FLUKE'S Last Canadian Outpost

August 20 – 21, 2011

Lock 9 is the last lock on the Chambly Canal, and it is right in the middle part of the waterfront of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, located on the west side of the Richelieu River flowing right next to the Canal by this time.

FLUKE at the town wall

Here we are, having gone through Lock 9 and Bridge 12, and tied up to the west wall. We had hoped to tie up on the Canal's east side so that we wouldn't be right next to the traffic, but tried and had a soft grounding and moved over to the west side. We had intended to only stay one night, but thunderstorms and rain kept us at the dock for 2 nights, not that we really had anywhere we had to be anyway. The large vessels south of us are tour boats.

St. Jean is the largest city on the Richelieu, and right across the river is another city, Iberville. However, most of Iberville fronts a section of the river with a lot of rapids, so there is no where to tie up there or even get a boat for the most part. Plenty of services are available if you need anything on the west bank. While St. Jean has an extensive waterfront area, it is not very upscale, quaint, artsy, or architecturally fascinating. There are numerous restaurants and bars, and one street over, a few stores. Most of the original old town area is vacant.

The can man

This guy had the most sophisticated aluminum can collecting rig we have seen all summer, and we've witnessed a LOT of people collecting cans. His bike is motorized, and he can really buzz through the park area with ease and get to every garbage can quickly. Plus, he carries several long-handled grab tools that enable him to reach deep into the big cans. He is towing one of those enclosed kid carriers, but has rigged holders for carrying extra boxes to put more cans in. He needs to patent that thing, and can collectors can apply for funding through some government program.

Iberville church

The canalway has a great walking path that connects into the tow path going all the way back to Chambly. The views across the river are pretty, and this big church sits prominently on the riverfront.

Only through happenstance did we arrive in St. Jean when we did. As we were locking through, one of the lock attendants asked if we were there to attend the Balloon Festival. I asked her about it, and she said she thought that there was one more day to go for the event that had been there all week.

Sure enough, with the weather still in good shape, at 7:00 p.m., a stir began on the waterfront. We looked out to see what everyone was looking at, and thus, we had one of the most memorable shows of the summer. I've selected a few of the most interesting photos to share.

Just getting airborne

The launching area was just west of the main part of town, and this photo is from FLUKE looking in that direction as they came into sight above the rooftops. Having even more luck with us, the wind would be blowing the balloons in our direction, and you will see how close they came to us.

Lovely light

The waning sun provided some beautiful illumination on the balloons.

The flag of Quebec

This balloon is the flag of Quebec, looking straight up from FLUKE as it was flying overhead.

Dragonflies flying high

Look at the guy peering over the side right down at us. The balloons had all types of gondolas, some of which appeared ornate and held up to four people. One balloon looked like it only had a seat that held two people with their legs dangling free.

Eddie balloon watching

Doesn't he look like an excited kid?

Time to get into the dinghy!

We missed seeing the real ones this summer since we didn't go to the Bahamas.

This little piggy went flying

This glamor pig balloon was small compared to the regular balloons.

Carol's balloon

The guys said that this crab balloon reminded them of me! They knew they could get away with saying that because I had already cooked dinner for them.

This show didn't stink

This Pepe Le Pew balloon was very large.

Blue head

I don't know what character this is supposed to be, but it also was a huge balloon. In addition to the characters I've shown here we also saw a house, bumble bee, and colorful butterfly.

Touch down

Only one of the balloons came down in an open area close to the waterfront, and our view was blocked by those trees, so we couldn't see if there was a crowd waiting for it.

MANY years ago, in celebration of my 30th birthday, I took a hot air balloon ride that took most of a morning. It was such a fun ride, really like you dream about floating on air. We touched down in a lake and went back up again, skimming treetops, with a bird's eye view of all things on the ground. If you ever have the opportunity to fly up, up, and away on a big beautiful balloon, DO IT for a most magical, memorable experience!

We've gathered many great memories of our time in Canada, but it is time to tuck them away and head for the U.S. border, only about 20 miles ahead.