We entered "The Ditch" shortly after 10:30. This is the first of the strictly man-made portions of the waterway. There are more herons than you can count along here, and we did spot a bald eagle. There are also loons here - in their drab winter plumage, and looking nothing like those we are used to seeing in Georgian Bay. 
There were no locks to pass through today, but we did come across a tow, The Chippewa, travelling downstream ahead of us. Passing a tow going the opposite direction needs concentration and a steady hand on the wheel. Overtaking a tow going in the same direction requires nerves of steel - the first time, at least. The tow captains speak a language of their own, including instructions to pass "on the 1 whistle" or the "2 whistle". One of our guide books explained what this meant when passing in opposite directions - but didn't mention a word about overtaking!! So we asked the captain what that meant in language we understood...did he mean pass to his port or his starboard? All became clear, despite a southern accent nearly impossible to understand.
With another 'first' under our belts we headed to an anchorage called Five Finger Bay, a beautiful spot that reminded us both very much of home.
A short ride in the dingy showed us clearly how the water continues to change the shorelines.
Four other boats travelling together arrived shortly after we did, and anchored in another small bay across from us. While I was making dinner, Michael dingy'd over to say hello.
We are planning an early start tomorrow, and will be meeting up with Gay and Mike on Irish Attitude, who we met at Grand Harbor. The forecast is good, and we're keeping our fingers crossed as we have a long day planned.
Today's miles: 36 to Tenn-Tom Mile Marker 414
Total miles: 200.5
Total miles: 200.5
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