Aug 5 

Hammond IN to Dolton IL (really south or east Chicago) 13 miles 2.3 gals of diesel


Slept late today and took our time for two reasons, one we had to turn in key to get a deposit back and we knew we would go far today.  We are positioning ourself to make the Brandon lock and dam.  The problem you either go through first thing in the morning or the last thing at night.  The lock is closed during the day.  Now the problem is where to stay.  There is a free dock above the lock in Joliet IL or if you choice to lock in the evening it is a drive to get somewhere with a tie up or anchorage.  Currently thinking is tie up at Joliet free dock and then lock first thing at 5:30 AM.  But we have to check for tie up below the lock to make the final choice.  The reason this is important is this particular lock will be closed for a month staring sometime this month so we need it behind us.


The marina last night was kind of weird.  I guess the Casino keeps people moving all the time and that was true here.  People and lights all night. long talking and walking by the boat.  


The ride today was different today also.  Outside the marina we could see Chicago. Dianne decided it was too much of a hassle to drive through and it was did not think it was worthwhile to drive the hour and half up and then back so we just took pictures with the telephoto lens.  The start of the canal was all industrial with barges and ships and lots of industrial tie offs.  More like the Mississippi than inner coastal, Erie canal or Trent Water way.  Then after about 120 St it changes and become more country and less City.  Once in dock at Marine Services we took out Bikes and rode to a park.  The heat got to both of us so we started back stopped at a White Castle had a shake, and “slider” each while enjoying the AC.  


I am still working on a speaker for the Parkinson’s support group without much luck but will push on some Idea’s.  


Anyways I have some work to do on a call then plan a date with the corn whiskey I have and then cook sausage for dinner so Off I go.




Hope my boat does not end this way!




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