Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Dolton, Illinois

Goodbye Great Lakes and hello Chicago to Mobile river system! Bridges, bridges, and more bridges!  We traveled 11 NM today along the Calumet River. We locked down 2' and finally did NOT have to tie up to lock wall! We were instructed to simply float while locking through and we had the lock all to ourselves.  It was the widest and longest lock to date, 1000' long x 110' wide, as it can fit two barges side by side. Although we only locked down 2' it took a long time for that amount of water to lower. Commercial vessels (barges) have the right of way in the river systems and this stretch is a very slow process.  It was an enjoyable day and easy cruise. We are docked at Marine Systems Corp. in Dolton, Illinois.


Entering the Cal-Sag waterway.



This is why this waterway is a slow process. Tugs pushing barges which block the waterway.











Approaching this huge lock.


The Canadian Geese are migrating south with us.


Garmin sitting on the charts watching the Canadian Geese.




Thomas O'Brien Lock


We are the lowest level of priority.


Cut little tug waiting to enter lock as we exit. He was our only traffic traveling in opposite direction today!



We've lived on this boat for 4 months and are still finding things we didn't know we had. Charlie found this!


Midday, 66 degrees in August!


Approaching Marine Services Corp. Marina


We are 1,250 NM from New Orleans! Who knew?!

No comments:

Post a Comment