Firebird Travels: July 2013

We left the St Ours and Chambly canal system late on the day so decided to go to Batiscan for the night. I was a little off the path but a nice break from the larger marinas. The entrance can be a little challenging but doable if you follow the floats. They have new washrooms, there is a good restaurant on premises and the operator is very helpful. The next morning we set off for Quebec City along the St Lawrence River.

There was time for some catch up R&R

Along this run there were several large freighters and barges to accompany us.

The controlling depth of the St Lawrence river is 35 feet. The river is very wide and but in some spots out side of the channel it gets very shallow very quickly. There are few places which are available to anchor along the river as most are either too turbulent or dry out at low tide. Most of the marinas are man made involving some sort of man made quays which were dredged to a manageable depth. The lighthouse below reminds us how shallow it gets outside the channel.

It is said that mariners traveling the Saint Lawrence could tell where they were by counting the number of church spires along their way.

This tanker came upon us making 18 MPH. I set all my instruments to measure in miles because I found it easier when measuring against the city distances etc. I spotted on my AIS and it showed her eventual catch point and potential for collision. I doubt that I would make a speed bump to this guy. Best thing is to get out of the way.

This barge followed us for 25 miles. The AIS said they were traveling just a hair faster then us so the catch up was inevitable. They caught us just before Quebec city, only to stop for unloading. Race won by the turtle.

The first thing you see at Quebec is the (no not the CG ship) its the Chateau.

Although the CG is impressive.

What a truly magnificent sight.

Arriving at Old Port Quebec, we had to lock thru to the inner basin. What a great spot in down town Quebec. The inside basin maintained its water height by the lock system. Only when the tide is equal or higher will the locks be open for straight thru passage, however there is still a bridge that the lock master has to rase if you don't have the air height.

On the radio I called the Lock Master and asked for permission to enter the lock, the lock Master told me to enter on the green light. After my call the operator of this catamaran called the Lock Master and told him he was entering first. To which the lock Master replied "no you are second" after that there was a lot of French conversation. I went in first followed by the Cat. It isn't nice to tick off the lock master.

Floating dock tie up. Makes it easy.

This was a company group event on the hired cat and everyone was pretty much wasted.

On the factory walls at night the city projects a visual show, cool.

This marina has a chandler in site. I needed some canvas repair, and the folks that I had come out, returned in 2 hours with repair completed. Great service.

That evening we were treated to a light show projected against the old grain silos on the dock.

There are several (four) I counted, projection towers which project simultaneous and sequential images across the towers.

The green roofed building is the train and bus station. My passenger left me thru there and headed back to the states.

The sign is for the Farmers Market held each day just to the left.

Fountain art;

Chair Art, that connection between chairs is the St Lawrence river

I had to have a beer in this place.

Ahh!

A view from the other side.

Statue

Statue with Judy

Le Citadelle de Quebec:

It was 90 degrees and these guys weren't even sweating. Bet there is a portable air conditioner in their hats.

A new recruit? Who wants to be the goat? The last time I was in Quebec, this unit was retiring the Goat Mascot and receiving a new one from the Queen. I was at that ceremony many many years ago. I tried to find out how many goats have since been retired these last ~50~ years. No one could tell me.