July 29, 2011
Yep, we're still here waiting on a package of our "meds" from the States. My mistake in thinking that USPS "priority mail international" would arrive in Canada within a week. It now appears that it takes 10 days. Anyway, I'll give it until Monday and then it's "return to sender" and we're off. We know that the package left Toronto yesterday but we're coming into the weekend so Monday must be the day. Tomorrow we'll go back into Montreal and do some more touring.
It has been hot and humid here in Montreal. The last two days have produced some light rain and cloudy skies. We're using the time to make some needed repairs and study some of the navigation equipment we have aboard. So far, I've rewired the nav lights, tightened the backstay and rebedded some chainplates. I can keep busy but I'm anxious to get underway.
Observation: Since we left Lake Ontario, we've had no" Lake Flies". Even the ones on Lake Ontario were small and not biting. At the entrance to the St Lawrence Seaway flies changed to millions of tiny bugs that weren't bothersome but accumulated everywhere. In Montreal there are very few insects that we've observed. We've had no problem with mosquitoes, however, I've heard a few buzzing around.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
In Longueuil, Ont Waiting on Our Medicine Package from the States
July 27, 2011
We're on the West Bank @ Longueuil Marina waiting on our "meds". Our mail package from St Brendan's Isle arrived yesterday so, hopefully, today or tomorrow the other one will arrive. In the meantime, we are exploring Vieux Longueuil. Actually, a small French town that is quite charming. The Quebecois have been very friendly and helpful. Most speak English and communication hasn't been a problem. One would think that Phyllis would have no problem with the French part but she is so mixed up between Spanish, English and the French patois of her youth that it is difficult to get her to ask questions. I just walk up and greet in French and then speak English to which I get English. As we move down the coast this will change but Phyllis will rally to the occasion.
Montreal is touted as a very beautiful city and to some degree that is true. The "old quarter" is charming and filled with interesting buildings and narrow streets. Overall, we've seen better and are waiting on Quebec City for the really interesting tours. Having lived in Spain and toured France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Beirut, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, we are demanding in what is called "fabulous" old world beauty in North America.
The consumables and restaurants are more expensive in Canada than the States. They have wonderful supermarkets with colorful and appetising displays of food in the French tradition. They lack nothing and are better stocked that a typical American supermarket. I would hazard a guess that the prices are about 30% more. Everyone has to contribute to the health insurance and other programs that Canada has instituted. Personally, I have no problem with this. I believe in a national health insurance program in which everyone is covered. The Canadians that we have met are satisfied with it but those that live close to the USA border do their shopping on our side. We find that in a very general and broad observation, the Canadians we have seen are not as "obese" as their American counterparts. Given the food prices, maybe, they don't stuff themselves as much with gigantic portions. As we travel along, I might change this shallow observation.
So, we're topped off with water, diesel and groceries. The minute our "meds" arrive, the following morning we're off to Trois Riviere about 70 nm downstream from Montreal.
We're on the West Bank @ Longueuil Marina waiting on our "meds". Our mail package from St Brendan's Isle arrived yesterday so, hopefully, today or tomorrow the other one will arrive. In the meantime, we are exploring Vieux Longueuil. Actually, a small French town that is quite charming. The Quebecois have been very friendly and helpful. Most speak English and communication hasn't been a problem. One would think that Phyllis would have no problem with the French part but she is so mixed up between Spanish, English and the French patois of her youth that it is difficult to get her to ask questions. I just walk up and greet in French and then speak English to which I get English. As we move down the coast this will change but Phyllis will rally to the occasion.
Montreal is touted as a very beautiful city and to some degree that is true. The "old quarter" is charming and filled with interesting buildings and narrow streets. Overall, we've seen better and are waiting on Quebec City for the really interesting tours. Having lived in Spain and toured France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Beirut, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, we are demanding in what is called "fabulous" old world beauty in North America.
The consumables and restaurants are more expensive in Canada than the States. They have wonderful supermarkets with colorful and appetising displays of food in the French tradition. They lack nothing and are better stocked that a typical American supermarket. I would hazard a guess that the prices are about 30% more. Everyone has to contribute to the health insurance and other programs that Canada has instituted. Personally, I have no problem with this. I believe in a national health insurance program in which everyone is covered. The Canadians that we have met are satisfied with it but those that live close to the USA border do their shopping on our side. We find that in a very general and broad observation, the Canadians we have seen are not as "obese" as their American counterparts. Given the food prices, maybe, they don't stuff themselves as much with gigantic portions. As we travel along, I might change this shallow observation.
So, we're topped off with water, diesel and groceries. The minute our "meds" arrive, the following morning we're off to Trois Riviere about 70 nm downstream from Montreal.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Valleyfield Marina to Montreal
July 24, 2011,
We woke up this morning to very nice Wx with winds from the NE @ 5-10 kts. It was worth the layover to have these conditions to transit the final four locks: Upper Beauharnois (drops 49'), Lower Beauharnois (drops 49'), St Catherine (drops 49') and, finally, St Lambert (drops 18'). How joyful it is to be in Montreal. We found a few Quebecois sailing from Valleyfield who were going our way and docking at Longueuil, QC which is on the West bank of Montreal. This was a wonderful encounter since we didn't have to motor against a 6 kt current into old Montreal.
We left Valleyfield at 0815 hrs and arrived in Longueuil at 2100 hrs just before total darkness. The wonderful aspect of sailing is the chance encounters one comes across. Most boat people are helpful and accommodating: some are generous to a fault. The other day at Valleyfield Marina, the wind was blowing strongly from SW @20-25. I saw this beautiful motor yacht starting to dock in a berth next to us. I ran out to help with his lines and safely got him moored. Later, he spoke to Phyllis and offered us his slip in Dorval (about 25 km from Montreal) if we wanted it. He was going West for a few days and didn't need it. Fortunately, we didn't have to use it and were able to make Montreal in a single day.
In transiting the locks, we had another encounter with a Motor Yacht on which ther were two wonderful people that helped us arrange a berth at Longueuil and met us there to catch our lines. They have a permanent berth there and offered to take us grocery shopping, These French Canadians are most friendly.
What can we say about Montreal that hasn't been written about in thousands of guide books? The old quarter is charming and, like any tourist place, loaded with everything to lighten the pocketbook. Restaurants are not cheap here. We're no longer plugged into the economical travellers "word of mouth" network so we have to just look around for reasonable places.
I was able to find a nautical chart store that stocked all the Canadian charts for the entire St Lawrence River. Even though I have the charts on a MaxSea program on my computer, I'm uncomfortable without the actual paper charts. What if the computer crashes? Therefore, the expense of paper charts is a necessity for me.
The St Lawrence River has had its' way for several hundred miles now. We have locked down over 250' from Iroquois to St Lambert. That gives some idea of the tumoultuous nature of the River and the Rapids that have to be bypassed. Once we reach Tois Riviere, about 70 miles downstream of Montreal, the greater force of the Ocean and Tides starts to kick in and at Quebec ( 140 miles downstream of Montreal) there are 18' Tides. All that means that we will now be calculating High and Low water to sail on the favorable Ebb Tide. The wonderful thing about going East is the current: always there and pushing you along. It tends to be windy here: 10 to 20 kts but being in the River, nothing to worry about. Now that we're out of the locks, I don't have to hold position until we're tied up. In the future, a strong East wind against an ebb tide with set up a vicious chop and short steep seas. These conditions will necessitate a Wx delay. We still have over 1200 miles to go before we reach Bar Harbor, ME
We're waiting on our mail and Medicine that was sent from the States last Wednesday and has not arrived here. I'll give it two more days and then leave instructions to forward it someshere else. We still have enough of everything to see us through for a few months.
We woke up this morning to very nice Wx with winds from the NE @ 5-10 kts. It was worth the layover to have these conditions to transit the final four locks: Upper Beauharnois (drops 49'), Lower Beauharnois (drops 49'), St Catherine (drops 49') and, finally, St Lambert (drops 18'). How joyful it is to be in Montreal. We found a few Quebecois sailing from Valleyfield who were going our way and docking at Longueuil, QC which is on the West bank of Montreal. This was a wonderful encounter since we didn't have to motor against a 6 kt current into old Montreal.
We left Valleyfield at 0815 hrs and arrived in Longueuil at 2100 hrs just before total darkness. The wonderful aspect of sailing is the chance encounters one comes across. Most boat people are helpful and accommodating: some are generous to a fault. The other day at Valleyfield Marina, the wind was blowing strongly from SW @20-25. I saw this beautiful motor yacht starting to dock in a berth next to us. I ran out to help with his lines and safely got him moored. Later, he spoke to Phyllis and offered us his slip in Dorval (about 25 km from Montreal) if we wanted it. He was going West for a few days and didn't need it. Fortunately, we didn't have to use it and were able to make Montreal in a single day.
In transiting the locks, we had another encounter with a Motor Yacht on which ther were two wonderful people that helped us arrange a berth at Longueuil and met us there to catch our lines. They have a permanent berth there and offered to take us grocery shopping, These French Canadians are most friendly.
What can we say about Montreal that hasn't been written about in thousands of guide books? The old quarter is charming and, like any tourist place, loaded with everything to lighten the pocketbook. Restaurants are not cheap here. We're no longer plugged into the economical travellers "word of mouth" network so we have to just look around for reasonable places.
I was able to find a nautical chart store that stocked all the Canadian charts for the entire St Lawrence River. Even though I have the charts on a MaxSea program on my computer, I'm uncomfortable without the actual paper charts. What if the computer crashes? Therefore, the expense of paper charts is a necessity for me.
The St Lawrence River has had its' way for several hundred miles now. We have locked down over 250' from Iroquois to St Lambert. That gives some idea of the tumoultuous nature of the River and the Rapids that have to be bypassed. Once we reach Tois Riviere, about 70 miles downstream of Montreal, the greater force of the Ocean and Tides starts to kick in and at Quebec ( 140 miles downstream of Montreal) there are 18' Tides. All that means that we will now be calculating High and Low water to sail on the favorable Ebb Tide. The wonderful thing about going East is the current: always there and pushing you along. It tends to be windy here: 10 to 20 kts but being in the River, nothing to worry about. Now that we're out of the locks, I don't have to hold position until we're tied up. In the future, a strong East wind against an ebb tide with set up a vicious chop and short steep seas. These conditions will necessitate a Wx delay. We still have over 1200 miles to go before we reach Bar Harbor, ME
We're waiting on our mail and Medicine that was sent from the States last Wednesday and has not arrived here. I'll give it two more days and then leave instructions to forward it someshere else. We still have enough of everything to see us through for a few months.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Valleyfield Marina Wx Layover
July 22, 2011
Woke up this morning to howling winds from the SW. After listening to the Canadian Wx service which was posting a "strong wind" advisory for Montreal, I decided that I didn't want to negotiate the locks with that much wind. The problem is tying up to the Pleasure Craft Docks and then getting off again to enter the Canal.
We will spend the day here at the Marina and try it again tomorrow. We're only 40 nm from Montreal. If we leave at 0830 hrs tomorrow morning, we'll be in Montreal by 1700 hrs in the afternoon. We have mail and meds waiting for us in Montreal. I hope our engine can motor against a 6 kt current that runs for 2 nm upon entering Montreal. If we can't do it, I'll drop downstream and find another marina.
Woke up this morning to howling winds from the SW. After listening to the Canadian Wx service which was posting a "strong wind" advisory for Montreal, I decided that I didn't want to negotiate the locks with that much wind. The problem is tying up to the Pleasure Craft Docks and then getting off again to enter the Canal.
We will spend the day here at the Marina and try it again tomorrow. We're only 40 nm from Montreal. If we leave at 0830 hrs tomorrow morning, we'll be in Montreal by 1700 hrs in the afternoon. We have mail and meds waiting for us in Montreal. I hope our engine can motor against a 6 kt current that runs for 2 nm upon entering Montreal. If we can't do it, I'll drop downstream and find another marina.
Crysler Farm Marina, Morrisburg, Ont to Valleyfield Marina, Quebec
July 21, 2011
We left the dock this morning at 0715 hrs. Today we locked thru the Eisenhower and Snell locks. We were lucky that there were no delays so we didn't have to tie up to the Pleasure Boat Docks and wait for Upbound or Downbound traffic. If you're coming from Sea into the St Lawrence River, you're UPBOUND; going to Sea DOWNBOUND. Wait times can vary from thirty minutes to four hours or more. When planning out the days run and where to stay at night this has to be taken into consideration.
So far we haven't anchored at night. I'm still putting into marinas so that we can have a restful night's sleep. The navigation on the St Lawrence continues to be line-of- sight but requires diligent course changes within the channel limits. The channel is weaving and bobbing in a snakelike fashion but it isn't difficult. At the end of the day we're both tired from navigating, wind and sun. The average cost for Canadian Marinas is about $1.50 to $1.70 per foot of boat length. We measure 40 ft so it comes out to be $60 to $68 CAD a whopping 12% tax. Just about the price of a motel room in the States. This gives us water, electricity, showers and WiFi. We have built it into the budget and I highly recommed it for those travelling these waters.
Valleyfield Marina is a full service one and Sallaberry de Valleyfield was the center for the first Beauharnois Canal. This was built during the last century as a bypass to the Rapids that flow through here. It has now been superceeded by a modern Beauharnois Canal which is just 2 nm from here. This will be our next lock which drops us down 42' in the Upper Lock and 42' in the Lower Lock. This gives some idea of just how swift the Lachine Rapids are running!
Last night we went to a very modern laser light show given by the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Chamber of commerce. It is done in a section of the old Beauharnois Canal. Water fountains provide a mist upon which is projected laser images of the construction of the first Canal. Mixed in with this is the wonderful French imagination of human images swimming and flickering in strange contorsions. I'm not sure what was happening there but it gives pause to the imagination.
For the most part,the St Lawrence River has been rolling hills landscape Today we noticed mountain ranges to the South. The scenery is gorgeous and makes for a great day while navigating along the River at 7-9 kts.
We left the dock this morning at 0715 hrs. Today we locked thru the Eisenhower and Snell locks. We were lucky that there were no delays so we didn't have to tie up to the Pleasure Boat Docks and wait for Upbound or Downbound traffic. If you're coming from Sea into the St Lawrence River, you're UPBOUND; going to Sea DOWNBOUND. Wait times can vary from thirty minutes to four hours or more. When planning out the days run and where to stay at night this has to be taken into consideration.
So far we haven't anchored at night. I'm still putting into marinas so that we can have a restful night's sleep. The navigation on the St Lawrence continues to be line-of- sight but requires diligent course changes within the channel limits. The channel is weaving and bobbing in a snakelike fashion but it isn't difficult. At the end of the day we're both tired from navigating, wind and sun. The average cost for Canadian Marinas is about $1.50 to $1.70 per foot of boat length. We measure 40 ft so it comes out to be $60 to $68 CAD a whopping 12% tax. Just about the price of a motel room in the States. This gives us water, electricity, showers and WiFi. We have built it into the budget and I highly recommed it for those travelling these waters.
Valleyfield Marina is a full service one and Sallaberry de Valleyfield was the center for the first Beauharnois Canal. This was built during the last century as a bypass to the Rapids that flow through here. It has now been superceeded by a modern Beauharnois Canal which is just 2 nm from here. This will be our next lock which drops us down 42' in the Upper Lock and 42' in the Lower Lock. This gives some idea of just how swift the Lachine Rapids are running!
Last night we went to a very modern laser light show given by the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Chamber of commerce. It is done in a section of the old Beauharnois Canal. Water fountains provide a mist upon which is projected laser images of the construction of the first Canal. Mixed in with this is the wonderful French imagination of human images swimming and flickering in strange contorsions. I'm not sure what was happening there but it gives pause to the imagination.
For the most part,the St Lawrence River has been rolling hills landscape Today we noticed mountain ranges to the South. The scenery is gorgeous and makes for a great day while navigating along the River at 7-9 kts.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Brockville, Ont to Morriburg, Ont.
July 21, 2011
We left Brockville, Ont this morning at 0845 hrs. I waas evaluating the Wx conditions and a little concerned that Wx reports from Cromwell, Ont to Montreal was calling for gale force winds. In our area of Brockville, the winds were blowing 15 and gusting to 20 kts. The Wx conditions have been very hot here and today they called for a heat advisory of 103 deg F. This would be inland because with a 15-20 kt SW'ly breeze one doesn't feel all that heat.
Current is really startingto pick up at 3+ kts. Our first lock thru the "Iroquois" canal was for current control. The big dam was open so we only had to drop about 6" rather than the 3+ feet. It's exhilarating to be motoring along at 8-9 kts. I've been running our engine at about two thirds of available rpms: she's purring along.
I'm teaching Phyllis river navigation and she's a quick study. Starting to read the charts and recognize land and marine features. Also, she's becomming a decent deckhand. We still have to work on lassoing a cleat or bollard but we're in the practice mode. In the evening time, we spend a few minutes with rope in hand.
When I worked the harbor in NYC, a good AB that could catch a bollard on the first go-around was worth keeping around despite any other faults. I've found "joints" in the laundry from AB's but quietly disposed of them if they were good at their trade. When you're working wind and current on a tug/barge, a good AB can make you look good or foolish: be good to them.
So here we are in Morrisburg, Ont at Crysler's Marina. It seems to be working out for the best if we navigate during the day from point A to B and them find a marina at night. If we anchor, I have to post an anchor watch so we're not resting. At the end of the day, I have to work out the "Passage Plan" for the following day. This takes time and study. As long as I have the "hard copy" charts aboard, I'm satisfied that we can make it to our destination. The charting programs are great but could go down at any moment. So far, most of the St Lawrence has been line-of-sight navigation but you have to know where to look.
Tomorrow we lock thru the Eisenhower (remember him ?) and Snell locks. These are the only two American Locks on the St Lawrence Seaway. The price for each lock is $25. It's about 75 miles from the Snell lock to Montreal so I've found another marina in Sallaberry de Valleyfield. I want to make a daytime entrance into Montreal as there are some big currents to be negotiated. The Beauharnois and St Lambert locks bypass the Lachine Rapids and, yes, you're moving at 10+ kts. Upon entering Montreal, you have to round up into a 6 kt current and motor against it for 2 miles into Montreal proper. This will be a big test for the engine.
Here we are: happy, content, and working our way towards the next goal.
We left Brockville, Ont this morning at 0845 hrs. I waas evaluating the Wx conditions and a little concerned that Wx reports from Cromwell, Ont to Montreal was calling for gale force winds. In our area of Brockville, the winds were blowing 15 and gusting to 20 kts. The Wx conditions have been very hot here and today they called for a heat advisory of 103 deg F. This would be inland because with a 15-20 kt SW'ly breeze one doesn't feel all that heat.
Current is really startingto pick up at 3+ kts. Our first lock thru the "Iroquois" canal was for current control. The big dam was open so we only had to drop about 6" rather than the 3+ feet. It's exhilarating to be motoring along at 8-9 kts. I've been running our engine at about two thirds of available rpms: she's purring along.
I'm teaching Phyllis river navigation and she's a quick study. Starting to read the charts and recognize land and marine features. Also, she's becomming a decent deckhand. We still have to work on lassoing a cleat or bollard but we're in the practice mode. In the evening time, we spend a few minutes with rope in hand.
When I worked the harbor in NYC, a good AB that could catch a bollard on the first go-around was worth keeping around despite any other faults. I've found "joints" in the laundry from AB's but quietly disposed of them if they were good at their trade. When you're working wind and current on a tug/barge, a good AB can make you look good or foolish: be good to them.
So here we are in Morrisburg, Ont at Crysler's Marina. It seems to be working out for the best if we navigate during the day from point A to B and them find a marina at night. If we anchor, I have to post an anchor watch so we're not resting. At the end of the day, I have to work out the "Passage Plan" for the following day. This takes time and study. As long as I have the "hard copy" charts aboard, I'm satisfied that we can make it to our destination. The charting programs are great but could go down at any moment. So far, most of the St Lawrence has been line-of-sight navigation but you have to know where to look.
Tomorrow we lock thru the Eisenhower (remember him ?) and Snell locks. These are the only two American Locks on the St Lawrence Seaway. The price for each lock is $25. It's about 75 miles from the Snell lock to Montreal so I've found another marina in Sallaberry de Valleyfield. I want to make a daytime entrance into Montreal as there are some big currents to be negotiated. The Beauharnois and St Lambert locks bypass the Lachine Rapids and, yes, you're moving at 10+ kts. Upon entering Montreal, you have to round up into a 6 kt current and motor against it for 2 miles into Montreal proper. This will be a big test for the engine.
Here we are: happy, content, and working our way towards the next goal.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Cape Vincent to Brockville, ONT
July 19, 2011
Well, it's Tuesday and we sailed from Cape Vincent at 0845 this morning after fueling up and pumping out the holding tank. I had to spend all day yesterday downloading the St Lawrence River charts into MaxSea. This process was not as easy as I had counted on. The Furuno Dealership has to be contacted and paid. Then they contact the technical department which issues an UNLOCK CODE. The charts are downloaded and the unlock code installs them into the MaxSea program. Numerous phone calls at 0.49 cents a minute and, finally, at 1500 hrs they called and sent an email with the code.
Today has been a wonderful day of sailing the St Lawrence. The scenery is beautiful and the Capitalist Magnates of the last century,y with aristocratic ambitions from their European ancestry, have built many castles along the River the most famous are Boltd Castle and Singer Castle. The area around these tourist spots is bustling with activity and power boats.
We arrived in Brockville, Ont at 1530 hrs. Distance was about 40 nm. We're going to spend an extra day here to get organized for the River locks. Also, my present insurance policy is only good until Quebec so I have to make arrangements for another one or put a "rider" on the present policy.
So far the piloting is going well. Phyllis is awe struck at the 1000' ships passing us. The River is big enough to accommodate this kind of traffic and there is a VTC (vessel traffic control) for commercial shipping. All I need is about 20' of the available channel. Being on the commercial side for so long, I know how to run it so everyone is happy.
Great feeling running with a 3-4 kt current. I guess the average is about 2 kts but the minute the River narrows there is a dramatic increase in current. The first lock that we go through is called Iroquois and is there for the sole purpose of controlling current. After that, the Eisenhower and Snell locks bypass the Long Sault Rapids running on the other side. The current really starts to pick up from that point until Montreal. To get into Montreal, you have to motor against a 6 kt current for about 2 miles!! 6 kt current coming down from the Lachine Rapids.
More as we move along.
Well, it's Tuesday and we sailed from Cape Vincent at 0845 this morning after fueling up and pumping out the holding tank. I had to spend all day yesterday downloading the St Lawrence River charts into MaxSea. This process was not as easy as I had counted on. The Furuno Dealership has to be contacted and paid. Then they contact the technical department which issues an UNLOCK CODE. The charts are downloaded and the unlock code installs them into the MaxSea program. Numerous phone calls at 0.49 cents a minute and, finally, at 1500 hrs they called and sent an email with the code.
Today has been a wonderful day of sailing the St Lawrence. The scenery is beautiful and the Capitalist Magnates of the last century,y with aristocratic ambitions from their European ancestry, have built many castles along the River the most famous are Boltd Castle and Singer Castle. The area around these tourist spots is bustling with activity and power boats.
We arrived in Brockville, Ont at 1530 hrs. Distance was about 40 nm. We're going to spend an extra day here to get organized for the River locks. Also, my present insurance policy is only good until Quebec so I have to make arrangements for another one or put a "rider" on the present policy.
So far the piloting is going well. Phyllis is awe struck at the 1000' ships passing us. The River is big enough to accommodate this kind of traffic and there is a VTC (vessel traffic control) for commercial shipping. All I need is about 20' of the available channel. Being on the commercial side for so long, I know how to run it so everyone is happy.
Great feeling running with a 3-4 kt current. I guess the average is about 2 kts but the minute the River narrows there is a dramatic increase in current. The first lock that we go through is called Iroquois and is there for the sole purpose of controlling current. After that, the Eisenhower and Snell locks bypass the Long Sault Rapids running on the other side. The current really starts to pick up from that point until Montreal. To get into Montreal, you have to motor against a 6 kt current for about 2 miles!! 6 kt current coming down from the Lachine Rapids.
More as we move along.
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