42 Chambli Canal

St. Jean sur Richlieu to Marina Saurel, Sorel-Tracy, QE.

We had breakfast, used the bathrooms at the lock – they had given us a key, but we were disturbed by a group of Canadian soldiers on some sort of morning exercise – and were ready when the lock opened.  There are several swing bridges between locks 11 and 10, and, as we proceeded down the canal, the same young woman opened them for us, driving between them and finally returning to Lock 11.  We got gas and had lunch in Chambli, where we bought two gaily decorated mirrors for Pine Tree Island.  Decided not to tour the castle in favor of making the final opening of the St Ours Lock at 1600 hrs. The St Ours lock is the first on this trip with floating docks inside the lock – love them! When we arrived at the Marina Saurel I had great difficulty in backing in to the mooring. After several attempts, one of which put a scrape on the side of the C, two boaters came to help and we finally made it. I was very embarrassed, but they were very understanding! After walking to a marine store to buy a Canadian pennant and a new mast for it, we found out that the Club Commodore’s beginning-of-the-season cocktail party, buffet, and dance was that evening and that we were invited.  We had a great time! We talked a lot to Luke, who drives for handicapped people, and his partner Elaine, who teaches music. Luke built a 42’ yacht which they live in during the summer.  Went to bed exhausted, happy, and wringing wet from perspiration!

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