Rapids & Trois Rivieres
25 July 2017
We got up at 600 am for breakfast and to prepare to run the rapids at 800am. That being the best time to get a push from the tide. We both liked Portneuf harbour and thought we could have spent more time here. We knew there would be a number of sailboats making the climb this morning and wanted to go thru first and before 3-4 boats get into there. A check of the AIS confirmed that there were no big freighters in either direction so time to go. We get out into the tidal current and quickly jump over 6 knots SOG. No sails for the rapids. I was nervous at the wheel as I did not know what to expect. So into them we went. When will it hit? We did about three miles at 6 SOG and looking at the buoy numbers I declared that we were thru the rapids. A non event again. Due to correct timing of the tidal push. The rest of the day was a non event and the tide pushed us as far as Becancur. Then the speed dropped to 3-4 knots as we began to feel the river current. It is now construction holiday in Quebec so lots of stink pots on the river. They are commonly referred to as little dick boats. They have no regard for the wakes they create and the effects it has on sailboats. We fought the river current for a few hours and finally made it to Trois Rivieres Marina for the night. Good marina however right beside a pulp & paper plant so noise, light and smell pollution. None the less a good day of travelling. Before having showers, we needed to eat at the snack bar. My first cheese burger in over a month decorated with greasy french fries. Heaven. After showers and a few sun downers, we had dinner on the boat to the orchestra of the pulp mill. Luckily the wind was blowing the smell away.