If you have always wanted to do something but not sure how you could accomplish it – JUST DO IT! Your attempt will bring immense self-confidence and satisfaction. We just completed a month long trip on the Trent Severn Waterway by boat. My husband has had Multiple Sclerosis for thirty years and cannot walk, so he brings his scooter. Our boat is thirty feet long and has a flybridge with four steps to the top. He can get up there holding onto the handrails but moves slowly. Because boats are narrow, there is always something to hang onto for support.

There are forty-seven locks on the Trent each way. The locks are huge chambers from ten to as much as seventy feet high or more. There are lines hanging down from the top that are sixteen feet apart. The goal is to secure your boat between the lines so you must get hold of one for each end of the boat. Usually two people manage this maneuver but since my husband can't get down from the bridge fast enough, I would grab a line to secure the centre of the boat to stabilize it, hand it over to my husband and then reach for the stern line to secure the back of the boat. The lockmasters are not able to help you going up because of the height, but are very patient and helpful giving advice if you run into trouble. The best advice at all times is "don't panic". Boaters are helpful and try to look out for each other. If your boat starts to swing sideways,
(which can happen), your neighbor beside you will fend you off and lend a hand to stabilize you.

Washrooms/Showers: The locks only have washrooms and are always located at the top of the lock so we would try to dock on the side where they were located. If that side was full, (there is no handicapped docking), you would have to cross a platform bridge. We would have to lift the scooter up on the bridge and then lift is down on the other side. A little inconvenience but not impossible. Most of the washrooms are accessible but a few have a step to get inside. Parks Canada is presently upgrading to make the necessary changes, but of course at one time disabled people never went boating. As soon as you ask for help you receive it. Everyone and I mean everyone is extremely sensitive and courteous to you when they see your need. The showers are at the marinas or "when you jump in the lake for the full body wash." If you mention to the marina staff that you have a scooter to unload, they will always accommodate your docking. Many marinas have fully handicapped showers/washroom facilities and go above and beyond to make things work for you.

Parks Canada: Lockmasters and staff are extremely helpful and courteous. While docked in Bobcaygeon we got off the boat, unloaded the scooter and went shopping. My husbands' scooter ran out of power at the docks and so we asked if we could plug in at the Lockmasters' office. They not only let us do that but also went to get a chair so that my husband could sit down while we waited for the batteries to recharge. On the return trip we were locking down and the parks staff were always eager to help us tie up and set our lines.

While we were in Peterborough my husband had a M.S. attack and could not move. The little mobility that he had seized up completely. I didn't know how we could carry on. My first thought was to make plans to have the boat trucked back and rent a car to get us home. We were out for dinner when all this happened and I wasn't sure how he was going to get back on the boat. He just could not move. We made our way back to where the boat was docked by scooter and then just out of nowhere two big strong men asked if they could help us. They were like "angels" to me because there was no way I could lift my husband into the boat. They offered to lift the scooter back into the boat as well. After a good nights rest my husband felt great and was able to move about again so we continued our trip north.

In all we went through seventy locks and almost as many dockings. If you are thinking of this kind of trip – don't hesitate!! Your pleasure will far outweigh your fears and you will also be an encouragement to others while showing able-bodied people just how much a person can do if they really want to.

Next year we are thinking of another boat trip...perhaps the Rideau Canal or Georgian Bay. We are determined to continue on and do as much as we can and never give up.