August 8, 2011 - Chambly to Treadwell Marina, Plattsburgh, U S A !

The trip from Chambly starts early as we position ourselves at the first lock to get into the first lift. We start and stay with the same three boats all the way through to the end of the Chambly canal and it's 9 locks. These are the smallest locks we've been in throughout the trip. They are no more than 25 feet wide by 70 feet long, compared to the seaway locks, quite a contrast. The good news is that because they are small, their volume of water is less too and they are quick to fill and quick to dump.

Chambly locks are very small and crowded with three boats

We pass a few boats going the opposite direction, but fortunately not in the narrow and shallow spots.

All the Chambly locks have beautiful flowers

Only problem for the day is fuel. We expected to make it to Treadwell on the fuel we had when we left Montreal, however, that was not to be the case. Major problem was that the numerous marinas along the way only sold gas, not diesel. The guidebooks show diesel being sold all along the way, however, almost all did not. Marge got on the phone trying to find vendors and check prices. She finally found one that had diesel and it was still another 30 miles away. They said their price was $1.31 per liter, which was significantly less than the previous $1.449 we paid onn the Ottawa River.

We arrive with 12 gallons left in the tank, and find the price is $1.49 per liter. Seems the previous quoted price did not include their tax, which accounted for the difference. Running on fumes, regardless of price, "no problem!"

At one point we are in intense discussion trying to figure out where US Customs is located and a guy starts blowing his horn at us with people on deck waving at us. I glanced at the GPS chart and notice we are headed for two feet of water which is what he's warning us about. We quickly retreat back the way we came in and circle by him, very grateful for his warning.

Approaching US Customs after leaving Canadian waters

US Customs

We reached the US border, called the CanAm border and pulled into customs with our yellow
quarantine flag flying after crossing the border. Passing through is simple and we take down
the yellow and replace it with our wounded WBYC burgee and proceed to Treadwell Marina to get their last available slip for the night. What makes this surprising is they have 322 slips in the marina. The other interesting fact we were told that of the 322, 320 are held by Canadian boaters! And big boats they are, with mostly sailboats.

Treadwell Marina, Plattsburgh, NY

All communications have returned, so no longer dependent on finding wifi and back on AT&T network for calls. Now if I had a laptop that worked...
Ordered takeout from a local restaurant that delivered and after the City prices of Ottawa and Montreal are shocked at the incredible meal that arrives for $21.00!
Tomorrow is a trip into Plattsburgh to resupply big time with the basic food groups, beer, wine, booze and soda, and then hopefully to an anchorage in the islands for the night.

Full set of pictures are at: https://picasaweb.google.com/golphinut/201107BlueBelle02?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Click on any of the photos above to enlarge them.