Wednesday, June 24, 2015
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We had 72 NM to make today but could not leave until 10:30 AM to avoid fighting the incoming tide (which is about 18' at Quebec City). When the incoming tide matches the water level in the marina pool the lock gates are opened at both ends to re-fill the pool and so boats can pass straight thru, and that is what we did. For the first couple of hours we pushed against the remaining incoming tide and could only make about 6 knots, but soon afternoon things started speeding up.
By 2 PM we were making a steady 10 knots and where the river was constricted (and for for other reasons that are beyond my understanding) we moved at up to 13 knots. In several places we ran thru strong eddies and tidal rips that swung Tide Hiker around somewhat. The water was always deep - often over 100 feet. Overall we averaged 8.25 kts for the day.
For the first 15 miles of the day we followed the north shore of Isle De Orleans - initially semi-urban then giving away to rural as we progressed. It was quite rugged with cliffs falling into the river. After the island we were entering the foothills of the Laurentian mountains and the river started to widen into an estuary. The north shore was quite rugged and heavily forested. For some miles, there was a railway track along the shore line at the base of the cliffs, and we spotted several tunnels. We could see that there was waterfalls down the mountain side but they were by and large hidden by the foliage.
The weather had started out rather breezy but the wind was basically on our stern and did not bother us. Once the tide turned the sea state settled down and we enjoyed a pleasant ride. The sun was in and out and the temperature went up and down from comfortable to cool accordingly.
Our ETA was about 7 PM. As we approached our destination the tide turned against us for the last couple of miles, so it seemed we had timed the day reasonable well. Our marina did not speak English, and had gone home at 6PM anyway, so we had to sort out our own arrival. We had drawing of the marina and a sat view (but taken in winter when the floating docks had been taken out of the water!) Tide Hiker was first to arrive - and a couple of boaters arrived to take our lines. The marina was a lot smaller than we have pictured in our minds - very little turning space. the tide was low and there was a lot of "dry land" inside. Turning Tide Hiker in the AM will be interesting.
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| The falls that we visited the day before by bus |
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| Rural view of the Isle D'Orleans |
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| Into the Laurentian Mountains - and the water turned yellow |
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| We noticed a track along the edge of the lake - and then a train! |
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| Did I mention that I like trains? |
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| Train going into a tunnel |
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| We knew there were waterfalls but the foliage hid them most of the time |
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| Ski Resort |
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| A town, the usual large church |
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| The marina was a bit of a squeeze |
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| I think the sign was printed in China |
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