Thurs, July 6-9 Quebec City Marina CA

Thurs, July 6-9  Quebec City Marina CA    

Out of the anchorage we continue to head northeast toward Quebec.  The waters are still calm and the ride nice, even through the Richelieu rapids, where the boat  speed increased to 13 mph.  As we neared Quebec, the boating activity increased with local sailboats, freighters passing us and parked along shore, and cruise ship pulling in, as well as other pleasure boats.  The marina in Quebec is protected from the 12 foot tide by a lock - which means that in order to get into the city marina, we have to go thru another lock.  The challenge this time was once again a 25 mph wind.  Captain Tom did a good job getting us out of the lock safely and then into our mooring, with a little help from the dockhands.  We were tied safely for the next few days so we enjoyed a beer.  Now, off the boat and into the city to explore and hopefully find dinner.  The old port area in Quebec reminded us of France in that the streets were narrow, small shops and terraced dinning were readily available.  We walked up and down the hilled streets and decided to have dinner at Cafe de Monde which was directly on the water.  We enjoyed seeing the city lit up at night.  

Today we once again waited for the rain to cease before we took the hop on, hop off bus to see the city.  We fought the raindrops for a while, but enjoyed the clouds mixed with sun in the afternoon.  The city is very hilly and it is the oldest port in Canada.  We walked around enjoying the shops, street artists, local food and even Mary's caramel corn - almost as good as Chicago's Garrett's Popcorn.  Tom enjoyed a dip in the pool before the rain returned and made for a calm evening. 

Tom and John are off early today to go whale watching on the Saguenay River. This area is one of the few American fjords - very steep, very deep and very scenic.   The bus ride was 3 hours northeast to Bay St. Catherine and the Zodiac boats. After donning insulated rain gear, much needed in the cold, they ventured out into the dense, white fog in search or white beluga whales.  They saw a few belugas at a great distance but also saw a minke whale up close and personal  Very cool.  Colletta went with the Short Vacation gang going on a road trip.  They saw the beautiful Montmorency waterfall, climbed the stairs to the lookout tower, and got wet with the water mist.  Then on to Ilse de Orleans to visit vineyards, taste wine and pick our own fresh strawberries.  Nice day for all.

The next morning consisted of boat maintenance and laundry.  Tom and Colletta walked into the Old Port area one last time and sampled pastries, tasted lunch, enjoyed the  views, toured the Old Port Museum and munched on Mary's caramel corn - again.  Once back at the boat we met with French Canadians Guy and Lise who tutored us on our return trip  up the St. Lawrence Seaway and into Montreal.  They provided us valuable local information on when to leave and how to maneuver to utilize slack tide and currents to our advantage - Priceless.  After a weather front and a rainstorm went thru, we moved the boats outside the lock to the spare dock so we can leave early.  The lock is closed between 0030 and 0730.  We enjoyed our visit to Quebec, new sights, new experiences, new food and new friends.  The music festival was an added plus.  11 days of music - you didn't have to attend to enjoy, we heard the music every night while at the port.

Entering Quebec Marina Lock

Coming up the St. Lawrence entering Quebec City

The Hotel Frontenac on top of the hill

 

Entering the lock to get into the marina. They provide no help to
tie up so boaters help each other out

In our slip at the Quebec City Marina. A beautiful marina,
with great location and amenities

 

These murals reminded us of building we saw in France

Conversing with Mr. Champlain

Street musicians in the old historic part of the city

 

Just like in France without leaving North America

 

The 150 th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation