To Montreal and Saint Anne

Day 5, Tuesday

We left Sorel in good time and started up the St. Lawrence toward Montreal. There was little to no traffic and most of the barges we saw were at anchor. John used his AIS (Automatic Identification System), an add-on to the radar, which transmits and receives the ship’s name and information. We did encountered a barge being pushed by a tug and a tanker going in the opposite direction and there was plenty of room for us in the broad channel.

Tanker moving off to the east

The skyline of Montreal came into view, the possibility of rain never materialized and before we knew it we were pulling into the marina at Longueil, Le Port de plaisance Real-Bouvier.

Familiar view of Montreal and Biodome

Captain’s log, June 19

Departed Sorel 8am
Arrived Longeueil  1:25
39 nautical miles, 5 hours, 30 min travel time
Ran at 23-2600 turns to maintain 7-8 knots against current
WX – good, some wind, some overcast
Took on 69 Gallons diesel

Day 6, Wednesday

We pulled out of Longueil at 7:15, hoping to catch the St. Lambert lock as early as possible, but were prepared to wait there for several hours if necessary.  Luck was with us as another boat had already arrived, called in and the bridge went up and the green light came on as we were nearing it. The lock was huge, as one would expect, to handle the large tankers. We were requested to pull up alongside the first boat and tie up with them. No problem there.

We think we can fit under this one!

The two guys on board from Virginia and were traveling on a 32’ fishing or crabbing boat named Condor. They were old hands at this since one of them had worked on tankers at one time and had passed this way twice already. As we pulled out of the lock we waved Condor ahead to take the lead. Lily got some driving experience as we were cruising along at 6 knots in the canal.



Endurance enters Lock Ste. Catherine with Micki on the bow

Fortune smiled upon us again as we approached Lock Sainte Catherine. A tanker had just come through so the gates were open and we had a green light to enter. This time the lock master had us tie up 3 abreast at the front of the lock so Condor handled the lock line and we were sandwiched between them while Endurance tied up to us on the outside. The great timing put us back on the “Canal de la Rive Sud” on our way to Lake Saint Louis before 10am.

Lily takes the wheel

What a picturesque sight as the lake came into view. The water was clear and smooth with a touch of green vegetation along the shoreline and to the north off in the distance, the shore was spotted with homes. The zigzag channel was well marked and with Endurance in the lead she took us through to the Ottawa River and the lock at Ste.  Anne de Bellevue.

We tied up along the port wall where there was eventually some shade and spent the afternoon and evening, walking over to the little town to get some ice cream. It was a hot afternoon and we enjoyed a cool breeze and shade under some strategically planted maple trees. Lily tried out one of the collapsible bikes and later called home – all and all a very pleasant day.

The day is topped of with a fabulous sunset!

Captain’s log, June 20, 2012

Depart Le Port de Plaisance at 7:15am
Arrive Saint Anne 12:35pm   5 hours, 20 min
31.76 nautical miles
No delays going thru locks!!
Nice trip WX clear, south winds, No probs en route