ROUSES POINT, NY TO SAINT-JEAN-DE-RICHELIEU, QUEBEC

Thursday June 18th, 2015

Day 318

Miles Traveled: 24

Total Miles Traveled: 4643

  Within fifteen minutes of leaving this morning, we crossed the United States/Canadian border.  The first thing we were required to do was check in at the Canadian Customs Wharf.  We flew our yellow quarantine flag which indicated that we had not cleared customs.  We also raised the Canadian courtesy flag on the stern (back) starboard (right) side.  No one can leave the boat, except the captain, until the vessel has been cleared by Canadian customs.  The Canadian Customs workers were very friendly and cleared us without any difficulties.

Canada Customs Wharf

  

  We were on the upper reaches of Lake Champlain.  The waterway initially was still fairly wide, but, as our travel continued it, began to become more narrow as we entered the headwaters of the Richelieu River.

Upper part of Lake Champlain - in Canada

headwaters of Richelieu River

  Adding to our "You Never Know What You Are Going To See On The River".  We spotted several teepees perched on floating docks.  The teepees themselves were brightly colored.

floating teepees

  We continued on and entered the beginning section of the Chambly Canal.  The Chambly Canal opened in 1843.  The are nine locks to navigate for this canal.  Initially the gates were operated using a system of balance beams.  In 1892, to make operation easier, winches and chains were added.  By 1921, this mechanism had been replaced by capstans.  Lock 9 now is controlled by a hydraulic mechanism, but, the other eight locks are still hand powered.  Below is an internet graphic of an example of a capstan.

example of capstan

    

  It was one day before the main season, so, the locks were only opening on a limited schedule.  The first lock we encountered was Chambly Canal Lock #9 at Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.  Two locks were planned for the day - one at 8:30am and the other at 12:30pm.  Two bridges that had to be opened for us to pass were also on the same schedule.  We arrived at 11:30am and docked at a floating town dock just before the first bridge to await the 12:30pm opening.  "Dollinger" another looper boat also tied up.  At 12:30pm the bridges opened and we passed through headed toward Lock #9.

approaching Chambly Canal Lock 9

  We had planned on spending the day at Saint Jean so were not in need of locking through, but planned on staying at the lock docks.  The lock master advised us that the docks on the lower side of the lock would be quieter and she would let us lock through at 3:00pm after locking a sailboat through the rest of the locks.  We docked on the upper side of the lock to await her return.

waiting at Chambly Canal Lock 9

  In the meantime, we went for lunch.  The menu was entirely in French (which is the primary language in Quebec).  Fortunately, our waiter spoke English.  Between his help and Google Translate, we were able to order some sandwiches.  Our lunch choices were delicious.

  At 3:00pm the lockmaster returned and we locked through along with "Dollinger".  We secured "Seahorse" to the nearby dock and went to find a bank to get some Canadian money.  On the way to the bank, we passed by a nice little park with several sculptures.  Downtown Saint Jean has many restaurants, pubs, and shops.

park in downtown Saint-Jean

part of downtown Saint-Jean

  Later, we went to dinner at a "fish and chip" place with Brad & Mary on "Dollinger", John & Bonnie (guests on "Dollinger), and a young couple doing the loop on a sailboat (forgot their names).  This time the menu was in both French and English.