NY to Montreal

 Our plan for the Down East Circle adventure got off to a great start this year. As usual, we try to make it a fun trip when traveling to or from the boat. We'll avoid the interstates where possible and see some interesting places. This year we found a place I'm sure many are familiar with...

Another clue at the end of this post.

 Our ride was pretty well packed since we brought extra provisions and warm clothes this year.

 We were fortunate that we were stored where we were this winter as the Erie Canal is having some issues that are preventing the full opening just yet. It seems that as one thing is worked out heavy rain closes another section. 

 We were launched as planned on May 27 and after a few days getting the boat in shape our friends Paul and Melissa flew in to spend the beginning of the trip with us. Paul got a great shot of Chasing 80 the night before we left.

 The first day went fairly well as we traveled to Oswego, NY. to stage for our crossing of Lake Ontario. I say fairly because a slight air leak in a fuel filter caused the port engine to shut down at a most inopportune time. Oh well, it was an easy diagnosis and fix the next morning before heading across the lake in perfect weather. Before we quite cleared the harbor in Oswego, it finally happened...

 We were boarded by the Coast Guard to check our documents (which were all in order). They were very polite and professional and we were on our way in no time. 

 The crossing was very smooth when compared to last fall and we were tied up in Kingston, Ontario by mid afternoon. This was our first time checking in with guests on board but it all went smoothly thanks to the friendly agent on the other end of our phone call. 

  After an extra day in Kingston to see some friends and provision we were on our way down the St. Lawrence River and through the 1000 Islands area which I was really looking forward to. Unfortunately the air was thick from the Canadian wildfire smoke so the sights were a bit subdued.

Bolt Castle

Singer Castle

We did see eagles...

    It was an easy run to Brockport which has a nice marina and downtown area. They also boast the first railroad tunnel in Canada which connected the railyard to the river terminals. It's been transformed into a walking tunnel with a great light show. It was amazing how much cooler it was compared to the outside air temperature, almost like a cave system. They also have a really big chair!

 After this stop it was a working trip where we had to deal with the big seaway locks that control the river as it drops toward Montreal. There are big Lake Freighters that travel this route and they have priority at the locks.

We knew we were getting farther north when we passed a Canadian icebreaker...

 After a couple of long days we arrived in Montreal and get to be tourists for a few days. The Formula 1 circuit is in town this weekend so the city has an even more international feeling than last year. 

Paul and Melissa in tourist mode.

The YC Montreal is very welcoming and in a perfect location to explore town.

As you approach Montreal from the North (heading upriver from the locks) you are faced with a swift current coming down from the rapids that the locks bypass. Here is a short video to give you an idea. The police boat is practicing touch and go's with the buoy.

 

  So that's it for this episode. Our friends left today for home and we can't thank you guys enough for all the help (and beer). We'll be here through the weekend before heading further north to Quebec City for next weekend. I'm not sure how cell coverage will be for the next few weeks but I'll get out updated when I can. For those that still need help figuring out the first picture...

Mt Airy (Mayberry) NC!