Photos of trip to Havana , Illinois

Well here is our friend Afflack, also the Wicket Lock, a camping ground , note the water level! And the jumping carp.

Havana , Tall Timbers Marina today's destination

Hi F and F, 

First my apologies for spelling errors! Hopefully you can read around them!

We woke up to heavy pouring rain , in fact it had rained  a lot during the night and finally stopped around 9.30 am this morning.

We connected with Lucky Ducks and left around 10.30 am after they had refueled.

As the fueling dock was surrounded by rising water , Jim had to wait for the dock master who once the  ran stopped fully was able to  put on his wading boots and come over to the fuel dock!

Erica walked around the dock to find Afflack the white duck resident of IVY club to say goodbye.

He is a hoot, he has made friends with a regular female duck and they are inseparable .

Don't think any babies have come from this love affair yet!

Three of us headed off downstream, a fourth boat in the convey from Peoria,  Morning Star had already left at 6.30am. They are early risers!

Our one lock of the day proved to be a non event as with the high waters we just sailed on past the dam and wicket lock .During high water the wickets are lowered to the bottom of the river to allow the traffic to pass over them without having to lock through . When we got to the last bridge we encountered a big barge and tow boat  slowly attempting to make the narrow  entrance followed by an immediate turn to the right. We were all able to squeeze past making sure to keep inside the green buoys on our right. It makes you realize it is quite a tricky operation for these tow captains to maneuver these huge barges in tight places.After that it was smooth running and very little debris. We increased speed a little , even got up on plane for a short while and then were able to watch the jumping Asian carp enjoying our wake. Hard to get photos but this is Erica's attempt. Arrived at the small cute Marina called TallTimbers at about 2.30 pm.

Bob the dock master and the first two boats ahead of us were there to help us tie up. Shortly afterwards a fifth boat arrived , a smaller Duffy  a kind of lobster boat style. They parked next to us.

The owners were from Maine. So the two Maine boats were side by side together! Very appropriate !

Terri and I headed off to explore the town which didn't have much open.

In fact the recommended Trixies we were all hoping to have breakfast at tomorrow was  shut and didn't open til Friday. So we headed back. Later we sat out on the dock with the other loopers for drinks , nibbles and had fun telling our boating stories.Great Loopers camaraderie .

Dinner was on board Pasta and Salad and Jim and Terri came over to join us with their wine and again we discussed tomorrow's run south.

Over and Out, 

E and G

Sorry We are in Peoria NOT Havana , that's not!

Hi F and F, 

A lovely sunny day and full day to relax.

Did some housework on the boat then had nice shower before Carolyn picked us up in her nice new Subaru Outback. We left at 10.30 am and fist took a tour of the Grandview  Drive area. This sits on a Bluff area above the yacht  club with lovely homes and brat views of the Illinois River and surrounding area.Teddy Roosevelt calls this the World's most beautiful drive and we could see why although in 

the World ,might have been a stretch!

We then drove around the city area pop of about 150,000.

We passed the large  Caterpillar Museum and World headquarter  offices and also the Museum of Art.

This museum didn't have great reviews so we skipped it.Carolyn pointed out there are three large hospitals here which is quite something for a not so huge city.apprently Susan Komen ( of the Rally for a Cure for breast cancer fame) came from her and this was the site of the first event to raise money for a cure. We had been quite involved in that when we lived in Virginia.

We also drove over the river to see an enormous Pro Bass store for all things Hunting, Shooting and

Fishing.

 We passed the two courthouses and the civic center where Erica photographed a sculpture  entitled the Underground Railroad. ( Slaves running for freedom for non USA readers)

 Had lunch at Carolyn's choice,  Paneras.Nice fresh sandwiches and salads. Then a quick stop at Schuncks Grocery and a bank and back to IVY club A nice three hour treat.So generous of Carolyn to give up  part of her day for us.

At 6pm we had Terri and Jim over for dinner on Lady Erica. Nice evening together and we discussed our plans for going off downstream tomorrow .

River is still higher than normal but hopefully won't prove to be a problem, just keeping a watch out for debris in the water is the main thing.

Over and Out, 

E and G

Next stop Havana Illinois , The IVY club.

Hi F and F, 

We kept with the plan of last night to leave early and after reconfirming by telephone with the lock master that the one and only lock for today was clear, we headed off with Lucky Ducks.

Once on the Illinois river we were joined by other boaters also from the Marina we had just left.

Some had changed their plans because of the rising water levels and decided to leave today also. On the way we got to see many interesting things floating by.

A TV set, a white door complete with a handle , a watermelon, and of course lots of logs.Even a red buoy had become unattached and went floating by.We also got to see several white Pelicans.These are like the brown Pelicans in Florida , but they don't dive for fish.

They work together in a line flapping and swiming to herd the fish into one area ,then go in for the kill!

!

By the time we reached the lock we were 8 boats total , waiting to go in.Found out was another of those split barge lock systems happening despite the call to come on down!

Complicated as it is to see how they do it Erica will try to explain. The tow boat pushes the barges through into the lock , but as there is not room for him to stay in the lock as well  , he has to back out and wait for the barges to be taken up in the lock and pushed out.Then the water is brought down again so the tow boat can enter in , have the water rise again and then he can push these nine barges northwards , once the lock doors open. That's what we think is the process anyway.

So in the meantime we ended up hanging around , in this case at least 1 and  3/4 hours before we got to enter in and lock up to go downstream.Some boats just hung around , some tied up to these round stations( one boat actually ended up gouging the side of his boat in the process) We used our skyhook system to keep us in place.

Then we all set off in a line , some jockeying for position as we were all going to the same Marina for the night, and some wanted to be first!!! 

Nice journey south, wide river and calm conditions. We arrived in at Illinois Valley Yacht Club ( IVY ) 

at 3.30 pm .This had been a 7 1/2 hour journey. Of course that ncluded the 2 hour lock experience!

Very nice club , a slightly tight entrance to our slip , but we are conveniently placed opposite the club .house 

Friendly dock hands and staff.We were told of the pasta, fried chicken and salad buffet the club puts on , on Sunday nights so many of us weary boaters decided after such a long day that sounded like a good idea.Aound 6 pm we headed to the club and enjoyed a tasty dinner with our new friends  (Ottawa) Jim and Terri. Also got to meet some of the other boaters we had seen on the water.

Carolyn a member of the club introduced herself to us and offered to drive us into Preoria tomorrow if we wanted. We said we would love to take up her offer.

Then back to the boat and an early night.

Over and out, 

E and G

Full Day in Ottawa

Hi F and F, 

After torrential rain, thunder and lightening last night , there was a steady rain that continued into the morning .This meant no rush to get up and out. Erica made egg beaters scrambled eggs for breakfast with Graeme found surprisingly acceptable .We then called the office to get the courtesy car only to find it had already gone out at 9 am , apparently the couple had gone shopping in the town about 3 miles away.

By 11.30 am they had not reappeared with the car, so Christy the Marina the office manager offered to drive us into town. Erica had made a pedicure appointment for midday, so that was a welcome help.We also planned to do a big load of washing at the Superior Coin Laundry.The Waterway guide had advertised this Marina as having laundry facilities which was not the case. We also wanted to check out the Sat Farmers market.

Washing was organized , then a quick walk to the Farmers market next to Washington Park, the site of the first Washington and Douglas ( presidential candidates) debates about slavery.

We bought a nice looking homemade raspberry pie and a few vegs and also some pork products from Debra .She and her husband Mike own Hufendick Farms , which is home for their Berkshire pigs .All raised no hormones and raised humanely. 

Graeme headed off to find the Holly Bakery which shut at 1 pm on a Saturday and checked out the town. Erica headed off to the Deluxe Nails salon.

Graeme found Holly's bakery and bought yes, you guessed, two croissants for breakfast.

Then he found the Reddick Mansion. This house was built in1855 before the civil war and is an Italianate  Mansion.Sadly we were to miss the last tour of the house at 2 pm.If only we had had that courtesy car!!!

Chrissy picked us  up again outside the Laundry place  and we headed back to the Marina .

Watched some golf on TV . Erica's fav golfer Adam Scott is lying in third position as of today.

Went up to the Red Dog restaurant again around 5 pm to have a drink on the verandah and listen to a live musician playing his guitar and singing some great music. Jim and Terri joined us and we had a light supper.

Then the guys headed off for Jeremy's talk about what to expect on the waterway south. Very helpful advice meant we planned to leave together early tomorrow am.

So back to the boat and early bed.

Over and Out, 

E and G.

On to Ottawa not Canada but Illinois!

Hi F and F, 

We decided to travel together with Jim and Christine so after calling the first lock of the day and having the go ahead we headed out at 7.45 am. Erica had got up in the middle of the night and watched a few of the big barges go through.The tall tow boats pushing the barges had powerful headlights so they could clearly see the way ahead. The park was quiet , no activity , thankfully.

First lock was ready for us and we were quickly through.

Jim was still operating on his starboard engine only. The canal was wide and depths good.

These new lock was also clear so we breezed through that one. About seven miles before the last lock, 

Jim and Christine pealed off at the SpringHarbor Marina .They were staying there to get there problems dealt with. We moved n , telephoned the 3rd lock for the day and yes it was clear again!

We later found out from the lock master  the river current normally 1 mph is currently 3 to 4 mph so many of the tow barges are not operating. Also some boats are advised not  travel if the current is too strong.

Great for us! Came into the  Heritage Harbor Marina.

It was nice and sheltered  and calm. Jeremy the dock master was excellent helping us with fuel and then our slip.Curtesy Car and Bikes here. No laundry however as advertised!

Met a couple who are also loopers , Jim and Terri.Suggested we met together.

Had drinks at the pool and then dinner together at the Red Dog restaurant on site.We enjoyed a couple of hours on the verandah chatting and enjoying each other's company.Plenty of rain forecast 

And in fact we just made it back to our boats before the heavens opened.

Early to bed, 

Over and out.

E and G

Off on our South Adventure, First stop Joliet

Hi F and F,

We decided to head off before the tourist boats start at 10 am , so left at 9.30 am.We wanted to go the Chicago Sanitary Canal route rather than th Calumet Sag Channel. It is more picturesque and we felt sure we could get under the Michigan Ave bridge which is the lowest bridge on route.

By 10 am we were through the first lock,  a small 3 ft drop.

Indeed when we got the Michigan Ave we had a foot to spare under the bridge.

The water level was a foot lower than normal. The Canal was very busy despite our desire to leave before the tourist boats and our first hold up was at the Chicago Railroad Life bridge.

Normally open,  we had to wait while 3 trains went by and we had a big barge creeping closer and closer behind us.A little scary!

Anyway we were off again through the very industrial parts of Chicago.

It took 4 hours to reach the junction of the Chicago Sanitary and Calumet Sag waterways.

We saw some  picturesque areas on the way , despite all the industry and barges and also several blue and white herons resting  on the waters edge.

We got to lock no 2 to find three rows across with a total of nine barges connected together sitting in the water just outside the lock.

The lock master told us it would be a while before the tow boat (tug) would be connected to these nine  barges and start the journey north.

We tied up at the wall and waited about 1 and 1/2 hours before we were called in.

The lock was simple and quick.So much easier doing down and not up as we did when coming on the St Lawrence last year. Shortly after that , we arrived at Joliet our resting place for the night. We had caught up with Jm and Christine on their Prestige 500 .

We had found out only this morning we were planning to stop at the same place! We had passed them several times during the last few days at CYC as they were in a slip on the same dock. Had only waved and said hid urging that time so had no idea they were doing the loop also!

At Joliet there is a town dock including power free to boaters.

The area is a little interesting, plenty of police presence and we later heard there had been a guy near the opposite bank who had been wielding a shotgun. Fortunately he was reprehended by the police before he could do any damage.

After a long day it was nice to relax and have our drinks on board Crash our new friends from CYC.

Turns out Jim had had an issue with his GPS and his port engine , both had stopped working !

It  occurred after he had been through the electrical dispersal fish barrier system. This system had very recently been redone , so we were wondering if they had increased the electrical charge, and was causing problems.

It's a permanent barrier to prevent invasive fish species going through the Chicago Canal into Lake Michigan.

We watched several long barges and tow boats slide quietly past us, quite something .

The concrete wall we were next to was right beside the park , so we doubled back our lines onto the boat for security.

It has been known  that kids  can come along during the night and undo your lines.Also was the case in Canada waters. Didn't want our boat drifting into the canal without our knowledge! 

Time for quick dinner then turn in for an early night.

Over and out, 

E and G.

Last morning in Chicago😪

Hi F and F

Well shortly this morning.  we start heading off down the Chicago River through the city to our first port of call , Joillet.

Been a wonderful. Stay here.Made some great new friends and enjoy much of what the city has to offer.

We finished up with dinner here at CYC and then wandered over to the water fountain show ( nightly at 9 pm) and watched the following fireworks display , (well done )at Navy Pier which they do every Wed night during the summer months. Over and out, 

E and G

Continuing Chicago stay

Yesterday and today have been beautiful sunny days so we took advantage of that and headed of for the River Architechural tour mid.morning.Our tour guide was a hoot , full of information and cracking lots of jokes!

Then off to meet Debbie and Joe from our Haddington Cove  community in Florida for lunch at the Penninsula hotel. Very nice setting and we had a fun time.

They came back to see Lady Erica  and we later headed out for dinner with David and Andrea at the Columbia  YC , more new boating friends we met in Grand Haven.

First had drinks on their lovely Prestige 500 in Du Sable Harbor. The Columbia YC is housed in an old Ferry boat that was used in Canadian waters for many years.

The waiter Willy organized a special table for us on the upper deck with wonderful views of the harbor and the skyline. It was a very special evening with special people.

Next day Erica decided to connect with a couple Annemarie and John who are on a trawler doing the great loop. We noticed their boat tied up at the Columbia YC last night and spoke to them briefly.

We met them first at the start of the Trent Severn and again at Campbelltown.

They will be a couple of days ahead of us to start with ,so we can share information hopefully.

Then it was time for our visit to the Art Institute of Chicago.

It is huge and would have been quite a dawning task to find our way about inside.

We were very excited as Mary , a new golfing friend is a docent here and she had offered to give us a personal tour.

We spent 3 hours visiting various sections and learning the history of art from the early days to the latest form of art. It was a very special experience with a wonderful informative Mary guiding us through it all.We finished with lunch on the second floor at the cafe Moderno.

Last thing on our list was to go on the Ferris Wheel. Many of you may know the story, Mr Ferris invented the wheel for the Chicago Wolrd Fair in 1893.He was trying to come up with something to equal the Effel Tower which was unveiled in the previous World Fair. We went on the new wheel which is enclosed built just  this  year for a 100 years centennial.

Back to the boat to grab cushions and off to the Pritzler Pavillion again , this times or the Purple Rain 1984 movie starring Prince.

Place was full by the time we arrived but managed to find a spot.

The movie plot  is not great but you go because of the songs and live performances on stage .

Lots of Prince groupies dressed in purple. It was a fun experience.

Also photo of the famous Bean sculpture!

So today it's raining and a mop up day in prep for our trip south.

Back soon.

Over and out, 

E and G.

Summary of last Five Full days in Chicago

Hi F and F, 

So we have packed in lots on these days.

Could have easily stayed another four or more days and seen more sights , museums and more biking around the city shoreline.

After our first day of exploring the city on the bus we decided to do a bit of housekeeping on the boat in the morning .

Also need to mention as lovely as where is ChicagoYC is positioned , the water is rough and rocky for the most part for some reason .

Strange because we have plenty of stone wall barriers to protect us.Anyway by now we are pretty used to it! 

The big annual air and water show was on for the weekend , so jets flying overhead in formation.

Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate very well so the air show was pretty disjointed.

We got the bikes out as this is a biking , running and walking city.

Lots of fit people around even at 6 am along the 8 miles trails beside the YC. 

Found the Soldier Field where the Bear NFL play and also some amazing statues of headless people designed by a Polish Artist.She called this Lost Children and said they are walking in different directions, but following hearts.

Apparently this area has  the third largest Polish community in USA . 

After dinner on board we went to th Pritzker Pavillion to see an Opera performed, singing only.

Very well done.Great to have the city skyline as a backdrop.

Next day we biked to the Shed Aquarium .I have to say this is one of the best aquariums we have been to. A couple of shows , plus a 3 D BBC movie about coastal predators with David Attenborough narrating, was a bonus .

Dinner out later at a wonderful Italian restaurant called Nonnina with our new Sabre boating friends, Bob and Maryann made for a lovely end to the day.