DAY 28 - CHICAGO TO CAL-SAC TO JOLIET ( 57 MILES )

Day 28 - Chicago to Cal-Sac to Joliet ( 57 miles)

On this second leg of our Great Loop we are taking the Calumet River to Cal-Sag Channel and Sanitary Ship Canal.  We left Chicago on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 8:00 am and arrived at Calumut Harbor entrance at 8:30 am.  The first bridge was open.  The second bridge was under construction.  We were informed that there would be a two hour wait.  We we fortunate however that a barge came northbound after 30 minutes and one side of the bridge was opened.  We got thru.  We are now in the Cal-Sac Canal.  We encountered one large tug going northbound.  We stood off to let them pass.  At 1:35 pm we arrived at mile 300.5 and the famous Aitchison Topeka and Santa Fe Rail Road Bridge with the lowest clearance along the Great Loop Trio of 19.7” and does not open.  We slowed to a near deep stop at we went under.  I was holding my breathe as we went under - SAFELY!!! Now I can breathe again.  At 2:00 we arrived at the Electric Barrier which is designed to prevent and slow down the spread of invasive fish species through the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal into Lake Michigan.  They were doing maintenance on  the barrier.  We had to tie up with two other boats and wait until 4:30.  Our next encounter was Lockport Lock and Dam.  We arrived and only had to wait a few minutes to begin our descend of 40 feet, the largest descend in the Illinois Waterway.  We finally arrived at Joliet Bicentennial Park where there was free tie-up and power at 6:15 pm.  It was a long day to traverse 57 miles and go under 47 bridges.

Entrance to the Calumet River to Cal-Sag Cannel & Sanitary Ship Canal

THE BRIDGE - The lowest fixed bridge (19.7') along the Great Loop

A SEPA station which pumps water from a stream over waterfalls to aerate it. 

A deserted marina with a sunken boat

The first large tug boat which passed us

DAY 23 - 27 HOME

Frans and I flew home on Thursday, August 4, 2016 for the wedding of Patti's daughter  Krystal to Michael on Saturday, August 6th.  We had a lovely time at home spending it with family and friends.

Krystal being walked down the aisle by her brother Tim

Krystal's Bridesmaids

Michael's Ushers

The Bride and Groom

DAY 22 - CHICAGO

Today is Frans’ day.  We went on a Chicago Crime Bus Tour.  We learnt all about John Dillinger, Al Capone, Frank Nitti and other gangsters in Chicago from 1919 to the present.  This was followed by lunch at Pizzeria Uno, established in 1948 and well known for their deep dish pizza. It is very hot today 31 C.  After bit of shopping it was back to the boat where it was much more comfortable.

Some beautiful planters on the street

Mob bus tour ~ Al Capone

Mob bus tour ~ Frank Nitti

DAY 21 - CHICAGO

Tuesday, August 2, 2015 ~ Today we went to the Art Institute of Chicago.  There was an exhibition of Asian jewelry which we went to view.  It was very interesting.  We had lunch on the third floor terrance with a beautiful view.  After lunch we got on a hop on hop off bus for a tour of the city of Chicago.  We got off at the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Street for some window shopping.  Supper was at Lawry’s, a highly recommended prime rib restaurant by both Brian and Josie.  It was better than even our highest expectations.  

Pocahontas

Asian Jewelley

Waitress at Lawry's making their famous spinning salad

Chef at Lawry's carving our prime rib at the table

DAY 20 - CHICAGO

Day 20 - Chicago

Monday, August 1, 2016 ~ This is a day to take in some of the sights of Chicago.  We started off with a Chicago Architectural Tour aboard the First Lady Cruise Boat.  The commentator pointed out buildings from 1890 to the present.  It was an interesting 1.5 hour tour.  Following that we had a quick lunch at O’Brien’s on the Riverwalk.  Then we were off to The Field Museum where China’s First Emperor and His Terracotta Warriors were on display.  What an amazing discovery that was.  This was followed by a walk to the Navy Pier and a ride on the ferris wheel.

Fountain on the Waterfront

Wrigley Buildding

Trump International Hotel and Tower

Some of the Chicago Skyline

Willis Tower

Marina City

The Field Museum

A Terra Cotta Warrior

Terra Cotta Warrior Chariots

Terra Cotta Warriors Excavated in China

A water feature in the Atrium, Navy Pier

The Atrium at Navy Pier

 The large Ferris Wheel,  Navy Pier

DAY 19 - SOUTH HAVEN TO CHICAGO

The captain and crew were ready for an 8:00 am departure.  We are all excited about getting to the last port on the first leg of our voyage, DuSable Harbor, Chicago, Il..  The 77 nautical mile voyage across Lake Michigan was wonderful.  There was very little wind and the lake was flat.  We were in for a beautiful three hour cruise.  Half way across the lake we could already make out the tall Chicago Skyline. DuSable harbor is located in the heart of downtown Chicago.  It is surrounded by a towering skyline.  Michigan Avenue, Grand Park, the museum and shopping is just a short walk from the marina.  Ann’s sister Josie met us at the boat and we all went out for dinner to Mercats, an amazing tapas restaurant.  Our walk there took us through Maggie Daly Park, the climbing walls, the outdoor amphitheatre, the museum and many more interesting attractions.

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The Chicago Skyline from a distance

Moored Sailboats

Chicago Skyline 

Climbing wall in the park

Look way at the end ~ Hugh Concert ~ See all the people

A portion of the Waterfront Riverwalk

DAY 18 - GRAND HAVEN TO SOUTH HAVEN

We woke up to clouds and light drizzle.  As we were making coffee in the morning a huge freighter passed right in front of us going only 2.5 knots.  It was quite a sight not to be expected at all.  We left the dock for the North Shore Marina were diesel was the cheapest yet at $ 2.48 per gallon.  We filled up 300 gallons.  Then we began our cruise to South Haven.  It was 47 nautical miles away and Lake Michigan was nice and flat.  Upon arriving we received our slip #76 and docked safe and sound.  Temperature is only 23 C. and it is overcast.  The marina is on the Black River and very busy with week-end boaters coming and going.  A short walk to the bascule bridge brought us to Captain Lou's for a quick supper.

Freighter passing in front us as we are docked in South Haven

Waterfront Gardens

South Haven Marina

Begonia planters along the Bridge

South haven Bascule Bridge

A beautiful Waterfront Walkway was all mapped out for tourists