Columbus Day Hammond to Joliet

October 10, 2016

Today is the day we put the Great Lakes behind us and enter the Ditch. We are excited but take the time to enjoy a hot shower before leaving Hammond. There is a south east wind which makes for a longer run to the channel leading to the Calumet River. We have to backtrack just a mile or so to avoid the sideways pounding of the waves. As we turn west, we see a power boat and a sailboat entering the channel from the north coming from Chicago. The powerboat makes a magnificent contrast along the Chicago skyline.

Power boat blasts past Chicago

O'Day 25 heading for winter storage

A mast-less sailboat enters the canal in front of us. We travel with it all the way to the O’Brien Lock, six miles into the Calumet River. This is our first lock of the inland waterway. The captain of the O’Day 25 is traveling singlehanded. We chat along the channel when we can and he tells us he is heading south of the lock to haul out. He has left his mast in storage in Chicago.

Pooches waiting for the Thomas O'Brien Lock to open

Seven Boats Lock Through Together

Dave at O'Brien Lock

Seven miles into the Calmet, we had to pass through an electric fish barrier. The purpose of this area is to keep invasive Asian carp out of Lake Michigan. Everyone on board must wear a life jacket during passage through this section. The boat is safe due to the insulation of the hull but we cannot touch the water without risk of electrocution. It is only a quarter of a mile yet we were quite happy to pass through and put the safe sign between us and the barrier.

There are many bridges to pass under today; we count 54. Our first goal is to get to Joliet where there is a free city dock. It is 48 miles away. Since we left late this morning, we will get there just before dusk.

So many Bridges

More Bridges

Train Bridge

Passing under

Train passing over

Union Message

More Bridges

Tow under bridge

We were delayed at the O’Brien Lock for about a half hour. There were seven boats waiting to lock through. The drop was only a few feet so the power boats floated in the middle of the lock while we tied off and chatted with the Lock Master. He gave us a pile of information on the Illinois Lock System. We were alone going through our second lock of the day at Lockport. This was a huge drop at 50 feet. Our last lock of the day was Brandon Road Lock which took us another 35 feet down. Once through Brandon Road we only had 2 miles to reach Joliet.

Beth at Lockport Lock

Inside Lockport Lock

Exiting Lockport

View Leaving the Lock behind

The Joliet city dock is located at a park. We tied off at a cement wall tucked just past the Jefferson Street Bridge. The tows run through the night so we are required to have our navigation lights running even though we are tied to the wall. We were exhausted but found it fascinating to watch the enormous tows with stacked barges making their way under the bridge. There was so much light and sound. Harrah's Casino lit up the background like a carnival. Despite all the city sounds, we slept really well, promising ourselves we would leave early in the morning to arrive at our next destination earlier at the end of the day. Sometimes plans change.

Joliet Illinois

Jefferson Street Bridge

Harrah's Joliet, Illinois

View from the wall

City Dock, Lighted wall to the right

Tow going under the Jefferson Street Bridge, Joliet, IL

We woke early and started preparing Mystic for the day. Our curtains were closed but I could hear voices. Peeking out I saw two young people standing above us on the wall. I told Dave to open the hatch and say hello. He startled the couple who apologized for intruding. We ensured them that it was no intrusion. We ended up chatting for almost an hour. This young couple, Brandon and Joyce had just gotten off of working the night shift, probably at the casino. Brandon is a war vet, ex-navy seal. Joyce is his girl. They were close to the ages of our children. When we said we had to go, Brandon asked to shake our hands. They were excited about our journey to live our dream. Brandon looked wistful as he stated, “You have inspired me! Now I just need to get a boat!”

Some of our greatest moments have been meeting people along the way. Can’t say we’ve ever had a bad experience!