And we're off!!!!

Samedi nous avons eu une journée très très chaude, poivrée de deux beaux orages. C’était humide et collant, mais malgré tout nous avons tout chargé et rangé afin de ne pas “vivre dans les bagages” pendant 3 semaines. Nous avons même pris le temps d’ajouter une couche de foam dans les coussins de la couchette pour Caro et Thomas (major improvement sur le confort!). Marjo et Mimi sont venues nous aider en amusant les garçons (et elles ont même apporté le diner!)  afin que moi et Sébastien avons pu tout préparer pour le départ.  Merci mesdames, vous êtes géniales! Après un souper tôt, nous avons quitté SYC vers 17h30.

We made it into Waddington (NY), just after sunset, around 9:30pm, and what a greeting we got! We were welcomed by the fellow SYC members already there for the Commodre’s cruise  and they helped us dock. Thanks to Brian and Joy, Brian, Mike and Mike and Cindy. It’s not every day you have 6 people, including 3 current or former commodores, help catch you on the dock :) We had a good night, and this morning Liam let us sleep until 6:45. Yeah :)  We went for a nice walk; what a pretty main street, lovely architecture, especially the library and the town hall. We joined up with Mike and Cindy and Mike and Colleen at a creperie-art gallery for a lovely (albeit little pricey) delicious Sunday brunch. And lots of beautiful art made it a really great start to our vacation!

We left Waddington around 10 am this morning (a little worried that were behind our planned schedule),  but we made it to the Iroquoi locks just as it was letting thru some boaters, and the ever so desired green light came on! And so at 11h30, we were across and on our way. Long day for sure motoring against the current, lots of trafic, and Ray acting up (Ray is our autohelm. It used to be George, but he gave up on the job early this spring, so we got a new Raymarine autohelm, hence, Ray....) But Ray is not as smooth as George was, and today Ray gave me the willys....erk....left right, sharp left, sharp right, never mind....

We made it to Brockville late this afternoon, cleared customs, and anchored at one of our favorite spots, behind Smith island. We had a great swim, delicious supper, and we are looking forward to a nice calm night...it was a long day, but hey, it's all good!  Sweet dreams!