self
The ship channel is amazing. It's huge, sheltered and full of potential. We were shocked how much distance we had covered once we reached the turning basin and looked back to the drawbridge. It must have been quite the feat of engineering to build the channel initially complete with turning basin.
Michael Mitchener
Today, there are numerous industrial sites, power plants, and salt piles which make for interesting photo subjects.
Michael Mitchener
Once we reached the turning basin, we turned but to be honest, we had lots of room to maneuver. I'm not sure what they were thinking when they built the basin (obviously not Nessie).
Michael Mitchener
Michael Mitchener
Heading back to Cherry Beach, we hoisted Nessie onto the car, and headed to the Mercury Espresso Bar on Queen Street for a couple cortados and scones on the patio.
Michael Mitchener
It was great to get out to a new spot for a change of scenery and a new perspective on the Port Lands.
William Self
