We left Rouses Point, NY and went through Customs at the US/Canadian Border and entered the beautiful Richelieu River, Quebec, Canada.   It was sunny and warm and a beautiful ride with some farms and an eclectic mix of houses on the riverbanks.  We arrived at St. Jean Sur Richelieu, Quebec. 

We communicated with the Pont Quoin Bridge  # 12 bridge-tender for an opening and were told the bridge opens on the half hour, so we waited 10 minutes.  During our wait, Ralph asked about tying up at the city dock and the lockmaster for the Chambly Canal came on the radio and suggested we go through Lock 9 the first of the Chambly Canal Locks (in descending order) and stay on the lock floating dock because it is much more comfortable.   We went through the drawbridge, then through Lock 9 and tied up on the lock floating dock.

So we "locked through" our first Canadian lock -- lowering us 5 feet.   Of the 9 locks on the Chambly, 8 of them are hand operated.  Lock 9 is the only mechanical lock.  You'll see from the photo how narrow it is -- only 21' and affords only one boat in the lock at a time.

After tying up, we got a city map from the lockmaster and took a stroll about town.  The predominant language is French, but many people speak English as well.  It's a beautiful little town and the lockmaster told us that the weekends here begin on Fridays -- due to the economy, most people work only 4 days a week now.  We took Striper on a 2.15 mile walk, met a couple who we had met at Gaine's Marina last night and also another couple from Maine who belong to MTOA.  We had nice chats with both.  Photos from today's adventure:

Going through Customs at the US/Canadian border

One of the homes on the Richelieu River

 

Not sure what's going on with this house with Greek columns on Richelieu River

We're not sure if this house is being moved or perhaps, a foundation is being built underneath -- Richelieu River

Lock # 9 (in descending order) of the Chambly Canal -- our first lock in Canada

The lockmaster at Lock # 9 gave Striper a second treatie -- she got one as we were locking through, also

This house in downtown St. Jean Sur Richelieu was built in 1841

In the historic district of St. Jean Sur Richelieu "Le National"

Bakeries and Laundromats (not necessarily in that order) are my favorite haunts on boat trips.  This is the Bissonnette Bakery in St. Jean Sur Richelieu -- I bought a baguette and 2 chocolate eclairs.  Mmmmmmmm