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 …