Our cruise through Canada started on the 4th of July, leaving the US at Lake Champlain in upstate New York/Vermont. In our 2 months of traveling, we completed some 1100 miles on the Richelieu, Chambly, St Lawrence, Ottawa, Rideau, Lake Ontario, Trent Severn, Georgian Bay and finally the North Channel.
From the cosmopolitan, French speaking Montreal, more than 100 hand-operated UNESCO World Heritage Site locks, the only remaining hydraulic lift locks in Peterborough and Kirkfield and the only remaining operating marine railway, the Big Chute and finally the stark wilds of the North Channel, Canada has been a rich and unique experience. Being here during the 150th Anniversary Celebration was an extra bonus.
By comparison our return to the US quieting and uneventful. We crossed back in to the US at Drummond Island, Michigan at the town marina. Calling in to customs on our marine radio, we were directed to a secure dock and waited for an inspection of our papers and the boat. After a 20 minute wait (where we found out the inspection team had gone to the local airport to clear an incoming private plane) our agent took less than 15 minutes to complete his review and clear us.
Drummond Island, Michigan our first port of re-entry.
Crossing the channel from Drummond Island to DeTour Village is on the main shipping channel to the Saute St Marie locks.
Our first morning back is foggy and still.