Back on the Richelieu to Burlington, VT

Since these locks don't open til 0900 we were glad to be on the other side so we could leave early. We could easily squeeze under the 12 ft RR bridge and ran down the wide, scenic river at our minimum on-plane speed (in Heavy Cruise Mode) at 22 MPH with a few slow areas with marinas, complex turns etc.

The US Customs visit had three other officials from other agencies who required opening every cooler and fridge, so we gave up some cherries and fresh veggies. One did a full inspection checklist of all USCG requirements including checking the pressure gauges on three larger than requirements fire extinguishers, oil placard etc. He saw that we had inflatable PFD's that we weren't wearing, and I'm shocked he didn't read the labels to ensue they met Type 3 standards (which don't have to worn to count).
Then the Lake Sheriff's Deputy insisted on inspecting the Airhead system to make sure that any plumbing to an overboard port has been removed IAW NY and VT law. Although we knew about and complied on prior trips up there, you'll never get the old hose back on...plus now we're rabid Airhead devotees. He gave us a Sherriff Inspection sticker for our collection and we're on our way.
The larger midsection of Lake Champlain got pretty choppy after noon with higher than predicted gusts making for a slow uncomfortable slamming ride. We finally got secured in the excellent Burlington city marina with an elaborate breakwater system, but boats are rocking from the wind (gusts to 40 MPH) although waves are attenuated. We walked around the city and topped up at the City Market, an interesting grocery co-op. There is a ramp adequate for a TC255 to load and an airport with direct flights to PHL, then either Amtrak back to Wilmington near where the rig is stored vs Eileen's sister picking us up if able. Then a seven hour drive back to Burlington and loading the boat for trailering back to Pensacola. We've been lucky that the smoke from Canadian wildfires has mostly avoided us!

NEBOLINK LOG:

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