Once we left Montreal, we traveled northeast on the mighty Saint Lawrence River to an “off the beaten path” local marina outside of Sorel, Quebec, our next turning point. Lovely lowland country and happy folk who enjoyed disco music. Turning south past the iron and titanium production plant in Sorel, we entered the Richelieu River passing under historic bridges and fields of wildflowers. We had envisioned this part of the journey through French settled Quebec as being a cruise through the rivers of France. It truly felt that way. The dominant feature in every village is the prominently placed stone church with tin coated copper spires of designs unique to each local. The winding and wide Richelieu River shallowed in Chambly, QC requiring the construction of a flight of locks to serve military purposes related to the defense of the French occupation, including the beautifully restored Fort Chambly. The restoration is remarkable and the exhibits are engagingly presented.
We enjoyed a weather day on the wall at the top of the Chambly flight of three, inviting the newlyweds in their 24 foot skiff aboard for Sunday brunch. From Maine, the young couple had all types of sea stories having graduated from Maine Maritime Academy, and were completing the Triangle Loop in two weeks (it has taken us 2 years!)
The cruise through the Chambly Canal into Lake Champlain took us through many picturesque towns, locks and vistas. This leg was most memorable for not only the scenery, but for Marty and my attempts to speak French!
Aisling goes Looping 