What we thought would be a quick trip to Montreal took us 14 hours - not due to any weather delays but because of bridge and lock schedules. We left Coteau Landing before 6:30 a.m., anticipating an early afternoon arrival in Montreal. After crossing a small lake, we started into a canal guarded by two lift bridges. By 7:30 we were at the first bridge and radioed the bridge operator of our approach only to be told the first lift of the day was 9:00 a.m. So off to anchor and have breakfast while we wait patiently. Once through, we proceeded down the short canal to the second lift bridge only to find out it's first lift wasn't until 10:00 am.... The lift bridges done, it's off to the first set of 4 locks for the day. We arrive at the first lock and, interestingly enough, caught up to the power boats that had passed under the bridges earlier with us, we are told it's an hour wait. At another lock it's a 1.5 hr wait etc. etc.... At this point, although seeing freighter traffic at the locks was interesting, waiting on them sucked! But it gave time for Joann to reclaim the cribbage throne. I think you should be getting a picture of how the day went but it gets better as we have one more hurdle to overcome. After travelling 37 miles and with just 1 more to go, we turned the corner towards harbour and were confronted by a sea of current flowing at 4-6 knots against us. Our boat only goes 5.5 kn (6 if we push it). So at .5 to 1 knot we spend another hour fighting the current before making our final destination of Montreal Yacht Club in Old Port. It was funny, at one point we were almost going backwards beside an ocean freighter from Panama that was docked. The crew came out to watch the struggle and we imagine they were cheering us on or else taking bets to see if we'd make it! According to Andrew, their encouragement sounded like " You can do it leetle juan!" ( use your best Spanish accent for added spice).
Once tied up and safe in port, it was not long before our thirsty souls were walking the 5 minutes to Old Montreal and found a delightful patio offering flights of beer and mouth watering cuisine.
Wednesday, we spent the day being tourists, walking around enjoying the sites and people watching. This is a very popular tourist destination. We started by visiting the Notre Dame Basilica, built between 1824 and 1829, and later complimented with additions and upgrades. We also climbed the clock tower which overlooks the harbour and saw the inner clock workings as we climbed the 200 steps to the top. It provided a wonderful view of a manmade beach down below which was built on the island across from the yacht club. The beach was filled with umbrellas, water misters (popular here) and of course, bars and sunbathers enjoying the 33 C weather! In the evening we once again had ringside seats on Summer Wine II to watch an International Fireworks display, this one hosted by France. Apparently, this is a competition that happens every Wednesday and Saturday throughout July with a different country hosting each night. The final is this Saturday. I don't know how they are judged but it sure was spectacular!
Today, it's prep time for the next leg of the trip - Joann and Andrew went off to get provisions at a neat downtown grocery located on the main floor of an office tower. And Doug was able to hitch a ride across the river to Longueuil to the local Penta Volvo dealer to replenish oil & filter supplies. It's time Summer Wine got an oil change. A big thanks to our neighbour at the harbour for his help.
With fresh croissants, cream cheese and a light Montreal rain, it's off to Sorel and Trois Rivière for the next stops.
D,J & A
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