Mile 329: Ile-d'Orleans

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Ile-d'Orleans Current Location: Club Nautique de l'Ile Bacchus Date: May 31 Mile:  329 Locate:  1) Ramble On, 2) Ramble On Locate:  1) Finnish Line 2.0, 2) Finnish Line 2.0

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Sharing the lock with local wildlife

A short day today. We chose to get a small head start on our long haul tomorrow. There is only one accessible harbour between here and Tadoussac and it is 70 miles away, and further, because of the tides, it is critical to leave 2 hours before high tide. That leaves us with a departure from Quebec City of 3:30am. Sooooo .... to ease that pain a little, we scooted ahead 10 miles so we could shave 2 hours from our start time and depart at 5:30am.

We are joined now by John's wife Nanci.   She we will be with us until we get to the top of the Saguenay (Chicoutimi).   At that point both John and Nanci will depart, and Debbie will join!

boat on boat action!

Departure today was very civilized. We left the Port of Quebec Marina, locked out of the harbour, and caught a helpful current to zip by a few freighters. We popped our jib and were quickly doing 7.5+ in the 16-22 kt winds. Add a little tidal current, and again we were doing 9 SOG at times. The weather was sunny, but cool, in part due to the wind which can really sap the heat from any exposed skin.

Our destination was Club Nautique de l'Ile Bacchus which in on the south-west end of Ile-d'Orleans. Again, the harbour is basically a basin that sticks out into the St Lawrence and is constructed of a 20' tall rock breakwall. Inside, are floating docks, so dealing how to moor with tide changes is not yet an issue. The harbour is also part of "Plan B", which is an emergency only ferry dock in case the bridge (on the north side) is for some reason impassible.

Club building

We are getting used to being a little in advance of the season as we head north-east. Most of the boats in this club were not yet launched. All their boats are in cradles and the cradles have 4 pairs of tires and a towing tongue, and everyone is launched via ramp. Boats as big as 38-40 are done this way.

Plan "B"

Tower over from door?

Upon arrival, we took a stroll into town in both directions from the marine. We bought some supplies (local island brewed beer, and a few other snacks). Many of the homes were very pretty and many with the traditional Quebec style with tin roofs with double slopes, angled tin roof shingles.

We saw a few cottages/house with unique second floor doors in a tiny tower-like structure.  Hard to image how they get into this space, or what it's used for?

Smallest Church ever?

Another small tower over door

After an afternoon snack, nap and dinner, we are all putting to bed early to be well rested for tomorrow. 

Weather forecast looks like meager winds, so it could be a long day of motoring.