The next leg of The Great Loop runs approximately 1,300 miles from Chicago, IL to Mobile, AL. It includes traversing the following rivers: Illinios (333 mi), Mississippi (218 mi), Ohio (58 mi), Cumberland (33 mi), Tennessee (190 mi) and the Tenn-Tom Waterway (450 mi). To be very honest, we weren't looking forward to doing the rivers as we had heard horror stories about the narrow waterways with strong currents and debris, as well as dealing with the commercial tows/barges and the 34 locks. After a two night stay at Hammond Marina, about 15 miles east of Chicago, we took off with a beautiful sunrise on Lake Michigan.
Upon entering the Calumet Harbor, which would take us to the Illinois River, the scenery became very "commercial" with many bridges.
And it only took eight miles before we hit our first lock . . .
. . . and only a few more before we encountered our first tow. You definitely want to stay out of their way!
In order to proceed south, you have to be able to get under a 19'1" fixed bridge (the lowest on this route of the Loop), which led to some concern for us with an 18' air draft. After having anticipated this day for months, cautiously we made it through!
Once out of the commercial zone, the shoreline took on a new look, somewhat desolate with an occasional campground.
We spent our first night on the river tied to a free wall in Joliet, IL with another Looper. The next day started with a long wait at a lock, as the tows get priority to pass through regardless of who got there first. We waited four hours, but Dave didn't let it frustrate him! Me, on the other hand, YIKES!
That night we enjoyed a beautiful river sunset at Heritage Harbor Marina in Ottowa, IL.
On down the river we went, experiencing wonderful smooth water and more tows.
This bridge was quite a sight.
Our next stop was the IVY Yacht Club in North Peoria, IL.
And then past downtown Peoria, which was one of the largest cities we saw on the Illinois River.
Our adventure would not have been complete if an Asian carp hadn't joined us for a ride. We had heard so much about these fish wildly jumping out of the water, sometimes landing in your boat. This one landed right in our new dinghy and when Dave got a net and scooped it out, another carp almost knocked him over!
Traveling the rivers was a bit of a challenge, as often the "marinas" (and I use the term loosely in this neck of the woods!) and anchorages were few and far between. Tall Timbers Marina was definitely quaint and the only store in town was Dollar General.
We anchored with a new Looper friend, who the first time we met had an Ohio State shirt on. They were originally from Columbus, so needless to say, we hit it off.
A foggy next morning made for an interesting start.
On Tuesday, August 30th we entered the Mississippi River and arrived at Alton Marina, about ten miles north of St. Louis, Missouri. We left the boat here for about two weeks and drove back to Ohio for a family wedding.
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