Quebec City

June 30, 2008


Today is our eldest son, Adrian’s 40th birthday. We thought of him and had a birthday toast at happy hour. He was vacationing and celebrating at a friend’s private island in the Abacos, Bahamas.
The sun was shining and it was a wonderful warm day. We walked this great city and took a calesh (horse and carriage) guided tour ride through the old city, Battlefield Park and Plains of Abraham.

Prior to our guided tour of the Chateau Frontenac, we enjoyed a cool beverage out on the hotel's terrace, where we enjoyed the breeze, some shade and the outstanding view of the St. Lawrence River and the mountains in the distance.

Towering above the St. Lawrence Rivers, the historic Chateau Frontenac is part of Québec City's history and culture, and serves as the city’s most notable landmark. The hotel was built to provide early rail travelers with a comfortable place to overnight and enjoy a good meal before continuing their journey the following day.

The tour lasted a little over an hour and was most interesting. There are many wonderful rooms; that if walls could talk, would surely have some interesting tales to tell. The ballroom was magnificent with its painted dome ceiling and glistening chandeliers. The most noted room in the hotel is the “Pink Room”, smaller than the ballroom; it housed a meeting between President Roosevelt & Britain’s Prime Minister Churchill during WWII. The entire hotel was shut down and taken over for these high level historic meetings.
Most of the public rooms have a commanding view of the river. The name Quebec comes from the a word from an Amerindian language (Kebak) and means “narrowing of the river”. The narrowest part of the St. Lawrence is in front of the hotel Chateau Frontenac.

Fatigued from a busy day of sightseeing, these weary travelers stumbled down the hill to the old port. Hot and thirsty, we needed some cool refreshment and found the Moss hotel on Rue St. Paul, not far from the marina. We decided it was time to stop and rest on the outdoors patio. After ordering some cold Belgian beers, we learned that their specialty was mussels, cooked fourteen different ways. This was too good to pass up so we opted to share two orders, and call it dinner, Mmmmm, they were scrumptious!

Porte Neuf to Quebec City

June 29, 2008


Shortly after departing Porte Neuf, we passed the sailing vessel “Lois McClure”. She is a replica of an 1860’s canal type of boat that once sailed the Lake Champlain area, and was re-created by the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. She was on her way to Quebec City as part of the Tall Ships display, celebrating the city’s 400th anniversary.

It was a rough travel day with rain, forty knot winds from the north east creating wind against current, and a rough ride for everyone. Weather was not conducive for the Lois McClure to sail, so as we passed her, they were setting up a tow bridle and their tug would tow her into Quebec City.

We arrived in Quebec City about noon. After transiting through the lock into the marina, we were given our slip assignment, and after tying up we set off to explore the old city. We walked much of the old port and city, stopped for refreshments at a terrasse and took the funicular railway up to the Chateau Frontenac and the upper town.

We dined in one of the many bistro style restaurants and had foie gras (goose liver) which we expected to be pate, but was in fact just the liver. At $22.00, it was a tasty morsel shared amongst the four of us. Cheese fondue was a specialty of the house so we opted for that as main course. It was something different, not my favorite, however it was enjoyable and fun. Wine, company and ambiance made the evening.

Trois Rivieres to Porte Neuf

June 28, 2008


At just before 06:00, we cast off the lines to heading 32 miles from Trois Rivieres to Porte Neuf. The early departure was to allow us travel with a favorable current, which warranted our departure six hours prior to low tide in Quebec City for a vessel traveling at speeds of 8 – 9 knots. It was a cool, cloudy and breezy start to the day. Initially we had a tail current of two knots which later increased to a 5 knot push as we approached the Richelieu Rapids, with our instrumentation showing a top speed of 16.3 knots. Our usual cruise speed is between 7 & 8 knots, so for a short while, we were really flying. With the price of diesel fuel at $6.00 per gallon, any push from a favorable current was greatly appreciated.

Today we also had a strong head wind from the north east, pushing against the current and creating some significant waves and spray in certain parts of the river.

In this segment of the St. Lawrence Seaway, you will encounter a significant number of large commercial and ocean going vessels, which travel faster than most trawlers, so always be mindful and watchful of large vessels rapidly approaching from behind.

Once we were securely tied to the dock at Porte Neuf, Susann & Sue walked into the village looking for a mailbox, and Alan and Richard set off on marina bikes in search of freshly baked baguette. We both met with success, and returned to the boats for a quiet afternoon. Susann did some laundry at the marina and met a couple of ladies who were sailing aboard the tall ship “Lois McClure” and bound for Quebec City.

We had planned to dine at La Littoral, the marina restaurant (highly recommended in the cruising guides), but did not make a reservation and were told they were totally booked up when we arrived (even though all the tables were empty at 5:30). They made no effort to accommodate us at a later hour. We returned to the boats and enjoyed an impromptu meal of very tasty appetizers and wine aboard “Kaos”. All in all, it was a fun evening despite the heavy rain.

Trois Rivieres to Porte Neuf

June 27, 2008


Today was a fairly short travel day with a 30 mile run to Trois Rivieres, where we again met up with our friends aboard “Lionheart”. Once safely docked at the marina; pizza, salad & sunset were enjoyed on the back deck of “Lionheart”.

Jacques Cartier and Samuel Champlain both stopped here during their early voyages of discovery. The town was originally known for the manufacture of birch canoes during the time of the voyageurs, and later was world renown for its iron works, which included cannons and cannon balls. In the 1930’s Trois Rivieres was the largest paper producing region of the world, and one can still smell the pungent aroma of the paper mill adjacent to the marina. Thankfully, environmental controls etc. have substantially improved modern day paper mills and the odors they emit.

The marina was large and offered laundry facilities (one washer and dryer), showers, beach and pool. The employees were most helpful and attentive.

Down East Loop 2008 (New York to New York)

June 22, 2008
We cleared Canadian Customs at Lacolle QC, just outside of Rousse’s Point NY. Clearance was simple and fast. We pulled up to the Customs dock and took our passports, Nexus cards and boat documents inside. We were back underway in less than five minutes.
Our destination was the town dock at St. Jean sur Richelieu. We stopped at the marina before tying up to the wall since we were in need of having our holding tank pumped out. It was Sunday, mid morning and the marina was closed. This seemed strange. The pump out hose was on the dock along with a gas operated pump. Alan fired up the pump, primed it and proceeded to pump out our tank. Thankfully, everything worked and we were good to go for a few more days.
After tying up to the town wall, we went for a walking tour through town and came upon a local drumming band giving a free performance in the waterfront park. Quite a good crowd had gathered, but was quickly scattered as torrential rain started to fall.
We took refuge in one of the restaurants across the street where we had a snack and glass of wine since we had missed lunch. We met two delightfully friendly and helpful local women, one of whom spoke English and gave us lots of information and restaurant recommendations.
The next morning we departed St. Jean on the first north bound lock through at 8:30am. We were bound for Chambly, but first had six locks and numerous low swing bridges to go through. The ChamblyCanal was very pretty, but extremely narrow and shallow for the first nine miles between lock 9 and lock 8.

We discovered that it was not necessary to radio each bridge since the bridge tenders advised the next one of our impending arrival, and as we approached each bridge, it would open for us,

It rained on and off for a good part of the day. We arrived at the Chambly town dock around noon and had to mop up water off the galley floor after a water hose clamp came off. Thankfully Susann noticed it and was able to turn off the fresh water pump, which cut off the water supply. Unfortunately she noticed the problem just as we were entering the first of five consecutive locks, which meant we were committed to locking through and cleanup would have to wait. Just another fun day of boating!

We docked at the town wall in Chambly and after cleaning up our flood, we walked the town in search of somewhere for lunch. Several places were closed since it was Monday but we found “Les Grillades Fort” overlooking the river and just a short walk from the boat.
It is customary for many Quebecers to have their main meal of the day around noon, and most restaurants offer a table d’hote, which is a pre-set full meal, complete with appetizer, main course and dessert. Susann had the chef’s home made pate to start and Alan had escargots with basil and garlic. Both were exceptional. For the main course Susann decided to be adventurous and had rabbit stuffed with pork and sun dried tomatoes. Alan chose to be conservative and had the grilled sausages with home style French fries with house mayonnaise. Dessert was fresh fruit with yogurt. It was all delicious and enjoyed with some nice red wine. Service was professional, friendly and polished.
We joined fellow “Loopers” Joe & Arvilla aboard their boat “Our Villa” for Happy Hour and were later joined by Connie and Bernie from “Distant Shores.”
Today, June 24th is St.Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec’s national holiday). We spent the day tied to the town wall in Chambly.
It was the first day without rain in over a week. Being a Quebec holiday, cyclists were out in droves on the paths lining the canal. They ranged from the serious cyclist dressed in all the appropriate gear to young families towing their babies behind their bikes.
Whenever the bridge opened to allow boats to enter or exit the lock, traffic backed up on either side of the river, and I’m sure that without exaggeration, there could be between 100 and 125 cyclists waiting to cross the bridge, along with the cars.
We walked to Fort Chambly and enjoyed the park. Chambly is a pretty town with lots of interesting restaurants and ice cream shops (Quebecers love their soft ice cream).

Just behind the town wall, there is a large, well stocked supermarket “Maxi”. Beer and wine are available there also. It is no more than a five minute walk from the lock wall.

Happy hour was enjoyed aboard “Kaos” with “Loopers” from four other boats (Bella Luna, Segue, Distant Shores and Prime Time) all of whom we had not met before.

June 25, 2008

We departed Chambly at about 10:00am on the second down bound (north bound) lock through, and transited the flight of 3 locks down into the Richelieu River. It was a short travel day, less than 10 miles to an anchorage behind the north end of Ile de Jeannot at mile 25.8. We dinghied back seven miles south to tour the old town of Beloeil and have lunch on one of the waterfront terrasses. There is a courtesy dock for visiting boats dining at the local restaurants. This is a very picturesque and charming part of the Richelieu River, and it is rich with gourmet dining spots.

May 24, 2008 - Offshore run Quinby Inlet, VA to Ocean City MD.

After a peaceful night at anchor, we departed Quinby Inlet on a rising tide with light winds from the North West, shortly after 6:15am. The shoals either side of the channel are marked, but care and constant vigil on the depth sounder was required until we were almost two miles off shore. A large shoal extends out at least a mile on either side of the channel, and was visible to the naked eye in calm waters shortly after low tide.

Miles and miles of magnificent sand beaches along the coast; some say the best beach on the east coast of USA. As we passed Assateague Island, just south of Ocean City we saw the wild horses roaming the beaches and many campers enjoying a weekend camped out on the sand dunes. We anchored overnight behind Assateague Island, just inside the Ocean City inlet. We lowered the dinghy and went to explore Ocean City. We docked at one of the restaurants, just before the bridge and had an early dinner followed by a stroll along the busy boardwalk. The crowds and carnival type atmosphere was not our thing, so we returned to the boat for a quiet evening.

May 25, 2008 Ocean City MD to Little Egg Inlet NJ

Another early morning departure. The Atlantic Ocean was flat calm all day and perfect for offshore cruising. For most of the day the sea was as just like a mill pond. We re-entered the ICW at Little Egg Inlet. This can be a treacherous inlet when wind and tide are working against each other. That was not the case today. The shoals were clearly visible in the calm waters and were well buoyed. We stopped at Beach Haven YC Marina to fuel and pick up our new credit cards, which were delivered to the marina. Apparently our card numbers had been found in a fraud ring and although they had not been used, the bank shut them down and issued new cards. This is the second time in a year that we have had our credit card compromised. Diesel fuel price jumped fifty cents per gallon since we called three days ago. We need fuel and prices are expected to increase as we reach New York State. It has been reported that fuel is currently less expensive in Vermont. We’ll reserve judgment until we reach Lake Champlain. After fueling, we continued onwards for a couple of hours to Beach Island State Park at mile 22. This is a popular anchorage, especially on weekends, and this happened to be Memorial weekend! The approach to the large anchorage was shallow, and not having local knowledge, we elected to anchor offshore a ways in 6’ depths. Tide is minimal here, less than 1’ so we felt with a 4’ draft, we were fine for the night.

During the past couple of weeks, we have incurred many long hours of daylight travel with far to many dawn departures, and so have decided to spend a couple of days here at rest, just enjoying the beach.

Next morning when we awoke, the wind was coming from the south west and continued to freshen all morning, causing us to rock and roll at anchor. After listening to the marine forecast, we learned that winds were forecast to strengthen to 30 knots from the south west and continue to blow well into the evening. We consulted the charts and elected to move the boat about 7 miles to the calm of Tom’s River. Although we were in the Inland waterway, Barnegat Bay was producing 3’ waves and whitecaps. Smaller boats were encountering problems; listening to the VHF we heard of a sail boat capsizing just off shore and a small power boat sinking beneath a bridge. We were thankful that we had chosen to seek the comfort of the river cove.

May 27, 2008

This morning was calm and muggy with thunder showers forecast for later in the day. It was time to lower the dinghy and explore Tom’s River. We docked the dinghy at the Lobster Shanty on the waterfront in town and enjoyed a good lunch.

May 29, 2008

Another early morning departure to ensure that we arrived at the Manasquan Inlet at slack tide; meaning that we wouldn’t have to fight the wind and current fighting against each other as we transited out the inlet into the Atlantic for the twenty mile run to Sandy Hook, NJ, the entrance to the channel into New York City. Being a weekday, all we had to contend with in Manasquan was the current in the canal. The current is due to there being a one foot tide at the Barnegat Bay end, and a four foot tide at the Manasquan end. Needless to say, the current was swift, which helped our fuel economy for a short while. Not having to endure the wakes of sport fish boats rushing to get out into the Atlantic or negotiating around numerous small fishing boats that choose to sit and fish in the middle of the channel, or the crazy jet skiers who are oblivious of anything other than themselves made today’s trip through Manasquan a pleasure. Other than having to navigate through the narrow railway bridge just prior to the inlet, we had time to enjoy the scenery and the many magnificent waterfront homes.

Today was a special day for us. It was convocation day at the University of Manitoba for our daughter Heather, who received her fourth degree, and second masters in education.
We arrived at Sandy Hook NJ about 10:30 am and were able to find a spot to drop the anchor and connect to the internet for 11:00am for the graduation ceremony. Technology is a wonderful thing. It allowed us to watch her receive her degree on a live web cast, and I was even able to take a photo off of the event. We are extremely proud of her!

Oyster VA – Quinby Inlet

May 23, 2008 Oyster – Quinby Inlet

A quiet night was spent at anchor, just off the entrance to Oyster. We enjoyed a sleep in and a leisurely cup of coffee prior to this morning’s departure since we needed to wait for a rising tide for today’s travels through a few areas of very skinny (shallow) water. Once again, we experienced difficulty in being able to find the actual channel. Frequently it was a two person job to navigate with one constantly monitoring the depth finder and the other using visual skills and referencing the chart. Seldom were depths as indicated on our chart; however that might also have been the result of not always being able to find the charted channel. We did find bottom a few times with a soft grounding in the mud and sand. Fortunately we were able to get free and find enough water to continue moving along, albeit slowly. The good news that with a rising tide, if we got stuck we would just need to exercise patience and wait for the water to rise. As per the charts, we also encountered some very deep channels with depths in the 18 – 30’ range, although if one strayed from the channel, the boat could find skinny water and come to an abrupt halt. This was definitely a day for the Captain to hone his navigation skills and to exercise patience. Having said all this, it was a magnificent sunny day with light winds from the north. We enjoyed the remoteness, particularly since the flies in the marsh areas were minimal.

The channel from ??? to ??? appeared to be very shallow so the Captain opted to drop the anchor just inside the Quinby Inlet and take a break and reassess the situation.

We were well sheltered and surrounded by miles of continuous sand beach, so made the decision to overnight here and head out through the inlet in the morning for a70 mile off shore run to Surf City on the Maryland Atlantic coast.

After a late lunch, we launched the dinghy to explore the area. We headed to Quinby; once again encountering both deep and skinny waters. At least this area of the waterway is well marked since Quinby has a small fishing fleet and pleasure boats moored in its small harbor. The Waterway Cruising Guide states that there is an anchorage in the harbor. Assuming that we were in the correct spot and given the docks around the edge of the harbor, we would not suggest this as a viable anchorage.

As we prepared to depart Quinby, a small pleasure craft was heading out to fish and we followed him out. The channels are marked with tree boughs and marker buoys, and the route was much easier to see and comprehend as we exited. We returned back to the Inlet and as low tide approached, we enjoyed a long and peaceful walk over the expanse of exposed sand beach.

Delmarva Coast Cruising
(Delaware, Maryland & Virginia)

May 22, 2008

Soon after crossing the state line from North Carolina into Virginia, we came across the Pungo Ferry Marina, advertising diesel fuel at $2.99. We were unable to raise anyone on the VHF radio and no-one answered the phone. Seeming to be too good to be true, we decided to go in and tie up at the dock and check it out. The marina was quiet and the docks were sparsely populated. Once ashore, we discovered that everything was locked up and it appeared that the marina was not yet in full operation, and sadly the $2.99 per gallon for diesel fuel was likely left from the previous summer season. Passed through Norfolk VA, and then headed across Chesapeake Bay towards Cape Charles and into the Delmarva route.

Ran aground at marker 261 and had to wait for a couple of hours for the tide to rise. Since it appeared that we would be having a late dinner that night, we declared this unplanned stop as a fortuitous time for snacks and Happy Hour.

At about 7:00pm the tide was high enough for us to get off the sand shoal and continue to a suitable anchorage.

Oyster (a small fishing hamlet with no services).

Kaos & Lionheart Re-unite in NYC

May 30, 2008 New York City

As we approached the Statue of Liberty entering New York City, we met up with our good friends Richard and Sue aboard Lionheart, who were to be our buddy boat for most of ths journey. It had been more than a year since we had seen them, so it was a welcome sight to see Lionheart just ahead of us, passing beneath the Verazzono Bridge.

As a result of Richard and Sue's connections, we were able to secure dockage for the week at Liberty Harbor Marina, behind the Statue of Liberty and right at the ferry terminal. We were a 10 minute walk to the Path train and had the option of either the train or ferry to take us downtown NYC.

May 31, 2008 New York NY
Alan and I took the Path train into NYC to do some sightseeing. Although we did not visit "Ground Zero", the train went right past the sight. There were all kinds of construction equipment there and inspite of the noise, there was a quiet eeriness, surreal but comforting.
We had a great pizza lunch at Waldy’s on 6th St. and then walked over to the Empire State Building, where we opted to take the elevator up to the Observation deck and enjoy the breath taking panoramic view. Even today, the structure is awe inspiring and certainly was a marvel back when it was built. Unfortunately, I forgot to take my camera.
Later, we hoped the Path train back to Hoboken, NJ, where I got a great hair cut while Alan enjoyed a couple of libations with the locals in the pub next door.
Hoboken is a delightful town and since it was a beautiful sunny, warm afternoon, the abundant street cafes were bustling and the town was alive with locals walking their babies, dogs and just enjoying being outside. We took the reccommendation of some of the locals and had a great Italian dinner at infamous Tutta Pasta on Washington Street.

June 1, 2008
This afternoon we ventured down to Times Square and saw the broadway show "Mama Mia" with Richard and Sue. The music was exceptional, and though the tickets were pricey, it was a worthwhile splurge. After exploring a busy and bustling Times Square, we headed to Grenich Village to find a quaint bistro for dinner. You guessed....another fabulous Italian meal. A great day shared with good friends.
Exhausted, we hopped the train and headed back to the boats, where we quickly collapsed into bed.

June 2, 2008
Alan departed for a business meeting in Detroit, leaving me to explore with Sue and Richard. Today was a day to catch up on laundry and boat chores. This was followed by dinner at Dale and Yelena's; friends of Sue and Richard in Jersey City. Yelena is enrolled in culinary school and treated us to a gourmet beer can chicken meal.

June 3, 2008

We rented a car and headed off to Westpoint. Prior to the bus tour, we enjoyed lunch on the terrace of the Thayer hotel, overlooking the Hudson River.

Our tour took us to the beautiful historic cathederal, where each graduating class donates a stained glass window.

A walk through the cemetery revealed an astonishing array of history and military heroes, including the burial site and memorial to General Custar.

The view from West Point Monument, overlooking the Hudson River was stunning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
June 4, 2008

Three hour drive up to Hyde Park NY to visit FDR home and burial place.

Wonderful dinner at the CIA (Culinary Institute of America). Josh, our waiter and student, took us on a tour of the kitchen following dinner.

June 6, 2008

Misty morning departure from NYC. A long days run up the Hudson, taking advantage of a push from the current. Arrived at Mariners on the Hudson late afternoon. Free overnight dockage is provided to boaters having dinner in the restaurant.

Docks are a little shaky and the local geese have left their mark, but all in all, it is a fun stop. After a refreshing shower, a much appreciated cocktail was enjoyed aboard Kaos, followed by a pleasant dinner on the patio at the Mariners Restaurant with the Van Gemmerts. The food was good and the prices reasonable. During the night, we did hear several freight trains as they passed by, but then that is the norm on the Hudson River, where the freight trains run on the west bank and the passenger trains between Albany and New York run along the east shore.                                                                                   

There are many interesting and unique Light Houses along the Hudson River, like the Athens Lighthouse above and Esopus Meadows light to the left. 

June 8, 2008

Crack of dawn departure (6:00am), heading to Waterford. Transited the Troy Federal lock, our first lock in many months. Arrived at Waterford about 10:00am, just in time to scoop a spot on the wall after several boats departed for lock #2 heading north. Waterford a great little town and very hospitable towards boaters.