As we say goodbye to Chicago, we start down the river system, which will lead us through Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama.
We start out going down the Calumet Sag Channel which is 30 miles of mostly industrial plants.
Next we run into the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Named aptly for re-routing sewage from Lake Michigan down a canal into the Mississippi. How Nice.
Traveling down the Illinois River seems like a river of broken dreams, with abandoned cruise boats and barges left on the banks.
Moving on down the river our spirits are lifted. Expect the unexpected.
The Illinois River is a principal tributary of the Mississippi River, approximately 273 miles long. This river was important among Native Americans and early French traders as the principal water route connecting the Great Lakes with the Mississippi.
As we go through the locks, we can feel the climate is getting cooler and the leaves are starting to change. It's time to pick up the pace.
Yes, those are gloves.
September 23rd, 6:33 a.m. 34 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mid-morning it starts warming up. Get me out of here!
The most beautiful waterside boating, dining & social atmosphere is on the Illinois River. The Ivy Club (Illinois Valley Yacht Club) offers dockage to yachts of any size. The restaurant has a complete array of delicious entrees including steaks and seafood along with other mouth watering specialties.
A full service bar with a spectacular view of the harbor & river was a great place to stay. The bartender, Steve, drove us around the next day to pick up supplies. The marina is well protected and the facilities are first class. Thanks Steve!
Tall Timbers Marina was like a little bit of paradise. Bob, the owner was very hospitable and friendly.
This was like a small oasis on the Illinois River.
Beardstown looking south.
Beardstown looking north.
There we are, tied to a towing company barge. There was no marina.
Grafton.
The Marina.
The Street.
At Sunrise.
At Night.
And always the Bizarre.
No comments:
Post a Comment