Sunday 08/15/2021
Day Miles: 93
Total Miles
Travel Days: 140
Total Days: 291
Monday 08/16/2021
Day Miles: 74
Total Miles: 7286
Travel Days: 141
Total Days: 292
Sunday:
Our longest travel day so far on the Loop! We departed Hammond Marina and traveled 2 miles to the Calumet Canal. We have to take the Canal which is south of Chicago because there are fixed bridges of 17 foot in Chicago that we can not fit under. We will still have to get under a 19.5 foot bridge on the canal, but with our Anchor Light and Dome dropped we should be OK. We had this hinged years ago, knowing that we would have this height restriction.
Our plan was to either stop in Joliet or go on to Ottawa, depending on how we did with the bridges and locks. The 1st bridge we had to wait to have it raised. It took about 30 minutes as the person did not answer the radio on any station, nor did they acknowledge the horn blasts. She did finally come out and raise the 1st bridge. I think we may have woke her up. The other bridges went well, opening for us before we even got to them.
Leaving Hammond at 6:30am
Entering the Calumet Canal.
Just so we don't forget where we are in the priority list.
Half submarine?
Park along the way
Narrow part
Lowest bridge 19.5ft. We cleared it, but not by much.
Electric Fish barrier designed to keep the Asian carp out of the the great lakes.
We arrived at Joliet around 12:30, but we have had heard reports that this was not the safest place to stop. so we decided to push on to Ottawa about another 40 miles and 3 locks. We were doing OK until we hit the last lock and had to wait about an hour as they split a barge. They did end up locking us through in between the barge. I had to go in between the the 2 concrete walls that are below. Tight squeeze but happy to not have to wait another hour.
I was hoping that we would be able to get up and run some of the day once we got onto the Illinois river, but all the other boats out did not let that happen. Felt like everyone who owned a boat in IL was out today. It was a very long day with needing 7 bridges opened, 5 locks, and 86 miles. When we arrived at Heritage Marina at 7:00, Jeremy was nice enough to wait for us and catch our lines. He also gave us some insight on the Mississippi, River marinas, and anchorages. Tired and hungry we walked up to the Red Dog Cafe on site and had a simple dinner and a few cold beers.
Exhausted we crashed early and prepared for another long day tomorrow.
Monday:
We left early on Monday with hopes of a smoother and quicker ride going to Peoria. Not many boats out today, so we were able to get up and run most of the way. All in all not a bad day on the river. Reminded me of boating on the Ohio River.
Heritage Marina
Beautiful morning with calm waters.
Our view waiting for a barge to lock through, about an 1 1/2 hour delay.
House all on stilts for floods.
Peoria paddle wheel
Duck season
We arrived at the IVY Club in Peoria late afternoon. Hot and tied we rested and got showered. A friend of mine from P&G, John Copping, reached out and made plans to meet us at the boat. When he arrived at 5:00, I thought he lived in the area, but turns out he drove over 2 1/2 hours from Iowa City. It was great he made the trip.
He drove us up to the Publix House for dinner and the wings and sandwiches were good. Never missing an opportunity to supply on some groceries, he drove us to Kroger's. Yep, been a while since we saw a Kroger.
He dropped us off back at the boat, said goodbyes, and he headed home. We went to bed early, exhausted.
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