CHICAGO, FAMILY, FLOTILLA 15, THE RIVERS & MOBILE BAY

The DuSable Marina was an awesome place to dock in Chicago. Its central location to downtown was convenient and beautiful. It didn't matter day or night, the scenery was spectacular.

We took a walk through the park to sightsee and provision.

Also, had to try an authentic Chicago hot dog, served in a poppy seed bun with mustard, sweet pickle relish, onion, tomato, dill pickle spear and hot peppers. Yum 😋

Marianos market (2 stories) had everything you could want, including a very busy bar and baby grand piano.

Next stop was Giordano's for the famous "Deep Dish" pizza. The shirt was correct. We were stuffed!!

Our family (Ryan, Stephanie & Layla) arrived the next evening. We headed out in the morning for a DAY long walk around Chicago to see the sights. We started out on Riverwalk and stared in awe at the skyscrapers along the river, as well as the beautiful trees below with their fall foliage.

The amount of green space, art/sculptures and playgrounds in the city is overwhelming. Something new was around every corner. Not to mention the cleanliness of the areas we visited. We were impressed Chicago!

Even Scott got into a "play" mood! 😜

Chicago is known for its architecture, and the buildings were stunning.

We went to visit the "Bean", but couldn't get close due to construction. It was designed to draw the skyline into the reflection, and as you can see it works!

The outdoor pavilion in Millennium Park is gorgeous and another example of green space in the city.

Of course, another visit to Giordano's was on the schedule, this time with family in tow.

An after dinner visit to a cupcake store was a first for us. Of course, Layla had hers made to order!

An early morning departure from Chicago was next on the schedule. We woke to a sky that looked like it was on fire.

We were also treated to a clear skyline view.

This particular day was a bridge "lift" day for tall vessels and sailboats. These days are scheduled in the fall so that the vessels can move from Lake Michigan to safe dockages for the winter. Even though we had to enter the first lock with numerous (too many to count) boats, we didn't need the bridges raised, so we cruised straight through in front of the others.

I didn't know this before our trip, but Chicago has more moveable bridges than any other city in North America. Only Amsterdam has more moveable bridges in the world. We went under 61 bridges that day on our way to Joliet Il.

We just thought the architecture views were amazing from land. The water views might be more spectacular.

This was an interesting parking garage! Not sure how comfortable I would feel in reverse 😳

We could actually see our reflection in the arched mirror windows.

Several of the locks south of Chicago had been closed for repairs throughout the summer. They were scheduled to reopen 10/1. Most of the boats waiting to enter the Illinois River agreed to lock through in groups, or "Flotillas". This would prevent too many boats from entering the locks at one time and hopefully ease the flow for down river marinas and anchorages. We were included in Flotilla 15.

Because we lowered our radar mast, we were among just a few boats that were able to go under the 17' bridges in Chicago. The rest of the flotilla had to go another way around the city.

As we met up with the rest of our flotilla a few miles down the river, we began to lock together through several locks, usually having to raft with one another (tie off with lines and use fenders between).

We were always hoping for "good" rafting partners! Some were awesome and some questionable 😜

This railroad bridge had been closed for a couple weeks in the down position. It was temporarily fixed just days before our departure, but was only scheduled to open 3 times a day at specific times. Our arrival time only required us to wait about 15-20 minutes, and we passed under successfully.

This part of the river began our voyage with barges and tows/tugs. They were everywhere! This segment is known to be a stressful part of the "Loop", but in the end really was not an issue. We only had one tow captain be rude to us on the radio, and that was because he hadn't really heard (or listened to) our radio call. Of course, this boat has an awesome "Captain" and "Admiral"! 😊

Another first for us, Electric Fish Barriers. Earlier flotillas had reported issues with some boats' electronics being affected by these barriers, to the point where their boats actually shut down. It had been recommended that everyone shut off their electronics as they passed. We weren't overly concerned with our 20 year old boat and non-computerized starting systems. Others among our flotilla were extremely worried. All went well for everyone!

All in a row waiting for a lock to open.

More rafting...

I think the kids reallly enjoyed their time with us and visiting Chicago. I know we had a blast! The locking process was definitely a new experience for them. They might have even been a little shocked at the work involved.

The flotilla finally arrived in Joliet and had earned "docktails" that night!!

Night view of Joliet!

We said goodbye to our kids, as they caught an Uber to the airport, then headed out on the river into a gorgeous sunrise.

Waiting to lock...

Locking...

Sunset in a lock, with a gorgeous fall tree and deer grazing underneath.

We arrived at the next marina, Heritage Harbor, in the dark along with the other 15 boats in our flotilla. This marina handled all of us coming in within about 10-15 minutes. Each boat had someone helping with lines and then they ran to the next slip. It was amazing! We had dinner at the restaurant and attended an amazing slide show presentation by the dock master, Jeremy, detailing our river voyage, what to expect, where to stay, etc. He was known for his experience and knowledge of the rivers. Sadly he passed away a month or so after our visit.

We had a nice view of the marina in the daylight the next morning. Take a close look at the names of the store/office and the duck housing.

This was the closest we ever came to a carp, on a boat lift next to our slip. They are well known for jumping into boats and causing all kinds of havoc.

Off we go...

The number of bald eagle sightings on the rivers was incredible. Here's just a few...

This sculpture is definitely representative of our journey.

We were chasing Fall the entire river segment, and we were enjoying the colors. We could have done without the cold temperatures (i.e., in the 20's a few days).

A sampling of unusual and interesting sights along the way.

Duck blinds...

Houseboats...

An interesting yellow sculpture...

This restaurant/bar has not been operational in awhile...

"Abe" everywhere...

And of course, Mark Twain...

Five wide rafting!!!

Our next stop, as a flotilla, was Henry Harbor Marina. This marina is basically a rock wall, which is all that remains from an old lock. We had to raft here overnight due to limited space. Another boat had joined our flotilla a few days before this stop. They had moved on to Peoria, but called the marina and arranged for about 15 pizzas to be delivered for dinner. It was their way of thanking us for letting them tag along. It was an awesome treat! Of course, "docktails & little beers" were also consumed.

We separated from the flotilla at this point, so that everyone could continue at their preferred speed. Our next stop was Peoria Il. We stayed at a small marina, the Peoria Boat Club, and several members were there at our arrival to assist us in docking. The next day they were kind enough to take us to Walmart and Great Clips for a much needed haircut.

We scootered into town to do some sightseeing. First up, was the Caterpillar Visitor Center and Museum. This was a must stop, as my Uncle "Buck" worked and retired from here. The mining truck they had displayed was enormous (5 stories tall). It aactually takes 13 separate trucks to transport it for on-site assembly.

An example of a recently completed machine, autographed by the employees.

We also walked through Peoria'a Holocaust Memorial. These glass star shaped containers were filled with buttons of all shapes/sizes, which were collected by school children.

Our last stop in Peoria was a brewery. Shocker!! Actually, this ended up being the most unique and beautiful brewery we have visited. Obed & Isaacs Brewery was built inside a historic renovated 1889 church.

Another must stop on the Illinois River for me was Beardstown Il. My father was born and raised here until his teens. Also, this was the closest river town to Jacksonville Il, where I was born and lived until my teens. We were able to meet good friends from J'ville for lunch, Bill & Karen Danner. We enjoyed visiting with them at a local Mexican restaurant.

We also walked around town and were amazed at how the town seemed to stand still in the past. Some buildings were probably unchanged from when my dad was there. Sad, but nostalgic just the same!!!

We found ourselves in Alton Il, just after the Illinois River joined the mighty Mississippi. We stopped for one night and of course checked out a local brewery. The Old Bakery Beer Company was

built, as you can guess, in an old bakery.

The brewery had a replica statue of Alton's World's Tallest Man, 8'11". For once, Scott looked short!! Also, another "Abe" sighting.

An early morning departure led us to St Louis and the "Arch". This part of the trip was a touch sentimental to me, as I had grown up visiting all these river landmarks. Definitely a bucket list part of the journey!

Union Electric building...not sure of its status, but smoke was emitting from the stack.

The "Arch" then came into view on this gorgeous sunny day. It was built in 1965, and I'm sure I was a visitor not long after that (and many times since).

Some "Loopers", including me, are skeptical about anchoring on the Mississippi. This is mainly due to the barge traffic, currents and debris flow. This is one section of the "Loop" where you have to anchor. Luckily, we had quiet peaceful nights on the river, including gorgeous sunsets!

The Mississippi was experiencing low water during our journey, which helped with debris flow. This picture shows debris stacked up on shore. We were thankful for low water and couldn't have imagined more debris than we encountered.

We turned upstream onto the Ohio River and found ourselves in Kentucky. We bypassed Paducah (we had made a pact a long time ago to never return 🤪) and stayed a few nights at Green Turtle Bay Marina in Grand Rivers Ky. It's a great marina, complete with complimentary golf cart service around town.

We visited the famous Patti's 1880's Settlement restaurant for dinner, joined by Karla from "The Karla B". Her captain was feeling under the weather. We ordered the 2" thick pork chops and had enough for 2-3 meals. You definitely need a to-go container when you eat here. The restaurant was beautifully decorated for Christmas.

The Tennessee River was next! This is what remains of the Old Danville Grain Elevator.

A peaceful anchorage...

White pelicans...

Riverside homes...

Another example of the low water...

Plantation style homes maintained and neglected...

We headed out on a side trip to Florence Al to visit friends and former clients, George & Rudi Pillow. We enjoyed a wonderful brunch at Odette and dessert (plus other goodies) at Esther's Eatery, both restaurants owned/operated by one of their daughters. They showed us around Florence and Killen, and we thoroughly enjoyed our day together.

We were having alternator issues, so we stayed at the municipal marina for a few days waiting on parts (which never showed). We woke up early one morning to the sounds of voices, music and motors. A fishing tournament was starting from our marina! There were over 100 bass boats scattered everywhere. Scott was so excited to observe the start, that he left the boat unaware he was wearing mismatched shoes!!

This part of Alabama is known for the recording studios and history of Muscle Shoals, as the "Hit Recording Capital of the World". Just a few of the famous bands and singers who have recorded in Muscle Shoals are Aretha Franklin, The Osmonds, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Chris Stapleton, etc. Unfortunately, the studio tours were closed during our visit. It is amazing that we had never heard of "Muscle Shoals" before this trip.

We also visited the Frank Lloyd Wright - Rosenbaum house. It is a beautiful home which was built in 1940 and has since been restored. We found the home to have many contemporary or modern design aspects that were not expected from the era this house was built.

The height of the carports was so low...

Sunrise and sunset on the Tombigbee River and more locks!! In one day we did 5 locks, 4 solo and one that a tow/barge let us join. That was a first!

More interesting sights along the river. This heron enjoyed easy fishing in the lock.

A houseboat almost as big as the house.

Phone booth in the middle of nowhere...

Barber chair on the beach...

Cows...

The White Cliffs of Epes...

This boat "Bobalong" needed some work, but amazingly housed a family.

And morning fog on the river...

We entered our last of the journey on 11/19th (or so we thought) and celebrated the end of locking through 151 locks!!

The cranes watched and fished from above.

Somewhere along the Tombigbee River we passed a Coast Guard tug. They were placing buoys to correctly mark the channel. Many old ones had been moved around during floods or in meet-ups with barges. The channel ws questionable at times. We really needed to rely on our charts.

We had spent a few days traveling and anchoring with "Darlin' Lea". Our last anchorage on the river segment of this journey did not disappoint. No filters on these!!

We said goodbye to "Darlin' Lea" and followed "Cheers" into Mobile Al.

Each shape on this chart represents a vessel or barge! It was somewhat intimidating, but ended up being no problem. We had clear cruising through this area.

Sights of Mobile...The RSA Battle House Tower (the tallest building in Alabama) and Renaissance Hotel.

Austal USA, manufacturer of aluminum and steel ships. Not sure if this was Navy or Coast Guard, but it was massive.

The Mobile Convention Center... We could have docked here for the night, but we were on a mission to make it to Fairhope Al.

The famous US Navy medical ship, "Comfort", used during Covid.

These work platforms would normally be seen out in the Gulf of Mexico. I would definitely not want to be in one of these lifeboats if they were were released! I wonder if they do practice drills 😳.

Finally, Mobile Bay and our return to salt life.

Our progress to this point!

Until next time...

NEXT UP: FLORIDA PART 1, FRIENDS FRIENDS & MORE FRIENDS, AND CHRISTMAS IN KEY WEST!!