Day 267 – 6/27/24

Starting location: Moored on dock before the lock at Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada.

Weather: 55 am, 68 pm, partly sunny

Ending location: Golden Anchor Marina, Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada

Statute miles: 38

General summary: After our usual morning routine (coffee and breakfast while reading the news and doing some puzzles, checking the weather, determining our planned route for the day, then Cocoa’s morning walk) we moved our boat to the “blue line” dock to await locking through going upriver. We were at the end of the line, actually after the blue paint ended, so we worried we would have to wait for the next lock cycle, but two larger boats rafted (tied side by side) so we got in.

The next lock was at Carillon on the Ottawa River. As we approached, we noted orange pipes sticking up vertically at the grey concrete wall, which seemed to indicate we shouldn’t go there. It appeared to be under water. There were none on the blue line concrete wall, so we assumed it was safe to tie to, though it looked like the water level was somewhat high there as well. There did not appear to be an option on the other side for securing our boat. We radioed the lock master of our approach, and were answered in French. Unable to understand, we proceeded to the blue line. Well, the water was high enough that our fenders just floated on top of the concrete. As a result, there was nothing to cushion us. Despite a slow speed, we heard a crunch and immediately felt sick. Once we got out and examined the side of the boat it turned out the gelcoat had been damaged, but the fiberglass interior looked fine. We finally got a response from a lock operator who spoke English and were advised we could tie up to wires on the other side if we wanted. Too late.

We monitored the bilge for any sign we were taking on water, and it did not appear so. We took pictures and contacted some family and friends, who knew about boats, for advice. Also did some frantic internet searches. It seemed we would be fine to continue on for today, but would need to address it “soon”.

We notified the lock staff of the incident. Information was exchanged, but we have no idea what will come of that.

We made a reservation at the closest marina that had potential for repairs and motored on. Quite a choppy ride and windy dockage, but no damage this time. Still no water in the bilge. A good sign.

To wrap up our challenging day, I noticed Cocoa’s urine appeared red when I took her for her evening walk and she went numerous times and seemed to strain, which was unusual for her. She likely had a urinary tract infection. We were nowhere close to a veterinarian. And, it was now Friday evening with nothing likely open on the weekend further on. Then, we remembered Tom had some antibiotics left over from his dental issue from months ago. I checked some vet health web sites and it was a good choice to treat canine UTIs so started her on treatment, after calculating dose and schedule based on her weight as directed.

This was a hard day.