Cruise Week 2015

Royal Savage Yacht Club

Lake Champlain | Point Bay Marina | Charlotte, Vermont

John and Mindy Donnelly are the Cruise Captains this year: The theme appears to be names of famous ships with an emphasis on history and social interaction among the boaters. Games and riddles are provided daily by the Fleet Captains.  A daily Newspaper with updated cruise information was much appreciated.

Friday, July 3^rd- Meet up at Point Bay for the kick-off of the cruise to Shelburne Bay at Sled Runner cove. We arrived in time to anchor well in a protected section of the cove and still have a view of far off Burlington Bay where the fireworks would be done. Many of our fleet arrived here for the show as well as many other boats (mostly newer Canadian sailboats). Coquina rafted up to Lucy III and we enjoyed a nice dinner together. Some of us went for a swim (Marc). The fireworks came at 9:30 and were in full view (even if at a distance). Weather was very calm. We were rocked and rolled by the many boats leaving Burlington for the Launching ramp in Shelburne Bay. ( It was a regular parade of green lights except for one red Apparently this particular boat's running lights were set up in reverse.)  Some of the boats were all decked out in patriotic red, white and Blue. Most decorated were Mighty Fine and Imagine.

Saturday, July 4th- No travel for us today as we are awaiting Sara's arrival on Monday in Burlington. We remained with Muse (Doug Friant and his daughter Margaux) to go on to Burlington Sunday. The majority of the fleet went on to Valcour Island for some more Independence Day festivities. Sue and I missed out on a parade and but did enjoy the Shelburne Street Fair/ Farmers’ Market. It also allowed us a long hike into town and back. Most of the trails were fine. We climbed Allen Hill and then looped back to the head of Shelburne Bay meeting several nice dog walkers and some friendly dogs. I asked the Police Officer parked in the lot for the shortest way to town and he pointed out the Ticonderoga haul path. They hauled the old Paddlewheel Ferry Steamer up this path to the Shelburne Museum several decades ago. The trail was fine crushed stone. The Maple Creemees at The Shelburne Country Store made the hike worthwhile. The Pizza man was ending his day and giving his pizza slices out for free. I got two! We returned by the shore path. This started out great but got a little muddy after the town dock. Someone had built an incredible cantilevered bridge over a small stream but Sue and I just jumped across on the rocks. The water was very clear and once back at the boat irresistible for swimming.









 Several thunderstorms passed through during the evening and into the night.

USA wins FIFA WORLD CUP over Japan !

Burlington City Hall Park

Sunday, July 5^th Travel to the Burlington Community Boathouse Marina to meet up with Sara Monday morning. We started out trying to sail but very light winds soon caused us to fire up the Atomic Four. The engine is very reliable this year. I called on the VHF on arrival at the docks and several college students ran over to take our lines. It was not long before Doug and Margo arrived on Muse followed by Mary on Vigilant. Bryce was flying out to California to start his new job at 04:00 the next morning. Sue and I walked all the way up to Staples to get a few things for her computer that did not get packed. It was a good walk passing many old homes and flower gardens along the way. The walk through the UVM campus was surprising for the number of students still around during the summer. Since this was the Women’s Fifa World Cup Soccer final between USA and Japan we made an effort to find somewhere to watch the game. Although we had planned on eating and watching the game at Ken’s Pub on Church Street, we noticed a large screen set up for the game in the Park behind City Hall with a crowd arriving for the game. We did "take out" and sat on the lawn. The crowd cheered and clapped as if we were at the game in Vancouver! Sue and I had more Maple Creemees for dessert. Yummy!

Monday, July 6th:     We met up with Doug and Mary and enjoyed breakfast at Henry’s Diner up near Church Street. The old 50’s era booths are still comfortable and the food fantastic. Sue and I took the bikes out on the lake front trail going South this time. I was surprised to see so many freight trains moving about in town. Other sights included the schooner Lois McClure and a sailboard class at the beach. We returned in time to get the bus up to UVM for Sara’s arrival on the Greyhound bus from Montreal. She was a bit delayed due to some issues with other passengers at the border.

After lunch we set sail for Deep Bay at Point Au Roche State Park in New York some 36 miles away. Sue sailed on Vigilant. Setting sail does not mean that we actually sailed much. It was a motorsail until we reached the Cumberland Head narrows where the wind picked up. From there the Spinnaker, Mainsail and Mizzen sail did all of the work. John and Mindy had very nicely saved us a mooring with their dinghy. Sara and I went ashore for a run (she practically killed me trying to keep up) over to the several Bays that form the Park. We stopped at the beach house for a drink. I swallowed several cold gulps before noticing the sign that said "non-potable water" ! Ugh! It did have a bit of a fishy taste. This explained why most every water fountain was shut off. Sara and I went for a great swim afterward. John Donnelly led an excellent sunset hike along a forest waterfront trail explaining much about the various trees and plants.

Sara-  July 6— 5AM—Sailing Day! I’m up. A bowl of grapenuts, Gilmore Girls, and COFFEE, and I’m ready! Oh no I’m not—I still haven’t packed! Ok—underwear, running clothes, three books, toothbrush… Ready, now! Leave a goodbye note to the roomie and I’m slipping out the door and skipping down the fire escape.

            A bus rolls me out of Montreal and I’m still not quite awake. I only become fully conscious of my surroundings when I’m at the wheel of the Lucy III and looking around.

            “Woah,” I gasp.

            “You ok?” Dad asks.

            “Yeah… it’s just. I’m here.”

            Here: miraculous, misty blue mountains. Blue water. Bright white sunshine. Blue sky.

            I blink.

            “I’m gonna try out my new project,” Dad says. “You okay here?”

            “Yup.” I nod and smile, looking around. “I’m good.”

            That night we’re in Deep Bay and my and Dad’s jog is the most beautiful thing ever.

            “Wow!” I call back to him. “This is… Woah!”

            It’s like we just stumbled through the wardrobe into Narnia.

            I don’t know what it is exactly—the flitting faerie-light playing on the trees, the roots like sturdy brown veins under my feet… but there’s something distinctly magical about this place. 

            “Oui!” Dad agrees vehemently. “C’est BEAU!”

            Later, John leads me, Mom, Mary Beth, and Mindy on a sunset hike. Interestingly, that feeling of magic has dispersed now that it’s getting darker. It’s still lovely but… some spirit has vanished.

            That is until we get to John’s cliff and we’re all grinning as we plop down on its edge and—there’s the sun! A glorious, back-lit grapefruit! I lean back into my palms.

            “Hey, Mom!” I call. “You gotta see this!”

            “I’m good here,” she calls back from where she’s standing by a tree at the end of the path.

            “Come on, Susie!” John calls, motioning her over.

            “I don’t really like heights…”

            So we let her be, and she takes killer photos of us, and is relieved when all of us return to the path unscathed.

            “Oof!” she huffs. “I wouldn’t have been scared if it was just me, but, well—I’m glad none of you fell off the cliff!”

            “Me too!” I laughed. “Not dying is always good.”

Tuesday, July 7^th   Today we really sailed to Burton Island. Lucy III cruised along at up to 7 knots with 20 knot gusts of South wind with only the Genoa deployed right up to the North Hero-Grand Isle Bridge. Here we caught up with some of the fleet that had left Deep Bay before us only to be caught in “The Gut” waiting for the draw bridge to open. It opens on the hour and half-hour. We only waited 5 minutes before going through under power and thanking the bridge operator. Once into the “Inland Sea” the Lake was a bit calmer with perhaps 15 knots of South wind so we raised the Mainsail as well as the Genoa. We had a great broad reach to Burton Island. Several boats had already arrived and welcomed us in. We were happy to see new docks with both power and water. A great upgrade to a great place. It is here that we really start relaxing and the Island seems to cast its spell on us within minutes.

Sara-  July 7— I throw a pink shirt over the little lantern Dad left me, and I’m home: my whole cabin is suffused with a rosy glow. I’m in my own atmosphere now. I pull on my headphones, click on Taylor Swift, and get to journaling. Every night I write what I’m grateful for. Tonight it’s appetizers with the crew. Mom brought watermelon to the picnic table, and Dad brought his new specialty: Cornona with lemon. He doesn’t usually drink, but he’s really excited about “Corona with lime!”

“Lemon,” I correct him.

“It’s so good with the lime!” he continues to rhapsodize.

Mom and I exchange looks and giggle. Dad is a genius, but he can be a total space cadet sometimes.

  

  

Wednesday, July 8^th   Burton Island fun and rest. This said we did sail on Exit Strategy and Muse to City Bay at North Hero Island for lunch. A good day for a nice lunch at the Hero’s Welcome General Store. Sara even bought a beautiful dress.

John had organized dinghy races at the beach. I won the inflatable dinghy division with Mary’s dinghy (ours simply can’t be rowed well). Wendy won the hard dinghy race.

After dinner we started a bonfire on the beach (firewood donated by the Burton Island State Park) and celebrated John Donnelly’s 80^th birthday. The chocolate cake was great along with the smores.  

John's Cake

  

July 8— Our little traditions:

1. In the morning Mom and I drink coffee and read a short story from Virginia Woolf’s little book Monday or Tuesday. Dad’s usually off somewhere fixing the boat or making friends.

            2. The Beatles is good at any time of the day

            3. In the evening, right before bed, Mom always stops abruptly, grins wide, and exclaims, “So who wants to play bananagrams?!”

A little personal Burton Island tradition is stealing away after dinner and skipping along the rocks that keep the marina safe from wind and waves, and settling down on the last one, by the little light that stands there. There’s a blue heron who seems to like the spot too. We watch the sunset together. 

Great Blue Heron

Burton Island Sunset

Thursday July 9, 2015:   Burton Island day three. Up bright and early this morning. Sue and I started off on a early walk around the Island and were soon joined by Mindy. Excellent walk with only a few muddy spots. My dismantled stairs (otherwise known as driftwood) were still on various low spots on the trail. We saw several large wooden canoes with lots of camping gear nearby. There are a large number of girl scouts on the Island this summer. Unfortunately the raspberries are late and still green. Darn it I always enjoy eating my way around the Island. We came back just in time to have Sara join us for breakfast at the Island Store restaurant. Sue and I had Omelets. Yum.  

Into the Burton Island Woods.

Today was a day for swimming and using the paddleboard. I still have not used it other than as a kayak. We had the annual dinner pot luck with awards for those that did the most of John’s sports. I won a ornamental plate for winning the inflatable dinghy race.

In the evening we had a bonfire and marshmallow roast near the new sailboat docks. All of the powerboat people came over to join us sailors. A beautiful sunset was seen off of the breakwater and photographed by many of us.

  

July 9— Last day of Burton! Hiking with mom, dinner with the Royal Savages, sending drunken selfies to Steph… It was a good day! Thank you to John and Mindy for a wonderful week!! 

After Dinner at Burton Island.

Friday, July 10, 2015: Departure at 09:10 for Burlington. We made the North Hero- Grand Isle Bridge crossing at 10:00 followed by Abigail and Linde. Sue was at the helm at the bridge. Very light or no wind. This is a motoring day. Abigail passed us near the Grand Isle Ferry Crossing and then Knot Negotiable passed us by Colchester Reef. The North wind finally appeared as we approached Burlington and we sailed the last 6 miles into the harbor making 6 knots at times. Gary was at the dock at the Burlington Community Boathouse to greet us when we arrived. We wandered up to Church Street again for some light shopping. I stopped over for a maple creemee on the way up the hill. They are so good. I left Church Street early to complete the programming of the new Raymarine automatic pilot. After several tries it worked. Amazing! We will give it a try tomorrow. At 19:00 we met up with Allen and Diane from Abigail, as well as, Gary and MaryJane from Knot negotiable, for dinner at American Flatbread. The dinner, and especially the company, was excellent. Sue just beat me again at Bananagram. Sara is about to beat her in the second match. Good night to all.

 

July 10—Back in Burlington, Mom and I headed out on a quest. Our holy grail: Truffle Fries. I’d heard from my cousin Erika, a fellow Vermont-enthusiast, that they were to die for. So Mom and I headed down Pine street under the sweltering sun, to find the fabled food truck.

            On the way we found a sweet thrift shop where I got some leggings and a psychedelic pin, and an art supply store where mom got me a paintbrush and a bottle of cobalt blue ink, for writing poems. We’d been walking for a little while, and were hungry and tired. All we’d consumed in the past few hours had been sunshine and beer.

            “The food truck you’re looking for’s right up the street!” the art store owner assured us, when I asked her about it.

            “Thanks so much!”

            And we were off again, back into the desert.

            Ah! We finally reached the oasis!

            Hipsters! Glorious hipsters! Water! Art! FOOD TRUCKS!

            I found the one we were looking for within a minute.

            “YEAAAHHH!” I wooped.

            Mom smiled weakly. “We made it.”

           

            And I can tell you: those fries are worth it. 

Saturday July 11, 2015: Departure at 06:30 from Burlington Community Boathouse docks for Point Bay Marina. I was up as early as the Sun this morning (05:30) to get ready for our last leg of Cruise Week. We have decided to return to home base early and go up to Montreal to move Stephanie’s stuff from her old apartment to her new apartment. This also gets Sara back to Montreal without need for the bus. I fully rigged the Raymarine autopilot after completing the mandatory dockside setup. Unfortunately when I engaged “Ray” later he only worked for 5 minutes before going astray. Apparently there is another step before it can be fully operational.  

We started off with light Southwest winds (on the nose so to speak). No more favorable Northwest winds as we enjoyed yesterday afternoon as a Front went by overnight. The final motorsail leg was uneventful. Breakfast was in the cockpit as we each took turns at the helm. We did sail briefly after rounding Thompson Point up to Point Bay Marina. We left most all of our gear on board to avoid taking it all through customs. We also had a good deal of food and drink left aboard (another week’s worth of provisions). The new fridge/freezer has really changed our life aboard with much less waste (no spoiled food to throw out).

The Montreal move went well and we were all impressed with Stephanie’s new apartment and her new neighborhood: Outremont. Sara took us to a pub for some Irish beer and then to a Vegan restaurant for dinner. Very nice and tasty too. Sara invited us to stay in her apartment (much better than a hotel room). Another round of Bananagrams was played after I went to sleep.  

Guinness

Sunday July 12, 2015: Montreal. Sue and I were up early for both a walk and some breakfast at Eggspectation. We ate outdoors which is very common during the summer in Montréal. The restaurants build out decks into the streets in front of their establishments. It does work well with the big parasols to add some shade. We returned to Sara’s apartment to say our goodbyes and grab our bags before heading back to Lucy III in Vermont. Lucy III was just as we had left her and I went out in the dinghy to gather a full load of our gear while Sue picked up ice for the cooler. We spoke to several fellow Cruise week travelers also returning and offloading their stuff. Overall a great week even if we missed some of the planned stopovers. The best parts were the people and camaraderie amongst the RSYC cruisers. 

 Thank You John and Mindy Donnelly for a wonderful Cruise Week 2015.

Coquina

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Edition francaise:

Le Lac Champlain 2015: Le Royal Savage Yacht Club Cruise    

3 juillet 2015: Point Bay Marina, Charlotte Vermont

Départ après plein d'eau et plein d'essence. Nous (Sue et moi) remontons tranquillement le Lac Champlain pour faire escale à Shelburne, sur notre ancre. Burlington en vue. Nous cherchons un endroit pour bien voir le feu d'artifice ce soir pour célébrer la fête du 4 juillet Américaine. Nous ancrons dans la baie Sledrunner à Shelburne. Il y a déjà de nos amies qui sont arrivé. Nos amies du voilier Coquina arrivent est mettent leur bateau à l'épaule. Nous sommes la pour les accueillir et leurs tendre nos amarres, rien de plus simple. 

Nous sommes a l'heure du diner et nous avons tous mangé ensemble dans le cockpit de Coquina. La nuit arrive et nous trouvons ce lieu un peu rouleur car pas mal de bateaux à moteur passent en toute vitesse pour ce rendre à Burlington. Le feu d'artifice fut splendide.

En revanche durant le souper et le début de la soirée, nous avons craint de vivre une nuit inconfortable par ces vagues produites par les embarcations. Mais vers 22H00, comme par magie, tous les bateau ont disparu et le reste de la soirée et de la nuit ont été très calme.

4 juillet 2015: Sledrunner Bay, Shelburne, Vermont

Seulement deux bateau de notre club y sont rester a l'ancre. Nous avons besoin d'attendre Sara qui arrivent à Burlington le lendemain matin par bus. Sue et moi décident d'aller visiter le Parc Allen près de notre ancrage et faire la visite du village de Shelburne à 5 kilomètres. Nous arrivons au centre du village dans un vieux magasin a tous, Ce qu'il appelle ici Shelburne Country Store. Il y a de tout la dedans. On prend deux cornets de glace a l'érable. Plus tard nous trouvons un marcher du samedi dans le parc ou les fermiers vendent leurs légumes. Il y a même un café et une pizzeria. C'est vraiment sympa et on y mange très bien. Cet arrêt remonte le moral car le retour est un bons 5 kilomètres a pieds.

Je vais nager dans le lac a notre retour au bateau et je vais saluer notre voisin au ancrage. Sa fille qui a l'age a Sara, est arriver lui aider car navigue seul sur un voilier de 10 mètres n'est pas facile. Le soir nous amène un orage électrique et de la pluie.

5 juillet 2015: Sledrunner Bay, Shelburne, Vermont  

Aujourd'hui on prend ca relaxe, nous serons a temps à Burlington (seulement a 6 kilomètres), il fait beau et chaud. En quittant notre ancrage, nous croisons nos amies du bateau Muse (père et sa fille) et se donnent rendez vous à la marina de Burlington. Je reçoit un téléphone d'un autre membre du club qui se rend a Burlington. Elle a besoin d'une équipière pour le lendemain. Sue est disponible car nous aurons Sara. La Marina de Burlington répond au radio VHF et nous indique le quai d'attache pour cette nuit. Nous sommes trois bateau ce soir. On se donnent rendez vous dans un restaurant célèbre pour le déjeuner. Ce soir Sue et moi visites la rue des piétons Church Street avec ces restaurants et magasins.

On a prévu de prendre une pizza dans un restaurant favorite pour voir le world cup soccer féminin: USA contre le Japon, mais la Ville a mis un énorme écran dans le parc devant l'hôtel de ville pour y voir. Il y a déjà quelques centaines de spectateurs de toutes ages. On se rendre a notre restaurant mais penons nos repas « to go ». Ce soir nous dégustons note souper dans le parc sur la pelouse. Une soirée de rêve pour nous car les américaines gagnent.

6 juillet 2015: Burlington Community Boathouse, Vermont.

Nous retrouvons nos amies au quai centrale de la marina a 9H00 et se rendent au « diner » Henry's. Le déjeuner est délicieux a une très bon prix. Sue et moi partent a la recherchent de Sara qui arrivent en bus dans le terminus de Université du Vermont. Cela se trouve en haut d'une colline et la marche nous fait du bien. Sara arrive une heure en retard a cause des problèmes à la douane américaine.

Ces quelques jours d’attente ont été consacrés au plus gros avitaillement qu’il nous ait été donné de faire depuis le départ : nous avons la moitié du Lac Champlain a traverser, et nous n’osons même pas imaginer ce jour où dans le futur nous reverrons un supermarché, tant il semble lointain! A Burlington, le supermarché ce trouve en haut de la colline a 2 kilomètres du bateau. Nous en avons également profité pour emprunter un chariot pour ce rendre a la marina bien chargé. J'ai effectuer quelques travaux sur le bateau (il y a toujours à faire!), cette fois-ci, la grosse dépense (mais c’est sûr, après, il n’y en aura plus d’autres !) aura été une toute nouvelle pilote automatique offerte pour diriger le bateau.

Cela prendra quelques jours a programmé (je me suis trompé de direction : bâbord, tribord ; et le pilote faisait tourner le bateau en rond. Toute et régler et ca marche a merveille maintenant.

Après ces trois jours de repos … Nous partons pour Deep Bay dans le Parc « Point Au Roche » au New York, cap un peu plus nord que prévu car nous voulons tenter l’île de Valcour pour voir si nos amies sont encore la. Nous nous retrouvons vite au près - bon plein mais l’équipage est en pleine forme et le moral au plus haut. Chacun retrouve son petit coin bien calé dans le bateau, quand la Lucy III à la gîte tangue dans tous les sens, et que chacun reprend ses activités privilégiées. Pour Sara ce sera le plein de dessins et lectures, pour moi la barre. Sue est aller sur le bateau a Mary qui voyage tout seul. Nous nous régalons de nos fruits et légumes qu’il faut malheureusement vite manger avant qu’ils ne se gâtent. Bref c’est une traversée comme les autres où le temps passent vite. Cependant quelques signes indicateurs annoncent un changement : désormais le soleil fait chauffer le Lac! Nous irons nager ce soir.  

Par chance nos amies du voilier Coquina nous accueillent en arrivant au port et ils nous indiquent de s'attacher à la bouée tout près de leur bateau réservé pour nous. Nous pourrons descendre à terre dès la fin de journée et gambader joyeusement sur les pistes de cet immense parc. Il y a déjà douze voiliers amis arrivé ici. Les pistes sont très belles mais je tombe malheureusement sur une fontaine d'eau non-potable. BERK ! Ça goute le poisson. De retour sur notre bateau, Sur a préparer un délicieux souper.

7 juillet 2015: Deep Bay, « Point Au Roche », New York :  

Départ a 08:H30 avec cap vers l'Est pour arriver a l'Ile de Burton. Nous quittons Deep Bay et bientôt nous hissons les voiles. Le vent adonne, la Lucy III se redresse et l’équipage totalement amariné peut s’employer à des activités un peu plus dynamiques. Désormais Sue est sur le bateau de notre amie Mary qui voyage seul. Le vent se renforce à mesure que nous approchons du pont de Grande Ile. On arrive quelques minutes avant l'heure d'ouverture (on vire en ronds avec d'autres bateau pour quelques minutes) et voilà nous passons au coté Est du Lac Champlain. Nous filerons bon train pendant une heure à la marina pour les voilier dans le Parc du Burton Island au Vermont. Par chance les démarches administratives se feront assez rapidement après un entretien avec un agent du Parc accueillant. Nous y resterons tranquille pour 4 jours a se reposer ici. Et puis, nous nous sommes très vite  laissé charmer par les lieux, oubliant tout cela pour ne plus voir que la beauté du cadre.  îles : c'est beau, très beau. La déclinaison des bleues et des verts dans l'eau ne se raconte pas, il faut le voir pour comprendre.  Alors forcément, ce petit joyau de la nature est très – trop- convoité. Ce petit bout de paradis aux airs de lagon du nord niché à quelques miles du Vermont est envahi de bateaux. 

8-10 juillet 2015: Burton Island, Vermont

Séjour dans un paradis du nord avec nos amis du club RSYC. Nos premières heures sur les terres de Burton Island auront été consacrées à satisfaire les désirs de chacun, frustrés par quelques jours sans magasin ou épicerie: sandwichs, chocolat, omelettes ! Essayez de savoir quoi pour qui, vous serez surpris !

Passée l’euphorie des premiers jours sur une eau plate, arrosés de bière ou limonade avec des récits de traversée de nos nouveaux voisins… ou de certains retrouvés depuis Charlotte, quelques jours de repos ont finalement été bien nécessaire. Pendant ce temps, bien sûr, nous avons organisée deux fêtes, le premier pour réunion du club, et le deuxième pour le 80 ans de notre ami John Donnelly, ancien prof. de foret a l'Université du Vermont qui nous avons toujours compris quand il explique ce qui vie dans la foret.

Nous venons donc de passer 4 jours sur cette belle ile, que nous avons explorée en long, en large et en travers, avec quelques amis, Nous avons ainsi pu multiplier les balades, très chers a Sue, et les ‘pic-nicages’ a terre près du bateau. Ainsi nous quittons pour un temps et sans regret l’homo ingénieur-conseil pour intégrer notre famille celle des homo balader-contemplatus. Burton Island sait offrir des paysages pour le moins contrastés. La côte nord de l’île, nous donnes des plages rocheuses mais des coucher de soleil fantastique. Une barrière de roches protège les deux marinas des attaques de la houle, créant ainsi un plan d’eau tranquille. Nous avons exploré les routes du centre nord, encore sauvage, pour se trouver au cœur d’une véritable forêt vierge, là aussi, un exemple quasi unique dans le Vermont, avec des framboises à la main. Il y a aussi plein d’oiseaux un peu partout. Au sud ce trouve une plage pour la natation et les jeux de plage. Nous avons organisé des compétition de canots gonflables et non gonflables. J’ai gagner le premier.

10 juillet 2015: Burlington, Vermont.

Départ a 08:H30 avec cap vers l'ouest pour arriver à Burlington encore une fois. Retour a la civilisation pour une nuit.

11 juillet 2015: Burlington, Vermont.

Départ a 06:H30 avec cap vers le sud pour arriver à Charlotte et la fin de notre vacance en bateau. Retour pour se rendre à Montréal pour une nuit et déménager Stéphanie de son appartement sans qu’elle y ait. Stéphanie a bien choisit. Un appartement dans le quartier chic de Montréal : Outreront.

Loading up precious cargo.

Point Bay Marina, Charlotte Vermont:  June 7, 2015

Marc- Another preparation weekend for me here painting the cabin and deck.  Loaded some supplies aboard as well.  This was Launch weekend at the RSYC so a good time was had by all of us who attended Saturday night under the tent.  All systems working well on Lucy III except Simrad the autopilot.  He is being replaced with a Raymarine below deck unit.  The Lake is starting to warm up: 60 degrees F.

Lucy II Launched: 2015 Season Begins

May 16, 2015:  Point Bay Marina, Charlotte Vermont

(Just prior to launch)

Marc-  Lucy III is afloat and at her mooring off of the marina.  All is in order even though the winter projects have yet to be completed.  The Centerboard now is completely automated from the steering pedestal.  The new battery monitor needs a few more cables connected and then should be fine.  The teak  gunwale is now varnished  and the hull is fully waxed.  The topsides need some more cosmetic work.

Point Bay Marina Haulout - 2014

October 18, 2014-  Point Bay Marina, Charlotte Vermont

Marc-  Another warm weekend to come and work on winter prep for Lucy III.  The boat was hauled out by Ray and his crew and placed near the main entrance to the marina.  It is conveniently located near a power pole for electrical service.  John and Mindy came over to help me lower the mizzen mast for use as a ridge pole.  It works really well since the mizzen mast is 20 feet long and so is the distance from the mainmast to the davits.  I have made up a  wooden ridge pole for the foredeck and provided lateral supports to stabilize the rig.  Unfortunately I ran out of time and the boat remains mostly uncovered.

Last Sail of the 2014 Season

September 26, 2014:  Point Bay Marina, Charlotte Vermont

Marc- Oh what a beautiful day. Temps in the 80's this weekend and the Fall colors are just beginning.  I went for a quick swim but the Lake is a bit cool at 62 for me.  I set sail alone with the spinnaker and main for Kingsland Bay.  I rafted up with John and Mindy on Coquina.  The fleet gathered on Coquina for appetizers and I then stayed aboard for dinner.  Saturday morning The Donnelly's ,  Roger Wallace and myself set sail on Coquina for Barn Rock Harbor in the Adirondack Park.  We explored some new trails on or about the old granite quarries.  Some of the cut stones were just left in place ready to be shipped.

On top of the Snake Den Harbor Cliffs.  The bald eagle family has left for the season.  Marc

Barn Rock Harbor Weekend

2 August 2014- Point Bay Marina, Charlotte, Vermont

Marc-  Sue and I are ready for our short weekend adventure to Barn Rock Harbor and Basin Harbor.  We met up with John and Mindy aboard Coquina in the mooring field at 11:00.  Lucy III soon followed Coquina to Barn Rock Harbor in the Adirondack Park arriving at 13:00 to a bay partially filled with 5 rafted powerboats from Canada.  One of the Canadians called out to us as we made our first pass looking for an anchoring spot  an announced that they were leaving soon.  The was enough for us to just go into a holding pattern until they all departed.  We dropped the anchor well into the bay and backed down on the Eastern shore near the cliff.  I threw a stern line around a tree and we were secure for the night.  Coquina was soon rafted up with us and we enjoyed lunch.  Stephanie and I went for a swim and then spent time doing some sunbathing on deck with a good book.  The rest of us went for a hike inland to Snake Den Harbor.  A very scenic and shady hike on a very sunny day.  The high point of this hike was near the end of the spur trial overlooking Snake Den Harbor:  Mindy spotted an owl's nest with the female and two eaglets. The mother eagle flew off and we had a great view at the youngsters in the nest.  More swimming was enjoyed by all on our return before a pot luck dinner on Coquina.

3 August 2014- Barn Rock Harbor, New York

Marc-  Departure at 08:00 for Basin Harbor across the lake.  We arrived to have breakfast at the Main Lodge.  Stephanie guided us to the large concrete pier for day use and we moored behind a sport fishing boat.  Stephanie warns us that we need to be dressed properly for the formal dining room.  Inside, we are seated by the window overlooking the harbor and our Lucy III and pointed to a four-star hotel breakfast buffet feast.  This is a family oriented resort, and we are perhaps the only table where just two generations are sitting.  Most have three generations at each, and the kids seem to be having a great time.  Stephanie tells us that she has met families that have come here for 30 years.

We leave Stephanie go off to her work on the waterfront at Basin Harbor and we head back to Charlotte.

SUMMER CRUISE 2014

Cruise Day I, 4 July 2014, Point Bay Marina Mooring, Charlotte, Vermont.

Marc- We left Boston as Hurricane Arthur came up the coast with its wind and rain.  The drive up was rather wet until we entered Vermont at the Connecticut River crossing near White River Junction.  A slight change of plans due to North winds so to make the anchorage at Kingsland Bay untenable for the first night led us to stay at home base.  That worked well as we settled in to boat life once again and prepared for the race on the 5th.  Dinner on Coquina!

5 July 2014:  Point Bay Marina, Charlotte, Vermont.

Marc-  A race start at 11:10 gave us plenty of time for a leisurely breakfast.  Unfortunately I had the wrong start time in my head and we started the race five minutes late (it was a staggered start over the line).  In any case we put up a great fight for last place and won.  The winds were excellent, 15-20 knots out of the northwest and we were headed southwest to Westport.  Lucy III took a slip at the marina.  It was great to be able to turn on the AC and to use the cool mountain water from the Adirondack Mountains.  We hiked up the scenic creek trail and stopped along Main Street for the Independence Day Parade:  a few tractors and 30 or so fire trucks, a few politicians in nice cars and especially liberal outpouring of candy.  I especially enjoyed the Town Library annual book sale and picked up a few good books.  The fireworks started soon after sunset at 9:30 and were most impressive for such a small town.

Sara on July 5—we swung about wildly—me at the wheel. “Woo!” I cried, leaning into my Montreal roommate Kiran to keep myself from falling over. She leaned back and asked my parents “Have you ever tipped over?”
“Impossible,” Dad replied.
“I think we could!” Mom sang as we leaned further into the bluster and the waves.
I grinned and rolled my eyes. “She’s been saying that my whole life. We’re never tipping over; it’s not a thing.” But just at that moment… Just kidding  My words did sound like a jinx to me though! Reminded me of people calling the Titanic “unsinkable”.

Later, in the sweet small town of Westport, we discovered a gold mine—No, better than a gold mine: a book sale. “More books inside!” the villagers told us as we browsed the tables of tomes under the tent outside. Popular mysteries mostly. And a little sci-fi (I was intrigued by a cover: a white egg cracking open in a green forest, and the starry universe spilling out like yolk. An incubating universe cracked open too soon? Instead of growing into a live thing, becoming the coolest omelet ever.

“You could go to grad school for library science,” Kiran said as, upon entering the library, I rambled to her excitedly about how awesome it, and all libraries, were.

6 July 2014:  Westport Marina, Westport, New York.

Marc-  We motored South to Crown Point and the anchorage between the bridge and the Lighthouse.  This was an excellent spot as we rafted up to Coquina and Vigilant.  The Crown Point Fort Museum was a treat as well as the guided tour.  Some of us crossed the bridge to the Bridge Restaurant.

Sara on July 6— In the morning the adults went to church, and the almost-adults meandered to the beach and settled onto shaded boulders to dive into our book fair finds of the day before. Kiran’s was a sci-f adventure of an android becoming president; mine was Through the Looking Glass (a.k.a. Alice in Wonderland).

Fast-forward to what Dad forgot to mention about the Bridge Restaurant: We didn’t go there for food, but for ice cream and lemonade. ’Twas wondrously refreshing after our hot hot walk through many histories…Our favorite: learning of the soldiers who used to live  in the fort over the bridge. They made TONS of bread in the biggest brick oven I’ve ever seen. And they had a preacher with them. I wondered aloud what he did all day. Did he fit in with the soldiers? A lily white educated boy lollygagging round camp until the hardcore guys returned from battle… “I’m pretty sure,” one of my fellow sailors butted into my rambling, “he toughened up pretty fast. Soldiers aren’t the only hardcore ones,” she finished with a wink.

During the tour Kiran grinningly noted that the fort looked like Hobbit Heaven.
“Where should we put our hobbit hole?” she asked, scanning the area.
“Over there!” I whispered, nodding to a lovely grassy spot hugged on three sides by slopes. When we do move there, we’ll open the door of our hobbit hole and see stately, well-kept ruins of another time.


7 July 2014:  Champlain Bridge Anchorage, Crown Point, New York

Marc-  Motored again to the Bay just East of the old Fort at Ticonderoga designated as a Special Anchorage Area just South of the Ferry.  This was a very quiet and protected spot within an easy walk to the Fort itself.  The entrance is next to the Amtrak train station about 300 yards up from the Ferry landing.

Our first adventure was to cruise up the La Chute Creek to Ticonderoga Village.  This was quite the adventure seeing many birds and a bayou type of setting expecting to see alligators.  We tied up just below the Falls and the covered bridge.  A visit to the Visitors Center was helpful to get some history of the spot.  A large Mill once was located here where a park is now.  The Mills has moved north and is on the Lakeshore.  I learned that Ticonderoga pencils are made here and that the lead is mined in the mountains nearby.  Who knew that the #2 Ticonderoga pencils were from Ticonderoga New York.  The hardy next climbed up Mount Defiance for a spectacular view of the Lake and an excellent lecture by a Fort Ticonderoga re-enactor.  

Sara—Day 4—July 7— Whenever I try to remember the name of the mountain we climbed on July 7th, I always think, “Mount Desperation?” and then grin to myself. My dad was surprised to hear me call it that when I did aloud once. “What? Mount Defiance? That was my favorite!”
“Um.”
“We had a good hike, and the re-enactor…”
“It was HOT,” our friend Mindy backed me up, sighing a big OOF at the memory.
“Kiran did come up with a whole bunch of plots for her fanfiction though,” I relented, grinning…

Kiran and I were hiking up Mount Defiance, and we must have been delirious from the heat because she said, “You actually use less energy when you run up the hill.” She explained all about the propulsion, momentum… “Race ya!” I cried, and we jogged up to the peak of one hill, then another… “Ooof, break time?”
We spent rest of the hike plotting out her Star Trek story. She’s got all her own characters and everything. They’re mad well developed. I just sorta sit back and listen in happy awe as she creates universes before my mind’s eye (Why is the mind a Cyclops?), and then she turns around and claims she couldn’t do it without me. “I’ve been trying to come up with a plot for that story for two months,” she told me.
My eyes widened. “Huh?”
She shrugged and smiled. “You’re my muse.”
We decided that even if she moves in with her girlfriend in Poland and they move in together an’ all, I’ll still drop in every once in a while. “Crazy Aunt Sara,” Kiran dubbed future me, and that night, I wrote a poem about it. All you need to know before reading it is that I LOVE ketchup and chocolate, though not together…but I can’t really say; I haven’t tried that combo…Ok, now—To the poem:

She comes in the
dead of noon,
Disheveled and grinning

“Oh no,” you think,
beckoning her
across the threshold

“The couch is yours,” you sigh,
“and you came...
just in time for dinner.
We’ve got ketchup,” you add
before she can ask.

“SARA!!!” your kids exclaim,
barreling in
to greet your old college roommate,
their hobo idol,
Crazy Aunt Sara

Not for the first time
you question your decision
to make her guardian
in case of your and your spouse’s
demise

You wince
at the thought
of your children
hobbling happily behind
this corn-haired hillbilly
with naught but stick & stocking
hobo packs
upon their skinny shoulders

“Well… at least
they’d always have
 chocolate,”
you console yourself
before herding all the vagabonds
into the dining room

8 July 2014:  Ticonderoga Special Anchorage Area, Ticonderoga, New York.

Marc-  Early bird special at Fort Ticonderoga.  We gathered the troops and went by dinghy to the Ti Ferry dock where there is a nice launching ramp and dock suitable for small boats to tie up.  The walk up to the Fort was cool along a tree- lined road up to the welcome center.  We checked in and proceeded on our tour.  The fife and drum corps were quite busy (since soldiers of the 18th century did nothing without music).  Next came the viewing of the Fort itself and discussions with re-enactors of military life.   Everything from a military musket drill to a cobbler and even a tailor, a la 18th century style.

Afternoon sail up to the Champlain Bridge anchorage area on the New York State Park side.  We watched 1776 with Mindy in the cockpit right through the thunderstorm that blew through the anchorage.  All of the boats held up well.

Sara—Day5—July 8— The walk up to the fort was BROILING HOT. (Just had to add that because I giggled when I read Dad call it “cool” in his entry.) It was shady, but hot enough that we were sweating bullets as we approached the military base of the Ticonderogians. I lounged in the shade of a historical cart as the tour began. Everyone else stood in the hot hot sunshine to listen to our guide, a portly gentleman in full costume. He must’ve been used to it though because, unlike all of us tourists in T-shirts, this baddass bayonneter didn’t break a sweat.
My favorite thing he told us was this: Soldiers had groupies. Actually, he didn’t tell us that… It was a girl selling soldier-style bread and chocolate (Chocolate was considered essential! How cool is that? I agree, of course: When I was planting trees in British Columbia earlier this summer, I would break out a bar of chocolate to share with my crew at the end of every workday. We all agreed: That cocoa kept us sane). The chocolate-seller (dressed in a lovely pale pink frock) told us that women lived here. Soldiers wives, and children too. But not only them: There were people, she said, who just followed the soldiers around. “Like groupies?” I asked, leaning in and grinning as I thought of crazed rock-n-roll fans.
“Yeah, kinda.” She smiled.
“What did they do all day?”
“Oh, helped out with cleaning up, laundry, cooking…”
I liked the idea of the groupies… I pictured them in modern-day tents like the one I used on my treeplanting adventure… Unlike the soldiers, the groupies of my mind woke late, yawning wide and happy as puppies. They’d lollygag by the canons at sunset, watching the great ball of nectarine fire, the pink and violet clouds…

The cool thing about Fort Ticonderoga is that the employees really work there: The tailor is really a tailor, and he actually fixes the uniforms of the soldiers who march around all day, looking fancy for us tourists. “The crotches are always tearing,” the tailor told me as he wove through some hardcore-looking white cloth with a silver needle. His legs dangled off his great sturdy  wooden table and I got the feeling he’d prefer to be left alone, so he could focus on his work instead of answering our idle queries.
The cobbler was the same: focused on his work. He had answer

9 July 2014:  Champlain Bridge Anchorage, Crown Point, New York.

Marc-  Champlain Bridge Marina stopover for fuel, pump out and ice.  We also visited the DAR mansion nearby.  Very nice for a 19th century brick structure.  With all systems ready we departed at noon for Basin Harbor Club motor sailing in a light breeze.

At 2 p.m. we were greeted at the Basin docks by Ryan and our Stephanie in the key slip.  The remainder of the RSYC fleet went over to the North Basin Harbor and picked up moorings.  It was nice to see where Steph is working.  We gathered for a great talk on the Revolutionary War naval battles on Lake Champlain (actually fought by the US Army).  Benedict Arnold was a hero at that time for his planning in doing battle with the British and turned a loss into a victory.  After the visit the RSYC people met at the Red Mill restaurant for a great meal.    We still had time for some tennis with Annaka, Sara, Steph, and Sue.

10 July 2014:  Basin Harbor, Ferrisburg, Vermont.

Marc-  At 11:00 we left for a trip up Otter Creek to Vermont’s smallest city: Vergennes. I thought that I had seen an otter but it turned out to be a beaver on the way up.   Lucy III was the last to arrive but a space had been saved for us on the North side.  Dinner was enjoyed at the Black Sheep restaurant.  The Falls were well lit in Red White and Blue overnight.

11 July 2014:  Vergennes North Dock, Vergennes, Vermont.

Marc-  I volunteered to help the LCMM crew lift a new main boom in place on the Lois McClure ( the block and tackle did most of the work). This is one large wooden Schooner (90 feet) with solid wooden masts.  I left before the final placement was completed since the RSYC fleet was leaving.  We then motor sailed up to Burlington and tied up behind Abigail at the Burlington Community Docks.  A pot luck was enjoyed on Abigail thanks to Alan and Diane.

12 July 2014:  Burlington Community Boathouse, Burlington, Vermont.

Marc here reporting on a discovery of mermaids in the seawall at Burlington.  Actually they are carved in the marble stones that make up the protective wall just south of Perkins Pier.   We departed early for a great sail from Burlington to Butterfly Bay at Valcour. First tack went to Port Kent following the ferry route and then a downwind sail to Valcour Island.  Lucy III rafted up to Swept Awa (Stephanie and Elise’s boat).  We put out a second anchor for the possible thunderstorms forecast for the night.  I scouted out the trails to The Lighthouse and confirmed the tour time of 1 p.m.  Our RSYC fleet was split between Butterfly Bay and Sloop Cove.  The racers had arrived a day earlier to participate in the Mayor’s Cup Races at Plattsburgh.  The Donnelly’s invited everyone for a pot luck dinner on Coquina and a fantastic time was had by all.

Marc-  We saw Steph off to a taxi waiting to take her to Basin Harbor for work.  I climbed up the Hill to the Burlington City Market for a few perishable items and ice cream with strawberries.  Lucy III made a 11:00 a.m. departure for a sail to Valcour Island.  The best wind was following the ferry to Port Kent and then sailing wing and wing to Bluff Point which we rounded and anchored for the night in Butterfly Bay.  Most of the Harbor was full of Canadian boats but with ample room for more.  We were happy to raft up with Slip Away.

13 July 2014:  Butterfly Bay, Valcour Island, New York.

Marc-  Time to explore Valcour Island and its many trails.  The crews assembled at 12:30 for the hike to the Lighthouse and an excellent tour it was.  The Guide allowed us full access o the facility and explained its history and continued use to guide navigators.  Mr. Harwood also explained the Stone House on the Southern end of Valcour that had been a fancy summer camp complete with indoor plumbing and full kitchen.   It was a nice hike down to the stone house with many views on the passage to the West.  After dinner we assembled for a bonfire on the beach.  George and I scavenged wood from campfires and whatever else we could find on the beach.  The fire did keep the mosquitoes away!

14 July 2014:  Butterfly Bay, Valcour Island, New York.

Marc-  Our Northern trip continued with a sail all the way up to Rouses Point.  Lucy III and Swept Away did have tangled anchor lines that needed attention before departure.  In fact we hauled both anchors at once while still rafted up.  Stephanie and Elise left for the South (we will miss them).  Lucy III sailed east of Crab Island to see the War of 1812 Monument:  a tall obelisk.  Many sailors from both the English and the American sides lost their lives the battle that took place nearby.  Crab Island was set up as a Hospital.   The wind increased to 15 knots out after passing this Island and Lucy III sped to the ferry crossing at Cumberland Head at 6.5 knots.  After Cumberland Head the Wind waxed and waned but we continued under sail alone until Rouses Point where we docked at Gaines Marina.  The best sight along the way was of the Ile LaMotte lighthouse near the site of Fort St. Anne (today's St. Anne's Shrine).

The marina owners and staff welcomed us warmly.  The facilities are excellent here with new bathrooms and recently constructed docks.  There are a lot of rather large Montreal boats in this marina as at most marinas on the New York shore of Lake Champlain north of Westport.

15 July 2014: Rouses Point, New York.  St Paul Ile Aux Noix, Québec Canada.

Marc-   Invasion of Canada today.  Three boats with masts under 50 feet, Lucy III, Raven and Spirit, motored north into Canada stopping at the Canadian Customs Pier in Lacolle.  Even the railroad bridge remained open for us as we proceeded to the visitor’s pier at Isle aux Noix, Fort Lennox.  Our troops arrived 15 minutes before the tour was to begin.    Our tour guide did a great job explaining this old fort and the history of this island that was once covered with walnut trees.  The Island was occupied by the French, the British and the Americans at various times.  The current fortifications were built after the War of 1812 for an American Invasion that was never to take place.  The fort is well preserved and has an operating Cantine.  The soldier’s dormitories, the powder magazine, the officer’s quarters, and the prison were the best sites.  After lunch we departed in the rain for a wet return to Rouses Point.

All had to first stop at US Customs just north of the Bridge.  It was raining so hard that none of the officers went out to the docks.  The only difficulty here was docking to the plastic docks in the gusts.  The sun soon came out and we enjoyed a pot luck dinner at the swimming pier at Gaines Marina.  we did get a view of Ft. Montgomery from a distance.

16 July 2014:  Rouses Point, New York.

Marc-  Lucy III departed early for Burton Island followed by Coquina.  We decided to skip Deep Bay and go directly to Burton to meet up with the crew of Abigail who were visiting for only one night.  After passing the Grand Isle Bridge Lucy III had a broad reach to Burton Island where were greeted by the crew of Abigail.  Swimming here is excellent as usual and the hiking fine.  The campground is almost full.  We enjoyed dinner and a fire on the beach.  Sara and Annika teamed up for lots of fun.  We ended the evening watching the Wild Thornberry’s Movie on Abigail.

17 July 2014:  Burton Island, Vermont.

Marc-  Pancake breakfast with the crew of Abigail was terrific.  The Lucy III crew supplied the Watermelon and maple syrup.  Just as Abigail was leaving, John called that Coquina had just passed the Grand Isle Bridge and would soon arrive. Soon thereafter Alan called saying they were waiting at the Bridge with the Lois McClure.  He reported that is was a tight fit getting the schooner through with the tugboat on its hip.  We greeted John, Mindy and Mary Beth when Coquina arrived at the new docks.  They are now mixing sailboats and powerboats at the traditional sailboat docks.  I have bee doing some clean up of Lucy III for the Tartan 34C reunion on Saturday at Stave Island (davits repainted as well as the Fortress Anchor).  We all enjoyed another great hike around the island as well as some jogging and biking.  Sara has been doing some painting and lots of reading.

John and Monday invited us over for dinner on Coquina.  The sunset was great as usual from the breakwater.  We closed out the evening aboard Lucy III watching the new Tintin movie.  When we came outside the sky was filled with stars.  His is our second night of a magnificent display.  There is a considerable glow looking to the North:  could this be the lights of Montreal some 60 miles away?

18 July 2014:  Burton Island, Vermont.  

Marc-  Another great day in terms of weather.  Wind is out of the west at 10 knots and it does appear that we may lose Coquina tonight.  John wants to explore more trails on Valcour Island and break up his return trip somewhat.  I Just heard from the crew of Outrageous that some of the RSYC fleet has reassembled at Burlington.  We are staying at Burton another day for the ultimate in rest and relaxation.

19 July, 2014:  Burton Island, Vermont.  

Marc-  Very peaceful night last night and a great star filled sky for viewing constellations once again.  We were the only RSYC boat left at Burton .  The old dock rules about separation of sail and power boats has changed.  They are now docking large powerboats in the sailboat docks.  We had six rather large powerboats for neighbors last night and all but one was from Montreal.  The Canadians were friendly and quiet.  They also assisted Lucy III in getting away from a rather tight slip arrangement.  We weren’t over to the Burton Island welcome dock for water and a pump out.  The Captain of the Burton Island Ferry, Dave LaChance, helped us dock and commended me on my docking skills.  The place is really busy with the power boat docks almost entirely filled and the campground filled as well.  Lots of people were in line at the General Store for coffee and breakfast.  Rather nice to see so many people.  We left the harbor at 010:15 and passed the Grand Isle Bridge at 11:30 (just in time for the opening).  Once through the Gut we entered the main Lake and discovered sailboats a plenty with a slight breeze from the south.  No help to us as we are headed for Stave Island.  Otherwise a bright and sunny day for the Tartan 34 rendezvous 2014.

The Hazelett family warmly invited the Tartan 34 C owners to have their reunion in their private harbor on their private island.  Eights boats arrived at various times during the day.  Sara and I  explored the island trails and climbed the steel fire tower in the center of the island.  The tower did not let us down and granted us its 100 mile views in all points of the compass.

Dinner was a cook out on the porch of the Main House overlooking the Lake and the Mountains in New York beyond.

20 July, 2014:  Stave Island, Vermont.  

Breakfast was again at the Main House with grill cooked omelets and toast.  We departed at 11:00 for a motorsail to Point Bay Marina.  It was a rather uneventful passage as we tacked up the Lake making excellent time.  Stephanie called and we met her at Basin Harbor so she could join us for a few days of relaxation at home.  Unloading Lucy III was quite a chore. It is amazing how much gear needed to come off of the boat.  We were welcomed back to the marina by Gary and Mary Jane Russell.

Will Patten has arranged for a press release on this Cruise at the following site: http://thecitizenvt.com/?p=25065

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Le début du “Cruise Week(s) 2014” ...Au Lac Champlain !  

Jeudi 4 juillet, nous quittons Watertown, Massachusetts en voiture pour nous rendre à Point Bay Marina, Charlotte Vermont.

Plusieurs étapes nous attendent jusqu'à notre destination finale , le tour du Lac Champlain par ses forts.

C’est la commémoration des guerres de 1776 et de 1812 contre les Anglais. Nous partons en bateau avec les membres du Royal Savage Yacht Club par le Sud et ainsi par le Nord du lac. Il existe en effet une longue voie d'eau du Sud, à New York jusqu'à la frontière canadienne au Nord. Longue de 260 milles nautiques (470 km), cette voie d'eau est composée, d'abord de la rivière Hudson puis du canal Champlain inauguré en 1823 qui rejoint le lac Champlain au nord et on peut même rejoindre le fleuve Saint Laurent par la Rivière Richelieu ! Les pays se sont battu a défendre cette voie de transport pendant des décennies commençant avec la France et les autochtones.

En 1776 c’est la guerre d'indépendance des États-Unis de la Grande-Bretagne. En 1812, ce sont les jeunes États-Unis, agacés par les restrictions commerciales imposées par les Britanniques (les Britanniques veulent empêcher les navires américains à faire du commerce en Europe) qui déclenchent une guerre contre le Canada et la Grande-Bretagne en 1812. Malgré la victoire spectaculaire des États unis à Plattsburg, le résultat de cette guerre est mitigé. Elle permet cependant aux États-Unis de s'unir et de s'affirmer aux yeux de l'Europe et de la Grande-Bretagne en tant qu'entité indépendante. Le Canada doit ses contours actuels aux négociations de paix en 1814 et jette les bases de la nation qui allait éclore. Ce sont les bases de 2 grandes nations qui sont jetées !

                                          

Vendredi 5 Juillet- Les magnifiques montagnes des Adirondacks de l'état de New York à l'ouest et les montagnes vertes de l'état du Vermont à l'Est donnent un splendide cadre verdoyant à cet immense plan d'eau douce! C'est le départ vers le Sud er oe Fort Ticonderoga. Notre premier port est Westport, un charmant village au New York. C’est la grande démonstration comme les Américains savent faire avec force de musique, de défilés de voitures de toutes sortes, et du feu D’artifice le soir!! …c’est la fête ! Tout le monde est de sortie ! Nous sommes aux premières loges, bien installés sur Lucy III pour assister au feu d’artifice.

Samedi 6 Juillet- Au fur et à mesure de notre progression vers le Sud , le lac se transforme en rivière, devient plus mince . Nous reprenons le lac Champlain majestueuse , de parfois de plusieurs centaines de mètres qui s'écoule dans une belle nature préservée.  Nous arrivons enfin à notre premier fort:  Ticonderoga.

Dimanche 7 Juillet

Nous restons dans un mouillage calme à deux pas du Fort  que nous rejoindrons demain matin pour retrouver les soldats americain, francais et britaniques.
Cette apres-midi estconsacré à la découverte de la ville de Ticonderoga par la riviere La Chute que toutes les informations recueillies et les guides nous invitent à parcourir pour se rendre a le Mont Defiance.
C’est la première ville qui ressemble à une vraie ville. Elle a un fort caractère d’authenticité et est à échelle humaine. Elle a été fondée en 16ieme siecle par les français qui ont ont revendiqués ces territoires des indiens. Elle restera longtemps dans les dépendances francaise et sera évidemment conquise par l’Angleterre qui la cèdera aux américains en 1776 lors des guerres d’indépendances. Ces trois pays se disputaient systématiquement les territoires conquis par les uns ou les autres.
C’est la première ville aux USA que nous voyons par la riviere La Chute qui rejoin le Lac George.  Nous laissons nos petits zodiacs sou un ancien pont de bois couvert pres des chutes et pres de la rue commerçante.  Dans cette rue, il y a plusieurs vieilles maisons en bois restaurées et un museé du pays et son developpement forestiere:  bois, papier et crayons.  Encore il y avait des mines de fer dans les environs.  
Nous pouvons laisser nots annexes au ponton de la ville sans cotisation, mais nous avons tous bien attacher les annexes et de tout cadenasser.  
Nous rencontrons quelques touristes étrangers et américains pendant notre visite de la ville ainsi que le Mont Defiance. La visite du Mont  peuvent se faire a pieds avec un soldat americain qui nous sert d'interpret pour la longue histoire de la region.