Tuesday Aug 8 (2)

We are now in St. Marc sur Richelieu at the Auberge Hanfield Marina. We had a wonderful trip through the Chambly Canal; we travelled with another boat, a Monk 36 power boat, so that the bridges would be opened without delay. The engine worked perfectly with no indication of power loss. At one point, going under a railway bridge, we achieved 8 knots (with the help of the current). Before we left St. Jean we manouvered astern as much as we could and we think that may have cleared whatever was binding the propellor shaft. The canal runs through beautiful country and was a fantastic trip. We traversed nine locks operated by the most pleasant and helpful Parks Canada employees. After entering Chambly Basin we continued up the Richelieu River at maximum speed until we arrive here at around 1515.

While here we have walked through the village to the depanneur for supplies. We have also installed a new anchor light and wind indicator, and have checked out the bilge blower which is working well at the moment. We purchased a new blower in case the present one fails, since it is such a vital piece of equipment.

Jim & I just finished dinner at the bistro of the auberge and will probably turn in for an early night to allow an early start tomorrow. We hope to arrive at the St Ours locks when they open at 0815; that means we must leave here at about 0715.

What a trip; we have already started the detailed planning for the voyage down the Riviere St. Laurant, tide timing being particularly important.

I may not be able to post again until we arrive in Quebec City on Friday.