Aug 6

Dolton (Marine Service Corp) to NOT sure yet Currently 38.7 mile 10 hour and waiting for a lock


So there is a lock on this system that will close this week for month and our goal is to get it behind us as soon as possible.  Turns out that would be Today if we are lucky.


We got out bed early at 6:30 because we knew it would be a long day.  It as a long night as well as the boat next to us wanted to play some music loudly at random times till 1:30.  I will have to say at least he had good taste in music.  Out of the slip at &:30 and made good time and good fuel economy.  Then came Lockport dam!  We pull up asked for a lock though and was told three in front of us one being chemical so I could lock with him.  We waited over 2 hours and then the lock is really slow and it took another 30 to lock though what a pain in the butt.  Next we called Brandon Lock and Dam to make sure we knew their schedule and that they knew we were coming.  They indicated it would be OK to tie up on the wall.  So when we arrived I did.  The then told us no you can not do that wait out by the bridge.  Hence I am writing this while monitoring an anchor position. Waiting to be told I can go in and hopefully reach the dock before it gets too dark to drive tonight!


Saw today

  • Theee barges moving around
  • three barges we had pass by carefully
  • 4 motor boat going out fishing and they did not care about leaving wake behind
  • 3 king fishers
  • Tons of ducks
  • 6 trains
  • 1 bicyclist
  • a 10 mile long working harbor with barges tied off everywhere
  • Passed under 2 trains and saw 4 others
  • Too many bridges too count


Radio conversations where brief:

  1. One barge said do a two whistle pass
  2. Another two moving barges said I will be Parallel to the river in a moment drive past then.


To which Dianne answered “thanks. Rodger that”


That is day so far another 20 minutes to lock time.  


Some of the river today in Chicago was quite nice




and some like this




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