August 23                                      Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada

As promised, the prop and shaft repair crew arrived at 7:00 AM and promptly began installing the straightened shafts and the spare props.  Despite the heavy weight of the props, stored in the hold below the galley, they were removed without incident using a hoist mounted next to the port side of the boat.

At 10:30, I was informed I must leave the boat for they were ready to put it back into the water.  Another crew from the shipyard had arrived to make possible this Saturday departure.  We were grateful and humbled by their concern for us on a day when they usually would not be working.  John Boucher, the general manager of the facility had become a special friend.  He made certain the work was done and  we were safe and comfortable in our "penthouse boat" more than 20 feet above the ground.  

After the boat had been placed into the water, I began to board but was stopped by the foreman of the crew who gave me the European kiss on both cheeks.  The other men followed and I felt like a prom queen!!  David started the engines and we moved out into the bay.  The new props worked beautifully.  The feeling of once again being on our journey was indescribable.  The knots of tension between my shoulders began to relax.

Marinas on the Northumberland Strait are limited in depth and dockage size.  As we left Caraquet late (almost noon), we had few choices for our evening stay.  Although it was located more than twenty miles upriver, Miramichi seemed to be a good choice.  The Bottom Line is more than 17 meters in length and most marinas offer little dockage for boats more than 15 meters.

We turned into the Miramichi River at 7:00 PM.  The GPS indicated we would arrive at the marina by 9:00 PM.  This would be just before the last light was gone.  Although marked by red and green buoys, the river channel was twisting and shallow.  We had to slow our speed and the sun disappeared about thirty minutes before we reached our destination.  With his usual calm and common sense, David proceeded without incident to the rustic marina located just before the giant Centennial Bridge that spans the river.

As promised, the dockmaster and several helpers were on the dock waiting for us.  Within minutes, we were docked and our long day’s journey had been successfully completed.  Dinner was on the boat.

August 21-22                                       Caraquet, New Brunswick, Canada

We were at the Centre naval du Nouveau Brunswick before 8:30 AM. Dock help was waiting for us.  We quickly were placed in the slings for haul out and moved to the adjacent dock.  In a short time, the prop people arrived to survey the damage.  We were distressed to learn the shafts, both props, and the port stabilizer unit was damaged.  The anterior and posterior hull had damage and water was coming through a small opening in the bow.  We were immediately impressed with the skill and knowledge of the people who were trying to help us. 

Fiberglass people were on site and began to work within a few hours.  The shaft and props were removed and taken to a repair facility.  The boat, held aground with blocks under the keel and securing units, was a pathetic sight.  When the yard help learned we wanted to board the boat, they mounted a large metal ladder to the deck so we could safely and easily come abroard.  We had decided to stay on the boat rather than go to a motel.  Electricity was provided and we had plenty of water.  The shipyard agreed to let us stay on the boat (highly unlikely in the U.S. due to OSHA and insurance limitations).  

David’s efforts to rent a car were unsuccessful.  One of the workmen insisted on leaving his very nice pickup for us to drive and we were given keys to the gates if we wanted to come in after the facility had closed.  We were again overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of this town.

As it seemed possible our return to Texas would be delayed, we decided to refill two prescriptions (one for each of us).  We were told this could only be done when approved by a doctor in New Brunswick.    An appointment with a doctor would be secured sometime in the next week.  As we were scheduled to leave within a few days, we were advised to go to the emergency room of the community hospital.  Using our loaned vehicle, we went to the hospital and were efficiently processed through admitting.  We were informed the cost would be $570 CD per person!  Hoping our insurance would cover some of this huge expense, we accepted the charge.  We saw a nurse practitioner who asked for our recent medical history and then wrote prescriptions for our medications.

No word about the shafts was received until after 5:00 PM on Friday.   They had been repaired and the crew would arrive at 7:00 AM to install them.  Although it would be Saturday, the shipyard crew would be present three hours later to take the boat from the dock back into the water.  We are hopeful no additional problems occur that further delays our journey.

August 20                                            Caraquet, New Brunswick, Canada

As promised, at 9:00 AM and high tide, our dock help arrived to help us negotiate the difficult maneuvering required to take our large boat from the restricted dock space.  With his usual calm and skillful piloting, David quickly moved us away from the dock and turned expertly into the large expanse of the St. Lawrence.  The weather was great and we were excited to have a long day of cruising.

The GPS was programmed to take us past the shoals.  I brought in the fenders and knelt down to secure the small ladder we had decided to leave attached to the boat when a tremendous jolt pushed me forward toward the ladder opening.  I grasped the railing and held myself on deck.  A horrible noise indicated we had hit a shoal, not marked and not indicated on the GPS, hidden by the high tide. 

We were immediately aware we had sustained prop damage.  Knowing we had no help at Chandler, we decided to continue our journey.  Our maximum speed was 7 knots without incurring considerable vibration.  David perused our manual and found a shipyard at Caraquet located across the Bay of Chaleurs.  The weather was wonderful and we easily made it to Caraquet.

Our journey was marred by our damage but the excellent weather and beautiful shoreline scenery were pleasant distractions.  We were delighted to see the huge hulk of Perce Rock, a red granite monolith extending far into the water and one of the most photographed sites in Canada. Across from it was the I’lle-Bonaventure, a favorite site for birdwatchers who come to view the huge population of northern gannets and other birds that nest here every summer.

 We could find no information for the Caraquet shipyard so we passed it and continued to the harbor marina, a rustic facility with predominately fishing boats in their docks.  The harbor master saw our boat and told us we were too large to dock there.  I pleaded we had sustained damage and needed to come in.  He graciously came to hold our lines and help us secure our 58’ boat into a dock meant for a 30’ foot vessel.  Hearing our tale of woe, he called the shipyard and made arrangements for us to be there at 8:30 AM to be pulled and have our props replaced with the spares we had on board.

We needed cash to pay the shipyard so we climbed the treacherous ladder from the dock onto the wharf and walked four blocks to the grocery store and the nearest ATM.  Of course, David had to make a long, long stroll through every aisle.  His purchases were limited by the fact we would be carrying everything. o Determined to bring some happiness into this special day of our anniversary, he surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of red roses.  What a guy!!

The wharf, only four feet behind our aft deck, was a popular nocturnal place.  Cars, motorcycles, and bicycles came slowly through the area as the drivers were perusing the boats in the marina and several stopped to inquire about the visitors from Texas.

August 19                                                        Chandler, Canada

Chandler seemed to be the perfect place to stop before we crossed the Bay of Chaleurs, noted for its high afternoon winds.  Morning rain and wind caused us to reconsider venturing from the marina, however, a favorable report from Chandler encouraged us to continue our journey.

We were instructed that entrance to the marina had to be on a high tide.  We arrived an hour too early and floated about in the bay.  Noting the many marked and unmarked shoals at the entrance to the marina, we made plans to take a wide arc around them upon departure.

The marina, reportedly a full-service marina, was very small and very tight.  The fuel dock was at the end of the marina and with the help of numerous dock help, David expertly parallel-parked our boat, which appeared gigantic to the others in the marina.  The dock help was excellent.  Diesel fuel supplies were limited and we drained their tanks with 300 gallons.

Simon, the dockmaster, invited us to his sailboat for rum and coke.  We spent a delightful hour with him and three of his friends and gained considerable information about the small marinas in this area.  Marinas are government funded and staffed by volunteers.  Simon was a lawyer who specialized in labor negotiations but he loved sailing and he was thrilled to be a volunteer for part of the summer at the marina in Chandler.

Dinner was at the recommended marina restaurant.  On the second floor of the marina office building, the restaurant had an incredible view over the breakwater to the wide expanse of water beyond.  The service and food were excellent.  I had morue, a local fish which was wonderful.  David had escargot and mushrooms in a vodka tomato sauce as an appetizer and langoustines for his entrée.   We spent a delightful evening recalling sixty years previously when we were at our wedding rehearsal dinner at the Liberty Grill in Cleburne, Texas.  The menu had been considerably different!  Looking out at a fabulous view, we recalled many happy times and wonderful people who had contributed to our lives in our sixty years of marriage.

August 18          Riviere de Reynaud, Canada

We were determined to make the 90 nm journey to Riviere de Reynaud despite weather reports that showed light rain and winds of up to 11 mph.  We left the dock at 7:30 AM with clear skies and negligible winds.  We were delighted to have great visibility and we enjoyed viewing the charming villages we passed.  The mountains became taller and the granite cliffs steeper as we continued on our route.

Fog suddenly enveloped us and once again we were navigating via GPS and radar with zero visibility.  The wind was not a significant factor so we continued smoothly on our route.  These long cruises involve intermittent naps for both of us and lots of needlepoint for me.  About an hour from our destination, the wind considerably increased, the water became very choppy, and the boat was buffeted by waves.  Not a pleasant experience!

The harbor at Riviere de Reynaud is protected behind another huge stone breakwater.  The marina shares dockage with the large commercial fishing fleet that has made this a mecca for seafood processors.  We were assigned a great place on the new dock.  Our dock hand was Robert, a recently arrived sailor who volunteered to secure our lines.  He spoke excellent English and had a delightful sense of humor.

The rain continued and we were restricted to the boat.  The lovely village ahead of the marina was beckoning but we were reluctant to venture that far in the rain.   After dark, we saw the large lighted cross next to a small church on the hill.  The village, situated at the foot of the mountain, was postcard-perfect.  Reluctantly we decided to spend the evening on the boat and plan for the next days.

August 17                                         Sainte Anne des Mont, Canada

After our previous arduous day, we elected to make a short cruise of six hours to Sainte Anne des Mont, one of Canada’s premier winter playgrounds.  We had a great day for cruising with sun and little wind.  The scenery was spectacular.  The verdant hills were dotted with small villages, red-roofed cottages, and steepled churches. 

Behind a formidable breakwater of huge granite boulders, the marina provided excellent shelter and great docking facilities.  With only 15 amp electricity available, we kept our generator running.  As it is very quiet and uses little fuel, this is not a problem.  Docking was again facilitated by the aid of several boaters who assisted the lone harbor master.  Dockage fee was only $1.25 per foot!

We left the boat to explore the adjacent area with its locally renowned seafood restaurant and enormous Catholic Church made of native stone. The area was nondescript with a few stores and government offices.  Most of the businesses were located on the long highway that extended for miles along the mountainside.

 Two blocks past the marina, we found a Metro Plus, one of Canada’s largest supermarket chains.  

Supermarkets have the same emotional appeal to David as art museums do for me. He likes to walk slowly through each aisle (he will skip baby food and pet supplies) and peruse every label.  This can take a very long time. I have always vowed I would NEVER follow a man through the aisles of a grocery store as I have often seen others do at home.  When I caught myself doing this, I quickly walked away and told David to meet me at the cashier station.  Fortunately, his choices and quantities were limited by the fact we were walking and carrying whatever we bought. After reading the menu of the restaurant, we opted to have dinner on the boat.  David made a wonderful clams and spaghetti dish that would rival any others. 
 

August 16            Matane, New Brunswick, Canada

Trying to adhere to a schedule that would bring us into Halifax by August 26 in order that we could return to Texas in time for the blessed event of Baylor playing its first football game in its new stadium, I charted a long day of cruising across the wide expanse of the St. Lawrence from its northern shore to its southern shore. 

Leaving Taduassac before 8:00 AM, we soon captured the speed of a high tide.  Wind was minimal and at times, the water was glassy smooth.  The incredible contrast of blues in the sky, clouds, and water was amazing.  It was a perfect day for making the long cruise across the St. Lawrence. 

With smooth seas and a boat that was performing exceptionally well, we relaxed and took turns at the helm.  Unfortunately, this serenity changed abruptly about three hours from our destination.  Wind velocity increased considerably, a light rain began, and the water became choppy.  The boat was tossed as we fought the wind, waves, and current. 

Matane Marina had English-speaking help and we were able to have them meet us on arrival at their fuel dock.  Since diesel fuel is not available at some marinas on our journey, we have elected to fuel at every opportunity.  With a strong cross-wind, David had difficulty bringing the boat into the small, rustic dock for fuel.  The dock help was inadequate for the task and suddenly several boaters appeared to help us secure the boat for fueling.  Later, they appeared again despite the rain to help us dock for our stay.  They were gone almost before we could express our gratitude.

It had been a long ten-hour day.  Dinner on the boat and phone calls to family and friends brought our activities to a close.  We were ready for a respite.

August 15                             Taduassac, Canada

We left the marina on a beautiful sunny day heading for Taduassac at the headwaters of the Saguenay River and the focal point of an enormous marine conservation area with a population of seals, turtles, and whales.  We have always ignored whale watching tours because of the expense and the uncertainty of seeing whales.  However, the guests of Robert Williams had rhapsodized about their experience in this area.  They reported seeing numerous whales and porpoises.  We decided to try a whale watching trip and bought tickets as we registered at the marina in Taduassac.

Returning to the boat from the office, we observed for the first time, the shredded Bimini top of our boat.  Somehow we had not seen the cover for the bridge area which had been destroyed as a result of the storm and winds of the previous day.  Further inspection showed that the dinghy had been moved more than two feet from its stand and its cover was hanging precariously off the side.  I mounted the console of the bridge and managed with scissors and zippers to untangle and remove the Bimini top.  We hired help to aid us in restoring the dinghy to its proper position.  To our dismay, the repair in Quebec had been unsuccessful and the dinghy was once again deflated.

Our whale watching trip was not very successful.  We saw the fins of several whales but nothing surfaced to amaze and awe us.  The three hour trip became very boring and the short excursion into the Saguenay Fjord produced no memorable sea animal sights although the scenery was awesome.   Dinner at the marina restaurant was not a memorable event.  We could have done much better with snacks on the boat. We sighted a small yellow boat with a canopy top that reminded me of Monet's little boat used for painting in plein aire (except this one had a motor).

Taduassac is a charming community surrounding a beautiful and active harbor.  A magnificent red-roofed hotel is the focal point of the scene but lovely and impressive homes dot the adjacent verdant hillsides.  As with all the Canadian villages we have seen, a large steepled church dominates the scene and commands the attention of the spectator.

August 12-14                                  Cap-a-l’Aigle, Canada

Monday was a day of preparation.  David had work to do on the boat so I walked the short distance to Metro Plus, a local supermarket.  Since David has a tendency to read every label on products he is buying or considering to buy, shopping can take hours.  Without him in attendance, I checked out in about thirty minutes with supplies to last us until we reach Halifax.

To my surprise, the check-out person asked if I wanted delivery at a charge of $2.00.  I had planned to take a taxi but thought this was a better option as delivery would be within an hour.  I returned to the marina and within a brief period, the groceries arrived as scheduled.  David was engrossed in issues at the office so time in port was essential.

Efforts to repair the leaking dinghy were not successful.  A fellow marina dweller gave us the name of a local Zodiac distributor who agreed to come the next day.  As weather reports were not favorable, we would spend another day in port and concentrate on needed repairs

.

Wednesday morning the dinghy repair crew arrived before 8:00 AM.  Within a short time, they had discovered a leak and repaired it.  Afterwards, we re-fueled only minutes before the rain began.  It continued all day without pause.   We were delighted to finally receive via UPS the two connections needed to use either of the ladders.  David had a very bad cold.  He needed lots of rest and TLC.  We took advantage of the weather delay to help him recuperate.

Thursday morning was still rainy but the wind was slight.  We decided to start the second part of our journey.  After a brief wait for the lock to open with the high tide at 7:30 AM, we once again entered the St. Lawrence River and headed eastward.  My new charts were unfolded next to the GPS.  Our route was charted to Cap-a-l’Aigle about 70 nm from Quebec City.

With light rain, little wind, and limited visibility, we left the marina.  Following the northward route around the Ile d’ Orleans, a large island often referred to as “the breadbasket of Canada” because of the abundance of produce it grows for the province, we passed numerous small villages adorned with high-steepled churches on the lush green adjacent hills.   We were delighted to have a good view of the magnificent Montmorency Falls just past the huge span of the Pont Ile d’ Orleans.  Taller than Niagara Falls by more than 90 feet, the falls are clearly visible from the river.

After leaving the sheltered north passage around Ile d’ Orleans, we entered the wide span of the St. Lawrence and immediately experienced a dramatic change.  The water became very choppy and, as noted on our GPS, we were experiencing tide rips.  David’s plans to nap were aborted several times when I called him back to the helm due to the rough water.  The stabilizers on the boat were no match for the strong waves that lifted us and then dropped us with a resounding crash.  The rain continued and visibility was limited.  At 2:25 PM, we finally arrived at our marina at Cap-a-l’Aigle .  Sheltered behind a formidable stone breakwater, this small marina was a welcome haven for two weary travelers who had been buffeted by hard hitting waves for more than three hours.

To our dismay, one of the dock helpers accidentally dropped one of the ladder connections into the water.  Fortunately, we had ordered two but now we had no spare.  David will work on a solution for this very difficult and expensive problem.  

August 10-11                           Quebec City, Canada

It was cool and sunny when we left the boat on a beautiful Saturday morning to catch the sightseeing bus at the market area.  Although it was not yet noon, the streets were crowded with walkers, bikers, and automobiles.  The annual festival celebrating the establishment of New France had attracted hordes of visitors to Quebec.

The bus ride had an excellent narrator (switching effortlessly from French to English) who gave a history of the area as he described the many sights along the way.  We moved slowly due to traffic and many streets being closed for the festival activities.  Everywhere we saw flowers.  Quebec City takes great pride in their many gardens and parks.  Quebec is the only walled city in North America outside of Mexico.  It has been declared a UNESCO heritage site.

We left the tour in the Lower Town (below the Chateau Frontenac in Upper Town) to walk the cobbled streets.  Amidst the tourists were many costumed citizens portraying various roles from life in the eighteenth century.  Booths along the lanes sold a variety of handcrafted items and a hurdy-gurdy player provided music.

Lunch was on the terrace of a charming restaurant in one of Lower Town’s oldest buildings.  Cote du Cote specialized in seafood.  We enjoyed an assortment of marinated calamari, salmon tartare, smoked trout, and shrimp with a coronet of frites.  It was fresh, light and delicious!

Our return to the Upper Town and Place Royal near the Hotel Frontenac was by funicular.  This interesting conveyance climbed the steep hill in about two minutes and saved us from much arduous effort.  Crowds of people filled the streets and shops. We were pleased to have an opportunity to see the interior of the Basilica of Quebec.  It was decorated in a splendid white and gold Baroque manner with a magnificent

 multi-piped organ.

We decided to return to the marina by walking in order to see more of the city.   It was a long, long journey and we collapsed upon reaching the boat.  THREE hour naps brought us back to life!

At ten o’clock that evening, we were treated to a fabulous fireworks display only a short distance from our marina.  With a “supermoon” overhead (the moon was very near the earth this weekend and exceptionally bright), clear skies, and no wind, it was a wonderful event and a highlight of the festival.

Sunday was a quiet day on the boat as we visited with others in the marina and observed the arrival of the Majestic, a 201 feet yacht.  The internet told us it had been owned originally by a Walmart heiress, the daughter of Sam Walton’s brother, Bud.  She sold it for $69 million dollars to a guy who owns a very successful investment firm on Wall Street.

We had noted on arrival the bright yellow and blue peaks of tents next to the marina and learned it was the summer home of Cirque du Soleil.  We bought tickets on line for an early Sunday performance and walked across the marina parking lot into the entrance of the main tent.  Could not have been easier! 

The show was titled Kurios, A Cabinet of Curiosities and like other Cirque du Soleil shows we have seen, it was exceedingly clever with a Surrealistic touch in the sets and props.  The costuming, lighting, and special effects were fabulous.  The acrobats, juggler, and trapeze performers were amazing and the comedy was delightful.  Precision, skill, and talent with a wonderful French flair!

August 9, 2014                               Quebec City, Canada

We needed to replenish our galley supplies and were told a large grocery store was near.  The sky was blue and the temperature was cool.  We decided to walk.  Checking with a fellow walker, we learned the renowned farmer’s market was across the boat basin from the marina and much closer than the grocery store.  Dark clouds had suddenly come into view and rain drops began to fall.  We made the market (fully enclosed) just as a tremendous thunderstorm hit the area.

  

The market was clean, organized, and crowded.  Numerous booths held an array of gorgeous raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and other fruits that looked as if they had just come from the harvest.  Vegetables were equally fresh and blemish-free.  Freshly baked pies, tartes, cookies, and breads added wonderful smells to the place.  A large formage booth was crowded with buyers.  Refrigerator cases displayed an assortment of pork, lamb, chicken, and lots of fish and shellfish.  Splendid flowers filled booths and added beauty to the scene.  It was truly a feast for the eyes!

We planned to eat lunch before shopping but the market offered few dining choices.  Taking advantage of a brief lull in the rain, we ran across the boulevard to find a bistro that looked promising.  It was closing. The rain had resumed so we ducked into a pub for a drink.  Soon another couple joined us and we enjoyed a lively conversation about their travels and ours.  They related a funny story about a hotel booked on the internet (chosen because it was near the Detroit Museum of Art) which they soon recognized to be a  place for prostitutes and their clients. They considered Detroit to be ugly and dangerous.  Definitely not a city to visit for vacation.  The bar was close to our table and a young man seated on a nearby stool was oblivious he was exposing a significant quantity of his underwear to the two ladies behind him!  Too much information!!!!

The neighborhood was active and we eventually found La Cabane where we received a warm welcome and a table on a covered terrace.  Their specialty was mussels with a choice of twelve sauces.  David enjoyed succulent mussels in white wine sauce but I opted for lobster salad.  Mussels and frites had been a major indulgence while I was in Belgium.

After shopping at the market, we carried our bags laden with fresh fruits, vegetables, smoked fish, and a gorgeous blueberry-cranberry pie back to the boat.  Having no clue rain was imminent when we left that morning, we had not lowered the aft deck curtains.  The carpet was soaked.  Afternoon thunderstorms seem to be common occurrences here.  We will take umbrellas with us in the future and securely close the boat.

August 4-5                           Montreal, Canada

Great to return to the boat!  I had a fabulous trip to Belgium with the Kimbell group and David enjoyed being with the family in Texas and going to Vegas to celebrate the 70^th birthday of long-time friend and client, John McCormack.  We were both ready to come home to The Bottom Line.  With the exception of spiders on the exterior, all was well.

David worked diligently to install the new part for the bow thruster, which had quit working after prolonged usage during our long waits at the locks when we were entering Montreal.  Unfortunately, the new part did not correct the problem.  Prolonged conversations with the manufacturer presented other alternatives but none were successful.  This meant docking would be more difficult but David was confident he could manage without it.

We were pleased to have a surprise visit from Robert Williams, a fellow boater from Fort Worth and two of his friends.  Robert, a very experienced sailor, had also planned to complete the Down East Circle Cruise.  We had visited with him and his wife, Nancy in Fort Worth before departing.  He left New York after we did and we were keeping up with his progress via e-mail.  Enroute to Cornwall, he hit an uncharted rock and severely damaged his boat.  He reported the boat had been left for repairs in a facility about fifty miles from Montreal.  He would leave for Fort Worth the next day to await completion of the work.   We were saddened to hear about his experience and empathized with his disappointment.

Before leaving Montreal, we went again to Café Nelson for dinner.  We had a great table observing the outdoor scene.  David had a fabulous duck cassolet and I enjoyed my Asian salmon salad.  We have been fortunate to experience Montreal in a leisurely manner.

August 6                   Trois Riviere, Canada

We left Montreal with blue skies and sun.  We were ready to move on.  After passing by numerous commercial docks, we finally were in the main stream of the St. Lawrence.  The shore line was banked with a variety of palatial homes and small residences.  The river was crowded with fishermen and commercial tankers.  The scenery gradually changed from level to hilly.  Navigation was straightforward to Trois Riviere.

Our marina at Trois Riviere was behind a breakwater.  We docked with excellent help.  One of the guys owned a mobile home in Donna, Texas where he went every winter.  He was eager to talk (in broken English) with “fellow Texans.”  The town required a taxi ride.  We had no need to leave the marina so we spent a pleasant evening on the boat. 

August 7                               Quebec City, Canada

The sun was receding behind the clouds as we prepared to depart Trois Riviere.  As our dock help was removing the ladder from the side of the boat, she dropped into the water a mount connection critical to the ladder installation.  Unfortunately, we had already utilized our spare.  This meant we could not install the ladder on our preferred starboard side and would cost almost one hundred dollars to replace.  Accidents will happen!

Rain began as we left the marina.  Fortunately, it was light but visibility was impaired.  We were riding a good current which increased our speed about 3 nautical miles.  The shores were lined with lovely homes, small villages, and impressive steepled churches. 

After several hours, the rain stopped and the skies gradually began to clear.  Richelieu Rapids is an area where the current dramatically increases.  Our usual 10 nm speed quickly became more than l5 nm without any change in engine speed.  With our strong engines, David easily maintained control as we sped along down the river for several miles.  After the rapids, the journey was uneventful and straightforward.  Beautiful homes lined the hillsides leading into Quebec City.

The Port Marina de Quebec was entered via a short lock and a swing bridge.  We were fortunate to arrive in high tide when both were opened and we easily entered the marina. With excellent help, we were securely docked.  After a quiet evening on the boat, we plan to explore tomorrow one of North America’s oldest and most beautiful cities.