Friday, May 11

Chambly Canal

We've got a problem Houston ..........
Our Capitaneire (dock master) at the St. Jean Le Nautique Marina just got the lastest news on lock openings and it isn't good.
None of the Canadian locks will start operating until May 18.  He's not exactly sure why, but guessed it was mostly due to cuts in the budget.  Since many of the canal systems are now only used by recreational boaters, there is not any real urgency in getting them operational.  We were surprised that is also effects the locks on the St. Lawrence Seaway - a major waterway linking the Great Lakes to the Atlantic.  We recently got a notice that even a few locks on the Erie Canal were temporarily shut down due to high waters. 

Bike path between Richelieu River & Chambly Canal

Since it will be a week until the Chambly Locks open, we have rented a mini van (it's all they had) and will tour the Provence of Quebec by land.
Finally the sun & blue skies have returned, making it a great afternoon for a bike ride along the Chambly Canal.   Our day ended better that it began ...... cocktails & dinner on the boat, topped off by a beautiful sunset.