August 2, 2017

There is an saying----"be careful what you wish for".  The whole time I was in Georgian Bay and the North  Channel, I wanted to be in a river system where you didn't worry about winds, waves, etc.  As we leave Chicago I am happy to be in the river again.  Boy did I change my mind quickly.  As soon as we are out of downtown Chicago, the river becomes a barge canal.  They park on both sides 2 deep, they move up and down the waterway with the right a way.

Our experiences were nothing like we expected.  Our first slowdown was an encounter with a train bridge.  The bridge is 

usually open except when a train is coming, when we got there it was closed and after about 30 minutes Jim called and asked when it would open .  The Bridge tender called back, "when the next train comes through."  After 45 minutes the bridge went up, and we finally got to move.  Our next slowdown was a fish trap.  This is where they electrify the water to keep evasive fish out of the water.

We didn't know that this was around, It is open for 2 hours durning the day, and 2 hours in the evening.  After waiting 2 hours for the 

current to get turned off we start booking toward Joliet, Ill.  We

go through one of the 8 locks we need to do on the Illinois river,

when the Lock master informs us that the next lock is closed until

6:30 tonight.  Our only option is to tie to the wall in Joliet and spend the night.  Thankfully it has free electric.  The lock did open early, but the only marina within 60 miles was full.  So here we are

40 miles from Chicago on the wall in Joliet for the evening.  It wasn't all bad today.  The trip through Chicago was fabulous!  We

started at 6:00AM there wasn't another boat on the water and the sun was shining on the buildings and making them glow.  We took both the east and west branch, and then did it again.  I think if I make another wish it will be there won't be any more mechanical problems either on the boat or on land.  Hopefully we have had them all.  Tomorrow we are off to Peoria in two days.  Keep your fingers crossed once again.

Get ready for a lock