Down the Chambly Canal to Lake Champlain


Hello again, dear friends!  Oceanus continues to make tracks southward.  From Montreal, we continued along the St. Lawrence Seaway to the city of Sorel, Quebec and the start of the Chambly Canal system.  Many more locks to navigate through (slowly but steadily) and very quaint towns along the way as well.  Our favorite town was Chambly - very picturesque and charming.  We also stopped at St. Jean-Sur-Richelieu, another cute small town.  Apparently, the Chambly Canals are drained every year in late fall, then refilled for the summer season.  There is also a fantastic system of bike paths along all of the canals that seem very well utilized by the locals.  And more opportunities for Sheryl to dabble in speaking French!


A bike ride around town in Chambly


Typical street signs in Chambly

Oceanus and Midnight Star tied up to the city wall in Chambly for the night


View from Chambly bike path


Chambly locks

At Fort Chambly



Just a pretty Canadian tree




In St. Jean-Sur-Richlieu; the canal is on the left and the Richelieu River is on the right.  The canal and river merged just south of the city.

A portable "Piano Public" in St. Jean-Sur-Richelieu

Part of the scenic Chambly Canal

Some sections of the canal were VERY narrow!


Lock at St. Jean-Sur-Richelieu.  Oceanus and Midnight Star are visible past the lock building (tied up)



A view from the bank of the Richelieu River.  We actually walked over the bridge in the picture to get to a local fabric store LOL.


AND WE FINALLY MADE IT BACK TO THE UNITED STATES!!!!  We had some minor challenges checking in with US Customs, but we were eventually successful.  Au revoir, Canada!!!!

A beautiful sunset at anchor in northern Lake Champlain (in NY side)



Marianne and Rob were able to join us in St. Albans, VT for a leg of our journey!  It's always nice to see them (amazing people), and we always get treated to some of Marianne's awesome cooking!!!



A carved rendition of "Champ" or "Champy" who is rumored to inhabit Lake Champlain.  Historians reportedly believe that Champ is likely a large garfish or sturgeon.  We have no sightings to report.


A view of St. Albans Bay
St. Albans Bay, VT on Lake Champlain


St. Albans City was very nice - lots of great shops and restaurants!

A section of "downtown" St. Albans, VT

Sunset on St. Albans Bay




We anchored at Valcour Island (just south of Plattsburgh, NY).  We were treated to some perfect weather, and fun was had by all!

We circumnavigated the island in our dinghy.  Very rustic island with many primitive campsites reachable only by boat.

Another day in paradise : )


We dropped our visitors off in Burlington, VT (where their mini-vacation will continue), and Oceanus continued on her homebound journey.  
Until we get there, take care, everyone - will chat again soon!!!

 








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