DAY 11 - MONTREAL QUEBEC

This morning was sloooow, sunny and warm.  Had to have some maple bacon (in honor of Canada) along with good old Enya. It was a serene and lovely morning. And we are relishing our dock spot.

Obviously not Canadian bacon, but it is maple bacon!

 ‘He who must  have the cleanest boat’ now that we are in a showy marina, cleaned and then cleaned, then cleaned a little more – even some things that I had already cleaned. I should be insulted – but I’m not. Rather enjoyed it. I don’t know where he is getting the energy – shades of Lady K – Bill & Kate, you would be proud!

After a morning walk along the harbor side of town, we came back to just relax. Not only are the sights in this part of the city fun but there is music playing throughout in the background – I have no idea from where. Oh, and it’s Taco Fest this weekend right next to the marina – and we resisted (Ted adds “so far”).

Crazy people

Where else to zipline but over the town

Betty's clone

Everyone here speaks French. I know … go figure. Je m’appelle Lizette. That’s from high school French class. There are certain phrases that my mind is resurrecting and I’m rather surprised. Thank you, Sister Agnes Clare. You may have scared me to death but you were a good teacher and, had we been contemporaries, I believe I would have enjoyed knowing you. I recall a mischievous twinkle in her eye. It helped that I liked French – Latin, not so much. You MUST ask Ted to speak French – and tell me who he sounds like. But, as they say, I digress.

Later in the day we walked through Old Montreal and had dinner at La Sauvagine. Delish! I think that Is French for ‘delicious’ … or not. Blame Sister Agnes Clare.

Michael's Pub - had our 1st Anniversary dinner here 2006

La Sauvagine

And Good-Night

DAY 10 - 4 COMMERCIAL LOCKS AND MONTREAL QUEBEC - AT LAST !

RAIN! Ted doesn't drive from the lower helm so the wipers are just for show. Never used them

Yup, this is how 'beauty' looks. Reminiscent of our 'Big Trip' 6 years ago - even the rain pants with the patch.

Woke up to a lot of rain. Hurried to make it to the bridge opening at 9:00 which was 5 miles away. It didn’t open until 9:20 and we had to make it to the locks by 11:00 a.m.  Not a lot of time. Once we got through the lift bridge, we went a little way and saw another lift bridge that we didn’t expect. It was already open!  9-Knot-Ted gave it his best shot but as we pulled up, a ship exited and the lift bridge went down. It was another 20 minutes until the Bridge Master (?) opened as he had to clear car traffic.

Today's route

Lift Bridge Down

Lift Bridge Up

Saw many ships today. Took pictures of few.

Hurried to reach the Canadian Upper Beauharnois  and arrived at the waiting dock, only to have to wait almost 3 hours - ships have priority. Another boat tied up to us – a lovely French couple.  The gentleman spoke only a little English. His lady spoke better English – and Ted and I – well, you already know how well we speak French. He gave us restaurant tips to which Ted CLAIMS he couldn’t understand.  I clearly heard Chateau Montebello. The couple (didn’t get their names and was too embarrassed to ask after 3 hours) have a large black cat who roams their bow and gunwales.  I’m not superstitious, but the way things have been going, there is something in me that hopes that cat doesn’t jump over.

3 hours at the 'waiting dock'

Not sure if this boat trip is aging me or keeping me young.  Could go either way but right now …. feel like I'm aging - quickly.  The ‘joy’ of doing commercial locks is escaping me. It’s much better today (what wouldn’t be) so, for that, I’m grateful.  When in the Upper and Lower Beauharnois Locks we were the largest boat so they put us on the wall and had 2 other boats raft off us. Ted and I caught the lines off the wall and let them out as we went down in the lock – Ted on the aft and me on the bow. My fenders and lines were out on both port and starboard as I never know where we are going to have to go on the waiting docks or the locks. Fine … but we had two boats tied off our starboard side. Those people sat there chatting and laughing while Simple Pleasures held all three. But of course, I’m not complaining. Well, maybe a tat – and it’s not difficult but Ted complained too. It happened in 3 out of 4 locks and Ted spent most of his day tying lines on our boat AND everyone else’s. I, as well as those who know Ted well, would think this is one of Ted’s dreams, but it turns out, he is ‘over’ tying lines all day!!!  The boaters we met today were all French - yet almost all spoke English. And I love the way boaters always help other boaters regardless of the language barrier. Evidently boaters speak "boat". We all knew what each other needed to maneuver these locks - and we are so grateful to those boaters who helped us with catching lines, etc.

In the locks and 3 abreast. We also had 2 off our starboard side

At 5:00 we arrived at Cote Ste. Catherine Lock after a 16 mile cruise. 2 ships had to go through before we could get into the lock.  Two gentlemen who were also on the VERY LITTLE waiting dock moved their boats so we could dock. We were stern in with our bow prominently out beyond the dock.  One of our locking buddies, who tied off us in the prior two locks, tied off us again. And so, again, we waited. One hour wait. 

Finally, we finished the last lock – Ste. Lambert – and I don’t recall being happier for anything to be over. Well, maybe childbirth.  As I expressed my celebratory mood to Ted, he informed me we have to go back through the last 2 locks to get to Ottawa Monday(?).  As he is my ticket back to Alex Bay, I let him live.

Last Commercial Lock - Ste. Lambert

We arrived at  Port d’Escale Marina in Old Montreal and I AM ENTHRALLED!! It is everything I had hoped and that fellow boaters, who made this cruise a few years ago, had told us. The marina is a U-shaped Basin and we are at the bottom of the U next to the Office and not far from the Rest Rooms (bonus!). I can’t wait until tomorrow as we arrived around 8:00 and were too exhausted to go out.  The lights around the marina are breathtaking!  There are fireworks off our Port side as I am writing. So grateful we are here and, like childbirth, I am already forgetting the pain of getting here.

Seeing Montreal

Entering Port d'Escale Marina in Old Montreal

 Sorry we are missing friends Paula & Rob from Charlottesville but they sent me this picture tonight. They are staying with dear friend Lynn (Odyssey) and we had a wonderful week full of adventures with them on our boat a few years ago (before our boat would only sleep 2). HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAULA!

Lynn & Paula - (Hey, where's Rob?)

We have so many family and friends in Dorian’s path.  Praying for all to escape her and hoping it weakens quickly.   Son Joe, Jenn and Cam who are in Boca are flying out Sunday.  Jenn tells me it may hit  there Tuesday morning.  Kendall should be safe in Tallahassee.  Whether evacuating or staying, we hope all who are in the path are safe.

DAY 9 - 3 COMMERCIAL LOCKS AND VALLEYFIELD QUEBEC

Woke up wondering what to wear for a ‘locking’. Really?  Last night I was all worried about DOING the locks. And woke up to ‘what to wear’? I’m not right. First chose clothes that were too hot. 2nd outfit: sat in a puddle on the bow left from last night’s rain.  So I then donned a pair of white pants that I was sure would attract every ugly piece of ‘lock yuck’. This is why I need clothes options! Then HE puts a big old chunky orange life jacket on me – life jackets are required in the commercial locks. Mortifying!  I saw he had a more modern inflatable jacket and worked out an exchange - kinda. Then he plunked the ear phone on my head. Never wore one before and it has buttons. Think I should have practiced prior to ‘the big day’. Also got out my “lock gloves” – they are good to hold lock lines and defer the lock yuck. I have a little carrying bag that I bring to the bridge or bow and packed up like I was going on a 3 month trip – sunglasses, phone, tissues, book, cap, jacket, etc.

Modeling the earphones. Ted looks just like this but different

Goodbye Prescott

Hope you can see the name - "Happy River"

Ogdensburg Bridge

Ready for the Locks - Earphones, Life Jacket and Lock Gloves

Fabulous day for cruising – not hot or cold and very calm waters. Good to hear from Jen (September) and Miles (Miles Aweigh) with inquiries and well wishes.

   

We thought the Canadian Commercial locks were about $80/lock but Ted went online and signed up for 5 for $125. We caught a sale!!!!  The 2 U.S. Commercial locks were $60.

First lock was Canadian – Iroquois. There is a ‘waiting dock’ where you tie up and use their phone on the dock to check in. They do not want you to use the VHS. All went well. We caught a cleat at the waiting dock and then went into the actual lock when instructed. My first-ever commercial lock was done and I relaxed.

Beautiful cruise

Entering Canadian Iroquois Lock

The second lock was the U.S. Eisenhower – and all hell broke loose. And I do mean it! The ‘waiting dock’ did not have cleats and was 5’ below our gunwale (side of boat where I stand). The dock had ‘rings’ to tie on to but you had to get to the dock to use them. There was a high wind that came up along with a terrific current pushing the boat off the waiting dock so it was “Bow-thruster vs. Wind/Current". Wind was winning. Ted thrusted over to the dock, then quickly came down from the Bridge to the gunwale to jump on to the dock. There was no way I could or would jump.  But wind was again winning and the boat was too far from the dock. I offered to go to the Bridge and bow-thrust over so Ted could more easily jump off – thinking he would have the line and tie us on. I went to the Bridge and after a few attempts, Ted  did successfully jump but the wind took the boat along with the line that he had. That meant I was alone on the boat and had to pilot it. Thank God we had the headphones. Ted started shooting directions to me via the headphones but most of the time I couldn’t see him … “…port forward, starboard reverse, thrust starboard …” and on and on for 5 to 7 minutes (we agree that is 2 hours in Ted/Betty ‘panic time’).  When I could see him, he looked panicky but kept shouting instructions. I went into “Just do it” mode and never said a word.  Did whatever he said. He was directing me to do a 180 degree turn to go into the wind, then I thrusted to Port until FINALLY he was able to climb up and get back on. I have NO idea how!!! He says adrenalin took over and he jumped up to catch a stantion, then jockeyed himself on board.  As he took over the helm, a yellow vehicle raced down the dock and the dockmaster told us to just go into the lock.  He said they were not set up to dock larger boats on the ‘waiting dock’.  And yet, the instructions at the entrance said pleasure craft (as opposed to ships) were REQUIRED to tie up and call the Dockmaster from a booth on the dock – not on the VHS radio.  Ted exclaimed over and over and over what an excellent job I did. I have never heard him go on like that – I think he was afraid I’d jump ship at the next port. It was really Ted who led me through it with his instructions but you KNOW that boat was not going far without Ted – or it would be sitting on rocks somewhere. When all was over and Ted had the wheel, it just hit me.  I cried.

Finally in the Eisenhower Lock

Ted getting ready to leave Eisenhower Lock

Leaving Eisenhower Lock

Out of Eisenhower and where did THAT come from?  Never did rain

2 other boats were originally scheduled to travel with us but had to renege. After this lock experience, all I could think was “Whoooaaaaa, those people are brilliant!!!”   Not going into detail, but it is sufficient to say that both Ted and I lost weight today.

The next lock was the U.S. Snell and all went fine.  About another 20 miles and we settled in at Valleyfield Marina Quebec. We are EXHAUSTED! Tomorrow 4 more commercial locks and we should be in Montreal. I will be thrilled to have the commercial locks done.

Approaching Valleyfield Marina Quebec

Valleyfield Marina Quebec

An observation:  When Ted calls to make boat reservations I hear him respond to the French:  “Allo. I would like to make a reservation for a boat-tuh.”  Every time.  I, on the other hand, am quite fluent. I know ‘Bonjour’, ‘Oui’ and ‘Merci’. This should be an interesting week.

Happy 19^th Birthday with loads of love to our granddaughter Kendall. Proud of you, Sunshine!  Forever yours …

DAY 8 - PRESCOTT ONTARIO

No cruising today. And there was no storm. Just rain and more rain! So I had ALL day to write. Problem is…little to write about.  I read as much as possible and cleaned as little as possible. Ted worked in the ‘cellar’ (some might call it the ‘engine room’) and he worked on some ‘techie’ things.  He did get TV from the airwaves BUT no HGTV … how sad is that?

Grey grey skies ... all day

Other than the pilot seat, I think this is Ted's favorite place on the boat

Thanks to Colleen (River Hens) for the shipwatch link. We also heard from Tammy in Ottawa who forwarded a link with a huge amount of information about the Rideau Canal, which starts in Ottawa.

Time allowed us to have a ‘big’ breakfast and, since in Canada, maple bacon was essential – okay, just desired.  And thank you to Jack for the amazing Alaska King Salmon for dinner! 

Breakfast

Freighter

Heard someone else is having trouble with the comments. If you go to the bottom of the page, select “Anonymous” on the pull-down menu, insert your comment and name, then click 'Publish', it should fly and we will see who wrote it. 

SO TIRED of tech issues – and pretty sure Ted is EXTREMELY tired of me asking about tech issues. He's just too nice to say so.

As you can read, it is a sloooooow day.  But tomorrow we start the locks! Ted said the first 7 are commercial.  Have never experienced commercial locks but he has. I’m nervous. Only the 2 of us on board. I'll be on the bow catching lines?

DAY 7 - PRESCOTT ONTARIO

When describing Simple Pleasures, I forgot to mention that I have a long-time mantra pictured below. Thank you to Miles & Kathy West (Miles Aweigh) for the sign. Perfect! If any of you are thinking ‘Well, Pam stayed on board’, it was a fluke!

So we locked up our cupboards and refrigerator, put anything away that might move and then …. Simple Pleasures – with ‘Nine-Knot-Ted’  and his First Mate - was out of the gate … or slip. Ted wants it known that he did 10 knots today!!!

We even lock the refrigerator in case of rough waters

And we're off ....

The day was cloudy – my favorite cruise weather. Quiet,no sun on the bridge and lunch along the way. Mary Anne & Jim (Oh My!) contacted us and gave much appreciated tips as they made the trip to Ottawa years ago.

Underway

Chart Plotter

Peaceful clouds

Passing Singer Castle

Passing Brockville

Once we neared Prescott Ontario – our first stop – we questioned whether to go further. It was early afternoon, no ships in sight and no ships going into the first lock past Prescott per the Shipwatchers website. And tomorrow is a prediction of rain. But we were not sure where we could dock once through the lock (marina beyond the lock did not answer their phone or return Ted’s message until too late) so we decided to stay here.

Prescott Port from our starboard side

Aft view - Harbor entrance

We hooked up power and water and Ted retied the lines and retied the lines and retied the lines (he’s a ‘retier’) , then went for a walk into Prescott – sweet river town. Wish we had an Uncle Bill Kimbell in every port. He loaned us a car for 3 days in New Smyrna when we were on the ‘Big Trip’. Oh, what a gift!

Well, this is different!

We were in Prescott some years ago with Miles Aweigh, Idle Time and Private Stock so things were a little familiar. There is a small Shakespearian Park here at the marina and we walked along the ‘river walk’.

Shakespearian Park on the River

Beautiful River Walk - a ship even accommodated us for the picture but only saw one other ship all day

Ate on board with Chef Ted grilling. I steamed the broccoli … exhausting!

The Chef

 Yesterday was my birthday and I appreciate the greetings – but here is a warning to those people who are thinking of getting ‘attached’. If I was 80, FINE! And I don’t mind if I say I am 80 or 81 (people tell you how great you look and some even buy you a cocktail) BUT when my husband wishes me a happy 80^th (and I'm not), I object!

Don’t know if we’ll go forward tomorrow as hard rain is predicted and commercial locks are ahead. The plan is we have no plan and the schedule is we have no schedule. Boating is a ‘fluid’ lifestyle – HA, made that up! We battened down the hatches for the rain. LOVE a good storm!