July 1 - Onward to Canada

We had to wait for parts at Rouse's Point on June 30th, but they finally arrived and we changed the engine oil and had the dinghy motor back in running order, so we were ready to take off for Canada.  We got an early start on July 1 only to find out that Canadian customs was not open.  Instead, we were able to report in by phone.  Just another mile down the Richelieu River in Canada was a fixed railroad bridge that was usually left open, but it was closed this morning and no bridge tender in sight.   There were five other boats waiting as well, and it was a holiday--Canada Day --so we were not sure it would be opened any time soon.  Almost 2 hours later, the bridge opened and we were on our way.  Shortly we arrived a St Jean, where Greg and Lu boarded BlueSkies and we started up the Chambly Canal through the locks.  It was a holiday, with fair weather, and lots people were gathered to watch the boats lock through the canal.  And, there were many, many boats since it was the opening day of the Chambly Canal.  So, we did not make it through the canal and had to stay the night on the wall at Lock 8.   The first pic above is Candian customs on the Richelieu River. In the pic below, see the crowds at Lock 9 on the Chambly canal.  There is Christine and Lu holding the lines at the lock.  And then, here is BlueSkies moored on the lock wall on the canal, where we spent the night.