We have 4 locks left to exit the Seaway and set our own schedule.
The seaway is designed for commercial traffic and they seem to tolerate pleasure craft. Because of this, we are the lowest priority, and may wait at a lock for hours before they let us through. If you’ve noticed, we’ve only been making 20-30 miles a day, and that’s why.
Tomorrow we’re going to try and make it through 2 lift bridges and 2 locks. We’re anchored off the town of Les Coteaux a couple of miles from the Valleyfield bridge. The bridge opens at 9AM for pleasure craft. I’ll be there.
Next, I have to make it to the St. Louis bridge which opens at 11AM. That shouldn’t be an issue since it’s only 5.3 miles away.
If, I can get through the St. Louis bridge early, by piggybacking of a commercial ship, I might be able to catch the 11AM transit at the Beauharnois locks. There are two of them back to back so no waiting in between. If I don’t catch the 11AM transit, I have to wait until the 3PM transit.
And, I get to do it all over again the next day for the final two locks.
Ouch, I’m getting a headache doing all the permutations.
Our plan is to get a slip for a couple days at the Montreal Yacht Club.
Here are some pictures from today.
Kurt & Sue Sail 