July 28 – Saturday
Overcast with intermittent showers was going to be the weather for the day. We would be leaving Dows Lake on a schedule that would put us at the Pretoria Bridge in time for the first lift at 09:00. Libby stayed aboard with us and we had oatmeal for breakfast, at her request. Topped the water tank and brought in the power cord as I said goodbye to Jim the manager, and our recently acquired neighbor and friend, Richard, who is living on his houseboat for the summer. Libby had to do a final duck feeding and then Kathy and Gregg helped with our lines as FLIGHT backed out, bound for the 8-lock Ottawa Flight.
We idled down the canal returning waves from joggers and as we approached the bridge, the tender raised it, switched the red light to green, and we continued on “downtown”. Standing under the first street bridge (to stay out of the rain) near the mooring wall was Kate & Matt, ready to exchange a box of pastries for their daughter. It had been planned that Libby and Kate would be aboard FLIGHT for the first lock, but due to the rain and the long cue of boats already waiting to lock down, decided they would say goodbye and check out of the hotel for departure. It turned out be a good idea since we had to wait a couple of hours before even entering the first lock. While we waited, a large 80 foot yacht was being locked up – it was the only boat that could fit into the lock chamber.
During our locking, it became clear that we were part of the “tourist attraction” for that day (along with the 6 other boats in our lock group) in downtown Ottawa. We were photographed many times and had chats with a few people who were standing along the lock walls. I (RCB) met a couple who were interested in where we came from and by what route. The young man could not identify with the places I mentioned because he was visiting from Austria, but the gal wanted more and more specifics about where we lived in PA. She is from Quebec but has lived in Scranton, PA and has also stayed in Clarks Summit. I expect her French accent stood out from the crowd in both of those PA coal region towns.
The flight locking was fun at first but soon became boring and after number 4, we actually lost count of where we were in the process. Fortunately the weather improved and we shed our rain gear and hats and by 2:45, when we were set free on the Ottawa River, things were looking pretty encouraging. That morning we decided we would go the 36 NM to Chateau Montebello on the Quebec side of the river but the lengthy locking made us think we may have to anchor some place before reaching our destination. Once on the open water the boat seemed happy to be running at cruise speed 8+ knots and the weather changed from “not bad” to “very lovely” so we kept going. The water at times was placid and we had the entire river to ourselves for miles at a time.
We had not made a reservation for the marina and did not even have a phone number – would we be able to get a slip?? As Polly piloted us down the river, modern technology came to our rescue and the Verizon air card and Google gave me the number. Our cell phone call was answered by a French-speaking (at first) lady who was happy to connect me with the marina office. Yep, come on in Monsieur - and bring your VISA card. This is a high end, first rate Fairmont luxury hotel, spa and country club with a great marina. Horseback riding, jet skis, golf (they will come to the dock to give you a ride to the first tee), and curling are among the many activities available. We were just thrilled to have immaculate showers and flush toilets. Le Chateau Montebello also claims to have the world’s largest all-log structure. I believe it, and it is beautiful. There will be pictures. The earlier rain had brought a pleasant and cool evening. We will stay until Monday morning so we can enjoy this special place and their famous Bar-B-Q, before moving on down the river.