Midnight Rambler on the Loop

The adventures of MR5 as she cruises America's Great Loop

Peterborough and home

July 10-19, 2026

We needed to make a quick trip home to Connecticut and decided that Peterborough would be the ideal location. It is only 90 miles from the airport in Toronto, has a secure marina where we could safely leave the boat for several days, and even has an Enterprise rental car location nearby (yes, they really do pick you up!).

Before settling into the marina, we spent a few days tied up at two different lock walls—Scotts Mills and Ashburnham—which gave us a chance to experience a couple of different corners of the city. By the time we finally moved to the marina, we were beginning to feel like locals.

As it turned out, what began as a practical stop became an enjoyable surprise. Peterborough had plenty to see and do, and we ended up making the most of our extended stay.

On our way to Peterborough, Chris spotted a loon!!

Then, he spotted another with a baby loon!

Of course, the trip wouldn’t be complete with spotting some red chairs.

While at Scotts Mills, we had the pleasure of watching an osprey hunt for dinner…

…and plenty of fisherman fishing…but not for dinner. It’s a good thing, because we never witnessed any catching.

Enjoying a sunset after a rain shower

Although it’s difficult to make out its features, this is a black squirrel. They are as common in Ontario as the grey squirrel is in Connecticut. I’ll keep trying for a better shot…photo, that is.

Another beautiful church on our travels

We took a ride to the extraordinary Peterborough lift lock, which we will travel through after our return.

There are two large pans filled with water.

As the heavier pan lowers, the lighter pan raises. Here, the one on the right is being lowered…

…and lowered…

…and the one on the left is raised.

Boats of all sizes–including kayaks–travel through this lock.

This is a photo of the annual kayak event where hundreds of kayakers will squeeze into this lock.

A display of the Trent-Severn Waterway in the visitor’s center at the Peterborough lock

As happens, the Peterborough lift lock was out of service due to a flood in the basin.

The issue with the lock prevented boats from passing for several days, thus causing a pile up around us.

Birds on a branch
By Chris Nebel

A magnificent wooden bench outside of the Canadian Canoe Museum

The entrance to the museum does not prepare you for what lies within.

There is a workshop and courses for building and repairing canoes.

There is a room with a Class “A” Museum Environmental Control standards to protect over 600 historically significant watercraft, birch-bark canoes, and kayaks.

Even though we could only peer into the room through a large window, we were both in awe of the treasures there.

Then, we made our way through this amazing museum.

A map of Canada’s waterways

Peterborough fountain by day

Peterborough fountain by night

We paid a visit to the Peterborough Art Museum. It’s focus was on local artists.

The primary exhibit was The Pinks by Lyn Carter. These pink carved pieces are then set to animation.

We were entertained and enthralled by The Pinks animation.

Once the Peterborough lock was fixed, the first boat to travel was the Karwathas Voyager, a small cruise ship that travels to Kingston, Ontario and back.