July 10, 2017 Montreal to Montebello, Canada

It has been a while since our last update, mainly due to having problems with the wifi booster on Independence, some technical, some user but mostly with the postal service.  Never thought it could be so complicated to send a package between countries.  A bit exasperating for Ken but we are back on line or at least till be pull out this afternoon.  We plan to be on the hook tonight!!

Let me pick up from where we left off on the last blog.  We completed the 7 locks on the St. Lawrence Seaway.  Locks 2 and 3 are in America, The Eisenhower and the Snell.  They both had floating ballards.  On our first attempt to catch one we found our loop wasn't big enough but with help from the lock attendant we got firmly moored to the wall and made a drop of 42'.  The next set of locks, the Beauharnois Upper and Lower were our first rafting experience.  Me met another looper from Emerald Isle, NC.  He's doing the Triangle Loop, which is the Erie Canal through the St. Lawrence Seaway and down Lake Champlain.  It was pretty easy and fun to have someone on our shoulder (as the Canadians refer to rafting).  One thing there is no shortage of are the geese and even more goslings.  They are everywhere. 

Snell Lock - Above, like being in a canyon.  Below, moored to ballard 6.

Canada - Beauharnois Upper Lock and another flock of geese.

Canada - Beauharnois Upper Lock and our rafting buddy.

Canada - Beauharnois Upper Lock where we dropped 42'.

Once we left the Beauharnois locks we got our first glimpse of Montreal.  We still had the Canal de Rive Sud which took us around the rapids into Montreal with 2 more locks at the end of this canal but it was impressive to think how far we had travel since May.

Lac St. Louis - First view of Montreal

Canada - Canal de la Rive Sud - lots of commercial traffic but easy to stay out of their way as they move slower than we do.

Once in Montreal we had our marina in sight but had to fight 5-6 knot currents before we got to calm waters at the entrance to Montreal Yacht Club marina.  Just to give some perspective, we normally cruise at 10 knots so it was quite an adventure to keep moving forward.  The Montreal Yacht Club is in Old Port section of the city.  Great location to exploring, eating, entertaining but the marina itself is 5 stars as its facilities were awesome, the dock master, Debbie, and her crew were very friendly, and we had a loner car which we could not have survived without.  We used it everyday picking up or dropping off family, shopping, vet appointment for Roofus and exploring.  One of the first places we went to was Schwartz's.  It was recommended as one of the best places to get smoked meat sandwiches.  It was delicious.  We also tried our first puntine which is fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds.  Yum Yum!

Montreal - Schwartz's smoked meat and putine.

Sweets and treats everywhere we went.  No question about having some but deciding which one was the hardest part!

Family joined us for our annual 4th of July celebration.  Mom and Dad came in a day before the kids were due to arrive.  It was the start of many hugs and kisses over the next few days.  Due to flight delays, Melissa arrived a day before Stephanie.  By July 2nd we were all together running around town, eating and just a bit of drinking. 

Montreal - Mom and Melissa in Old Port.  One of my angels.

Montreal - Mom, Dad and Mel in front of Notre Dame Basilica

Montreal - My mom and dad with Ken and Mel at the 1967 Expo Biosphere.

Montreal - Independence all dressed up for the 4th.  She got lots of compliments.

Montreal - Mom and Stephanie. My other angel.

Happy 4th of July from us to you!

There was a zip line in the park near by where the more adventuresome of the kids, Mel and Scott, took a ride.  I went along for play photographer. 

Montreal - We found telephone booths all around the city.  Haven't seen one at home for years.  Mel had to try it out.

Montreal - The Clock Tower beach right in the middle of Old Port.  Loved the blue umbrellas.

Montreal - My mom and dad.  63 years strong and still holding hands!!!!!!!

After the kids flew home, Mom and I headed to Notre Dame Basilica.  The church is all wood on the inside and beautifully hand painted.  We spent a couple of hours admiring it all and took the opportunity to also pray in the chapel.  So glad we went.

Stained glass windows and panels so bright and colorful.

Now this is a pulpit.

By July 6th everyone was on their was home.  I am really grateful that we had this time together.  I love my family.  It had gone much too fast but we will all be together for the Christmas holidays.  Hopefully my brother, Jeff and Ken's sister, Patsi, can join us then, as they were not able to make to Montreal.

After 12 wonderful days in Montreal, we left and headed to St. Anne de Belleview.  We moored to the lock wall of this lovely and quaint town.  We stayed 2 days and enjoyed walking the waterfront, shopping at the farmer's market and just soaking up the ambiance. 

St. Anne de Belleview - Lock in the background.  It was the weekend so lots of rafting with party goers.  Both pics same view but one day and one with an amazing sunset.

Locking through the Carillon lock was an experience.  There were 6 boaters including us in the lock.  All rafted up to each other except us.  The party continued while we rose 65'!!!  And at the top of the lock we were greeted by spectators.  All very friendly.  Roofus got lots of waves and treats from the lock attendants.

We are currently in Montebello, Quebec (pic below).  Great stop.  Lots of vacationers, boats and sea doos going all over.  Weather is prefect, sunny and warm!   From here we are planning to anchor out a couple of nights then head to Ottawa and the Rideau Canal.

Post scripts from Roofus:

I have enjoyed staying still for a change, so really liked Montreal.  I got lots of hugs and kisses when the human clan got together and they were so busy going out and about that I got to stay home and rest.  A couple of times they were gone too long but they made up for it later with leftovers and doggie bags.  I have decided I like sleeping on pillows especially the round one, my human calls paper towels.  :)