July 28: We were fortunate to meet up with fellow Loopers that we met while doing the Great Loop. Wayne and Francine live on the Ottawa River and they invited us to visit them on our way up the river. Even though the Lock at St. Anne only opened at 10:00 a.m., we left the dock and got in line to lock through as we expected a big crowd wanting to lock through today. We were called on to go into the lock first and locked through with several other boats.
A busy ferry crossing point. Many of these ferries operate on a cable system so boaters need to give them a wide berth to ensure that the cables have dropped deep enough into the water.
Approaching Carillon Lock. This lock will raise us 65 feet and operates with a gate that is lowered once the boats are inside.
View entering this large lock.
This is one of several locks that has a floating platform inside the lock. This makes it locking through easier for pleasure craft as once the boat is tied to the platform your job is done as the entire platform floats up or down as the lock is flooded or emptied. It started to rain while we were in the lock but did not last too long.
We docked in front of Wayne and Francine's house and they treated us to a fabulous gourmet dinner. They were very gracious hosts and we enjoyed our stay with them and their friendly dog Skipper.
July 29: The next day we made a short run to Montebello and tied up at the town dock. Thanks to Wayne, we were able to reserve a spot there as the phone recording stated that they were not open for business. When we arrived, the dock master said that he did not have space for us but relented when we produced the name of the town manager with whom Wayne spoke to earlier.
The town dock recently sustained significant damage from a tornado and changed management which is what initially lead to the confusion about available space. The dock was rather exposed to wakes from passing boats but we figured we could survive there for one night.
We took a short walk into town to visit the famous Montebello Chateau.
The Chateau was built in 1930 and boasts that it is the largest log cabin structure in the world. It operates as a pricey high end resort that has hosted many famous dignitaries including Presidents Reagan, Clinton and both Bushes.
The Chateau offers many sporting activities including horse riding. This handsome fellow was taking a break for a spot of hay.
Any town would be remiss without the customary church in the center of town.
July 30: We left as soon as it was light as our destination today is Hull which is a 42 mile trip. Hull is in the Gatineau region and is directly across the Ottawa River from Ottawa. We plan to spend two nights there before crossing over to Canada's Capital City.
No comments:
Post a Comment