Thurs July 21: Sorel to Trois Rivières marina

Mike speaking:

Today is our (the Duffys) last day on the water.  When we arrive at Trois-Rivieres this afternoon, Linda and I will hop on a bus to Quebec City while Rick and Melanie spend the night docked at TR and leave on a two-day trip to the same city.  

Rick made us a happy breakfast and off we went.  

 

Mel here - is this a happy egg, or is it deranged??? Discuss...

 

The weather forecast was not promising but it kept shifting so we were hopeful. Our route took us down the mighty St Lawrence River for a stretch followed by a navigation across Lake Saint Pierre and then continuing on the river to Trois-Rivières.  We had to keep track of some large commercial shipping vessels as this part of the river is their freeway.  One passed us by and we gave them a LOT of room to do so.

 

 

While the lake is large, we had to keep to a relatively narrow path because its depth was minimal in places outside the main channel.  The winds kicked up and we got to enjoy some surging wave action but the rain held off and we made it to our destination.  Turns out it was just in time as the promised squall hit us a few minutes after another fine Rick-controlled 180 degree spin followed by a reverse docking.  This one was so flawless that the dock hand was impressed.  Great job Rick!

The downpour stopped just in time for us to bid "adieu" to Rick and Melanie and catch our ride to the bus heading into Quebec City.

With the voyage now in our rear view mirror, what random things did we learn while cruising on the "Blue Horizon"? 

• Closing the toilet seat during a voyage is not just a kindness--it's a necessity.
• For a mere $3.50 you can set frozen water free.  
• Soda cans can explode in the heat.
• Having a fly swatter and solid aim should be a marketable skill.
• You never know when random French words might come in handy.   "Désolé"  and "fermé" were surprise hits.
• You can clear out your refrigerator by donating your left-over pizza to hungry lock attendants.
• Great food can be made from a very small kitchen.  We ate very well!!
• A bed really only needs to be as long as you are.  We never once fell off, and we slept like the dead!

 

• Five days feels more like two when you enjoy the journey and the company!

 

Now this is where we get sentimental...

It was tough to leave our little home on the water.  Rick and I (Mike) have known each other for a long time, but haven't had many opportunities to spend significant time together.  Though it's been many years since we last "hung out", I felt like we picked up naturally where we had left off.

I (Linda) was certainly nervous about spending time "boat-bound" with a person I'd encountered only briefly, and another I'd never met.  Though Rick was confident Michael and I would enjoy the trip, I believe Melanie was very trusting to take both of us on "sight unseen!"  That we would feel at home so quickly is a testament to her good nature and open heart.  Melanie and I were delighted by the boys' reunion and reminiscences.  And we girls so much enjoyed each other's company and the serendipity of finding random commonalities. (Melanie was the first person I have EVER found who has read Jasper Fford's "Thursday Next" series!)  What a gem that girl is! 

Thank you, Rick and Melanie, for just being "you" and for giving us an opportunity to enjoy such an incredible summer adventure!  

Love you both!!

 

Mel here - I got a bit weepy there and had to go blow my nose.  Now I'm back....

It has been so fun to see our boat adventure through fresh eyes - we are honored that Mike and Linda (Mikda?  Lindike?) wanted to spend their precious vacation time on Blue Horizon.

We will 'sea' them soon...

Thurs afternoon:

I still felt sick from the bumpy crossing of tiny Lac Saint-Pierre, so I lay down for a bit, and Rick threw himself into planning the next phase of our trip.  From Sorel on things will be new to us!

Rick got this guide from a nice sailing boat person - those of you with sharp eyes will immediately see this adds a small layer of complexity to the planning process. It's entirely in French!

Oh those droll French-speakers!  Here is a play on words.  Assume 'eau' is pronounced 'o' and you have Vino!! Just what we needed because we were so desole that our company had gone...