The Adventure Begins

July 6th

The Adventure Begins 

It seems strange to say that the adventure is just now beginning given that we have been underway for over 30 days.  But in a very real way, it is true.  From here it is all brand new.  Furthermore, we will largely be on our own.  Over 250 boats now complete the Great Loop every year.  Only 5+ percent of that number even attempt the Down East.  Given that there are thousands of square miles of open water, the few of us that attempt it will be very spread out.

First a Smile  

Paige Mater will LOVE this:  When passing through the Canadian town of Chambly, we were surprised to see a public line dancing class.  There must have been 3 or 400 people in this pavilion.  If you listen closely, all the instructions are in French.

Quebec City

To get into Quebec City, you have to pass through a lock.  Pulling into Quebec City, we were greeted by 1/2 dozen cheering friends.  They not only heckled us through the lock but also as I backed into the marina slip.  PRESSURE.  But it was all in fun and I didn't screw the pooch.

Two of those people were our dear Canadian friends we met when doing the Great Loop, Marie Claude and Mario.  They were not loopers but just cruising on vacation and we have been in touch ever since.  They drove 4 hours and paid for hotel stay for the entire weekend just to play with us.  And play we did.

Like in the states, Canada has "reservations" for their indigenous people.  With MC and Mario, we went to such a place that hosted a five star restaurant called Restaurant La Traite.  It was one of my top ten all time meals/dining experience.  

Afterwards, on the same reservation, we went to the most spectacular light show imaginable, Onhwa Lumina.  It was a one mile walk in the woods with different light events at multiple stations.


This video takes a little time and is not as good as I had hoped, but it should give an idea of the event.


In addition to MC and Mario, we had another delightful surprise.  Currently doing the Great Loop are dear Raleigh friends John and Terri.  They caught up to us on Lake Champlain and again in Quebec City.  Interestingly, they have the same model boat we do.  Since most people have never seen one, seeing two has caught many off guard.   




Looking forward

So now we are staged and ready to rock and roll.  From here it is out the mouth of the St. Lawrence and around to the Canadian Maritimes.  The tenor of the trip is reset and we are excited (and a little terrified).  What awaits is is sure to be beautiful, thrilling and perhaps most important .... a bonding adventure for my lovely admiral and myself.  Either that, or she throws me overboard.  Proof of life will be further postings here.

May the Lord be with each and everyone of you.

Love 
Aubrey and Terri






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