Lower Ottawa River Cruise

Fairmont Le Château Montebello Resort on the Lower Ottawa River

After frustrating days on the water around Montreal, we were expecting today's cruise to Ottawa to be less troublesome. We left the dock in St. Anne-de-Bellevue at 7:30 am hoping to arrive at the Carillon Lock by the 9:30 am opening. With the biggest drop of any lock in Canada, the lock is equipped with a 200-ton vertical lift door, allowing boats to negotiate the 68 foot descent. It is filled with 20 million liters of water and does so at 1 million liters per minute. From the time we entered the lock it took 1 hour for us to exit.

View of the Ottawa River from the Carillon Lock

We were monitoring the levels of fuel and water, realizing that we should have done a pump out and water refill while we were in the marina in Montreal. Our fuel was getting low and we eventually did find a place to top up all tanks. If we hadn't, it would have been another notch in the Hallman Experience category. Fortunately we managed to get GAZ in Quebec and off we went heading to Ottawa. It is the only marina in the Lower Ottawa River that had diesel.

At 6 pm we arrived in Ottawa and tied up at the bottom of the locks. We passed the Prime Minsters Residence and the French Embassy and then enjoyed a magnificent view of the city from the water. It was good to arrive in one piece after a windy day.

Canadian Prime Ministers Official Residence & the French Embassy

View of the Lower Locks in Ottawa

This evening Cynthia was to meet up with her friends and we three, were to catch up with a friend in Ottawa and then head over to La Roma Restaurant at 430 Preston St, in Ottawa for an Italian meal and socializing. The Chef and owner provided an upper deck, private dining area for us and we enjoyed a fabulous meal with our friend Patti. Tonight we were not driving a car nor a boat, so we indulged in good wine, martini's and cold beer with good friends. Even Swabbie had special Ice Tea. By the end of the evening we were pleasantly full and happy. This is such a good place to eat and socialize.

Private Dining on the Upper Level Deck with our friend Patti

Tomorrow we seek out adventure in Ottawa and who knows what we may find. Swabbie still thinks he can meet our Prime Minister but who knows what we may find.

The Hallman Experience: Sometimes things are better off left unsaid, no matter how good or bad they may seem.

Solution: Eventually the truth comes out. Damn those high winds!

We'll catch you all on Canada Day !