We exhibited a flurry of activity this morning. First we moved Quest to the “pump out” dock and completed that nasty task with Don’s assistance. Then we bid Champlain Marina, with all her helpful hands and friendly boater, a fond farewell.
We followed fellow Champlain Marina boat, THE-DASH, out of Malletts Bay and through the Narrows between Providence Isle and Phelps Point. We glimpsed Sawyer Bay then Rockwell Bay before sighting the ferries that connect Cumberland head, NY with Grand Isle, VT.
FOLLOWING THE-DASH OUT THE NARROWS
BUSY WITH MORNING TRAFFIC
Our first destination today was Ladd’s Landing, just past the North Hero-Grand Isle Drawbridge on the east side of the Gut. We pulled in, filled up with diesel and took possession of our new Mercury engine for the dingy. Northland Boat Shop delivered it right to Ladd’s Landing and assisted Dan with the installation. That job done, we were ready to continue our journey north to Canada.
GRAND ISLE DRAW BRIDGE
ROWING THE DINK TO SHORE
NORTHLAND BOAT SHOP REALLY CAME THROUGH
WITH THE NEW MERCURY, DINGY ENGINE
QUEST AT LADD'S LANDING
We were quickly ticking off the US sights and nearing the Canadian border. We passed the Isle La Monte Lighthouse then the Windmill Point Lighthouse as we approached Rouses Point. The international boundary between the United States and Canada is just a short ½ mile north of the Rouses Point Bridge. After passing the boundary sign we made for the Canadian Customs dock where we were greeted cordially, our papers inspected and then sent on our merry way.
ISLE LA MONTE LIGHTHOUSE
WINDMILL POINT LIGHTHOUSE
CROSSING THE BORDER
CHECKING INTO CANADA
Wow, talk about flat! We are now in the Richelieu (named after the famed Cardinal Richelieu) and enjoying the Canadian sights in this winding waterway dotted with numerous islands. In the US, most of the houses along the waterways are rather high-end but here, most seem to be “normal” homes. There was lots of recreational boating traffic, people just out enjoying the beautiful day. The railroad bridge at Ile Ash is left open unless in use so we didn’t have to wait but continues on past St-Paul de I’Ile-aux-Noix to St-Jean.
RAILROAD BRIDGE AT ILE ASH
At St-Jean and the entrance channel to the Chambly Canal we pulled alongside the community or lock dock and tied up for the night. No power and no water but also no charge.
QUEST ON THE BANKS OF THE CHAMBLY CANAL ENTRANCE
Now it was time for a quick dingy trial and exploration of the channel ahead. We tootled up to the tiny lock entrance and got a feel for what is to come tomorrow.
CHAMBLY CANAL
YES, THAT'S REALLY HOW TINY THE LOCK IS!!
What is that loud rumble? Dan knew right away that some fast boat with a super charger was nearby. It turned out to be an old 1975 Hondo, flat-bottom with a blown big block Chevy engine. Scott Cuckovich and Dan both had boats similar at Lake Havasu back in “the day”.
HAULIN' HONDO
We also spied a summer concert on the banks of the channel and ended up there after returning the dink to Quest and cleaning up for the evening. Just like Tuesday evenings in Castelton! Well, almost. The threatening clouds managed to pass right on by and the evening was delightful.
SUMMER CONCERT
UNIVERSAL APPRECIATION OF LIVE MUSIC
SKY SHOW
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