It was time to bid a sad farewell to Montreal. We would have loved to stayed longer.
The Lachine Canal is a "back" way to the Ottawa River however, we couldn't clear under the bridges. Therefore, we needed to take the St. Lawrence Seaway route which is where the big boys travel. To get to the seaway we needed to again transit the swift current of the St. Lawrence River, this time with the current, not against it.
Once we entered the seaway the current subsided and wasn't any longer a concern. There were several pleasure boats waiting when we arrived at St. Lambert, the first lock. We all needed to pay $35.00 to transit each of these locks which was not included in our New York or Canadian passes. After about an hour and a half and a ship locking through it was our turn. There locks are huge compared to the small heritage locks in Canada that we we became accustomed to. The second lock was St. Catherine and we didn't have to wait there. They attempt to coordinate the lockages.
After leaving the seaway we soon departed the St. Lawrence River for the Ottawa River. We spent a restless night on the wall in St.Anne de Bellevue. There were several loud young people partying right in the park until four AM, right next to our boats. The town was interesting but without a good nights sleep we traveled on.
The Carillon Lock, our first lock on the Ottawa River, was unusual because the rear door was a guillotine and the lock was again large. We rafted up to four boats wide in this lock. Our initial plan was to stay overnight on the lock wall just above the lock but we changed our mind when we saw how unprotected it was. Our next stop was the free town dock at Hawkesbury. We were turned away by the mayor because the dock was needed for a poker run scheduled the next day. It was getting late and we traveled another five miles to a very nice anchorage and stayed the night.
Traveling toward Ottawa we encountered the boats from the poker run. WOW are some of them fast! And others are faster. There were times when two boats would pass us very fast one on each side of our boat. I'm glad we are as large as we are and that we were traveling at only eight knots. Closer to Ottawa we passed Chateau Montebello where one of our boats wanted to stay but the marina was full.
After another long day we arrived in the marina at Hull, Quebec. We were excited to finally see Ottawa and the step locks right by their Parliament. Jan and I walked across the bridge to Ottawa and saw Average Looper after they transited the step locks. They were docked on the canal wall just above the locks. On our walk back we saw some young ladies with ice cream cones. Of course we enjoyed cones ourselves after they directed us to the Sugar Store. While walking back to the marina we noticed a large crowd of people gathered to watch a street performer at 9:30 at night. So many people were out at the restaurants enjoying the summer evening. Wow, Ottawa is going to be fun!
Accuracy wasn't included with this message until it was time to go through.
We were rafted to another boat behind the lock wall with several other boats
and couldn't see what was happening in the lock.
Entering St. Lambert Lock.
There were enough boats waiting to lock through that we had to raft together inside the lock.
We probably raised thirty feet in this lock.
Our friends Larry and Jan on Panacea with Chloe.
We traveled through several locks with this 45' wood Canadian boat.
They were a family with two boys that were on a month long vacation.
The older of the boys was an extremely capable deck hand.
The doors closing for the St. Catherine Lock.
This gate lowers while locking. It must be to protect the doors from the big ships.
They had to raise this bridge even for the pleasure boats.
Up up and away.
Leaving St. Catherine Lock in the light rain.
Arriving at the Carillon Lock.
Entering the Carillon Lock with the guillotine door.
You just have to trust it won't fall while you are under it.
We again had the floating dock inside the lock. Easy!
Quite an elaborate stairway. Without the floating dock there wouldn't be a need for it.
We are going up and out above the stairway.
The last boats entering under the guillotine gate.
The guillotine closing.
Almost closed.
Now its closed so we can begin going up.
We have raised about half way to the top.
Almost over the top sill.
Finally at the top almost ready to open the doors.
This was one of the pit stops for the poker run boats.
So fast and close Jan had trouble getting the whole boat in the picture.
Not all of them were on steroids! Still very fast though.
They say it isn't a race!
They all collected their card here and turned around.
We found it very entertaining to watch them.
They probably didn't appreciate my huge wake.
Montebello, supposedly the largest log structure.
It is surprising how full they are because they charge New York and Chicago prices.
The step locks in Ottawa. My major bucket list item for this trip.
Canadian Parliament.
We are actually here. How EXCITING!!!!
Sunrise from the marina in Hull, Quebec looking at Ottawa and Ontario.
Today is the day we will transit the Ottawa step locks.
The next post will be the step locks and Ottawa.
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