Integrity Cruise

Day 84: Carillon to Montebello, Quebec

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Day 84: Friday, July 8th: Although this is Loop day 84, today marks the end of the third month since we started cruising the Great Loop. The difference is due to the time we had to go home.

This morning we would be transiting the huge Carillon lock. Going through ahead of us was this beautiful one-of-a-kind yacht that was built in 1907. It appeared to be in perfect condition with all the wood gleaming in a new coat of varnish and the metal all polished:

Many, many boats lock through on weekends and holidays and the lock can accommodate multiple boats at a time. This sign tells us how to do it:

We waited for the lock to be readied. The giant lift door opened to reveal a cavern! One small boat had just locked down:

We were first in on this set. Fortunately, there is a floating dock, complete with attendant, for us to tie to. This is much easier than handling our own lines or the lines hanging down from the top of the lock. This big lock raises us 65 feet!

We tied up and waited for the other boats to come in:

It is a long way to the upper sill (that's not the top of the lock that you see):

Three other boats were going with us. Down in this cavern it is almost dark! The lock tender was very helpful. He is also the one that collects the money (we had a seasonal pass):

All set!

Down comes the gate:

Almost to the top:

And ready for the upper gates to open (they swing, like most locks):

Still waiting (still collecting money..):

And away we go! Great fun!

The others follow us out:

We had about 25 miles to go to make our destination for the night. The wind built up from the northeast making for "wallowing seas" on our stern, but not too bad. We arrived at the Marina Montebello in Montebello, Quebec by mid-afternoon. The wind and waves were really blowing. In addition, wakes from passing boats really rocked the docks and Integrity. Not well protected.

We walked into town to explore and buy a couple of grocery items (nice grocery in town). Back at the marina the weather had calmed down some. The marina seemed deserted:

Integrity was stuck out at the far end. Did we mention we had cleaned the brown mustache off yesterday? (Webmaster's note: No, you didn't..) Looks better, but it'll come back:

The marina was actually pretty nice and had many amenities - sadly no pump out station, which we needed. However we charged the batteries and filled the water tank. Here's a good view of the waterfront and garden:

The toilet/shower doors had unusual paintings on them; this is the ladies:

And the gents':

Tomorrow we plan to tour "le Chateau Montebello", the largest log building in the world.

We have now transited 29 locks so far on the trip. Many more to come.

Position tonight: N45 38.829 W074 56.120

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