Leaving Montreal

Just a quick update before we leave the dock in Montreal.

We made it through the remaining four locks (I'm so glad to be done with them) and arrived at the marina in Montreal at 7:30. First thing we did was dispose of the bags of hay that served as additional fenders for protecting the boat in the locks and helped save wear and tear on the good fenders. We were grateful to have them but are happy we won't be needing them again.

The energy of the city grabbed hold of me as the skyline grew, and I was nearly off the boat before we were in our slip. We ate dinner under the curious eyes of dozens of onlookers lined up on the wharf above us. Some people were even taking photos!

We ate hastily and went out to experience nightlife in Old Montreal; it was such a treat and a much-needed change of scenery for us. Place Jacques Cartier, a popular pedestrian-only street in the heart of Old Montreal, is directly across from the marina. It's a vibrant place bordered on both sides with shops, restaurants, and cafes. The cobblestone streets and 17th and 18th century architecture give it a distinctly European flavor. Street artists, performers, and vendors add to the color and lively character of the area. What a delight it was to just explore, observe, people-watch, and soak up the energy.

Thursday, in addition to more walking, we decided to make the most of a rainy day and our short time in Montreal by taking a bus tour - how very touristy of us - which gave us a really fine overview of the city.

I was horrified and sad when the guide on our bus tour told us that some of the beautiful old cathedrals are being turned into apartments because "religion just isn't that popular anymore."

We were planning to spend a few days here, but another rainy day looms ahead tomorrow and Quebec City awaits us, so we decided to move on. Claus and Rachael will arrive there today, so we'll catch up with them Saturday evening or Sunday.

We expect Quebec City through Maine to be the highlight of our trip; I’m especially excited about QC to Nova Scotia - whale watching!! It's one of the top whale watching places in the world, with as many as 15 species! My camera will be ready, batteries fully charged, and memory cards cleared.