Chicago to Joliet IL 9/18/17

If I haven't said so already we really enjoyed Chicago and would love to go back.  There were lots of Loopers there and everyone was excited about heading off down the rivers.  One gentleman we spoke to, who had done the Loop two years ago went as far as to say that the rivers were the best part because you get to spend so much time with the other loopers because you are all going to the same places.

Flotilla heading into the lock

 We started off on slightly different routes than some of the loopers.   We are unable to get through downtown Chicago because there are bridges that are lower than we are.  So we had to take the Calumet River which is about 8 miles south of Chicago.  It is a very industrial canal with lots of steel, cement, scrap and other industrial yards.  It is also very narrow and the AIS (Automated Identification System) came in very handy with the tows calling us by name and advising us of their intentions or needs in order for us to safely pass.  I had heard that the AIS would be good and I'm very happy I went for the full transmit/receive unit. The other thing I first heard was the reference of one whistle/bell and two whistle passing.  This system is mostly used on the inland rivers and is a quick and easy way to make each others intentions known.  I'm sure we will be hearing much more of it.
We transited the O'Brien Lock and were lucky and did not have to wait.  After another 10 miles or so we rejoined the other route from Chicago and headed towards Joliet.  We went through the infamous Electric Fish Barrier that the Corp of Army Engineers dreamed up to try to prevent the Asian carp from entering the great lakes.  I don't know if it works or not but we were not getting in the water to find out.  By the looks of the water I'm surprised any fish live here!!

We joined about 8 other Looper boats on the free wall at Joliet, that had free docking with electricity.  This is a big plus because it allows us to run AC all night and not have to run the generator to be cool. Its been hot!