Aug 1, 2016 | Flotsam
Almost back to our home port, Francois decided to treat us to a little stop over in the Old Port of Montreal.
The entry to the yacht club against the Courant Sainte-Marie brought back memories of last year’s trip along the East River (story here). Apparently not too many sailboats frequent this part of the city because of the fierce strength of the current. Not the time for an engine fail. But our mighty little R.E.D. was soon parked safely amongst the big boats. Very nice club though. A step or two up from the others with welcome chocolates and fresh towels in the showers. It’s the little things.
Montreal Clock Tower
It’s not very often we get to play tourist in our own village so it was a treat to wonder through the Old Port.
Old Port Montreal
…and enjoy dinner at one of the many great restaurants this city has to offer.
Pints for the Thirsty Travellers
We spent the evening back onboard chatting with our boat neighbours who had passed us on the river. Beautiful American Tug flying their Looper flag. And what were the odds that two days later we would be docked next to them at the marina. Great sharing stories and wish you a pleasant and safe finish to your epic Great American Loop trip Lila and Allen.
Room with a View
Now all tucked in we can see the Clock Tower of the Old Port all beautifully lit with changing holographic images against the night sky.
Apr 17, 2015 | Flotsam
As with any personal blog it’s good to document the PROCESS
for future reference and for those of you following
who might find the information useful….
So for this summer’s little adventure,
this is what we have done so far:
We already have the basic required boating qualifications and permits:
1. VHF (ROC-M): Radio Operator’s Certificate
(through Industry Canada, required by law to operate a marine radio,
course provided by Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons)
2. PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card)
(through Transport Canada, provided by Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons)
…required by law to operate any motorized water vessel.
3. Nexus/Global Card
Not entirely necessary for our trip
but it really makes border crossing and checking-in easier..
I repeat REALLY!!!
$50 CND for 5 years
…now, what we needed to add to the repertoire…
4. Marine Radio Operator’s License (application through Industry Canada)
$36 CND annual
…as it was explained to me, imagine the automobile analogy…
you need the permit to drive the car (i.e. operate the VHF radio)
and
you also need to have the vehicle licensed (i.e. VHF radio)
when you are a Canadian vessel travelling in US waters.
5. Parks Canada Lock Permits
(the 6 day permit should suffice for us this season $120 CND)
6. New York State Recreational Vessel Pass
…for the New York Canal System $75 USD for the season
and covers the cost of ALL the locks in the system!!!
7. Non-Resident New York Fishing License
$50 for the season
(he/she who has the pole must have the license)
We have already contacted and recieved New York Canal Corporation’s
Cruising Guide complete with the main guide and a multitude of information for the NY Canal system.
(all of this for a mere $20)
8. Membership to AGLCA
(America’s Great Loop Cruiser’s Association)
$59 USD for 1 year
(discounts for multiple year payment)
…with the flag to prove it!
So many benefits to belong to the organization,
least of which is the great information gained from the membership forum.
9. Our Map
seen at the end of each blog post
documenting where we have been (2013 and 2014 almost complete)
and where we will be going
with information and additions contributed by blog followers.
We have also made some boat modifications
that we would have done anyway regardless of the upcoming trip
but as we gently add little changes aboard we get to judge just how beneficial they are
and how much they add to our quality of life.
(you can check the ‘older post‘ at the end of each blog post to see what we have done)
So aside from finding a great ‘away-from-Canada’ data and phone package (still TBD)
…and Galley Kat putting her provisioning act together.
(although I have be amassing some great summer recipes to share)
…and of course getting the boat in the water.
…oh, and probably the most important part…
being ‘on deck’ for my daughter’s 90.5% baked grandson’s appearance next month.
…we’re almost ready!
Nov 23, 2014 | Flotsam
What do keen sailors in the Great White North do
when their boat is tucked away until spring thaw?
(well aside from those lucky ones who head south)…
…we study…
…we dream…
…and we plan.
So here is the latest in our planning phase…
….a very complete package just received from
New York State Canals
including our recreational vessel pass application.
…and we are now members of the
AGLCA
(America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association)
Even though the Great Loop Adventure is a couple of years away,
we thought it would be beneficial
to plug into the wealth of resource material available through membership.
This past summer’s Little Loop Adventure
and our proposed 2015 Next Loop
are both a part of the Great Loop so we will proudly fly the AGLCA colours,
connecting with other ‘Loopers’ on the way,
learning as we go.
