Sept 5: We left Chicago and traveled 11 more miles south to enter the River System through the Calumet River (again, we were too tall to go through Chicago). The water just before the breakwater represents the last little bit of Lake Michigan. For the next 1300 miles we will be on a series of rivers, eventually coming out in Mobile, Alabama. Lost track of the number of bridges we went under. Just beyond where this freighter is docked is a large turning basin for it to turn around in. Oops! This boat has seen better days….Out of the Calumet River and into the Illinois River. The Red Danger sign warns boaters of the electric barrier that goes on for half a mile. The DEC is really trying to prevent Asian Carp from entering Lake Michigan. No swimming here! Afterwards we saw tons of Asian Carp leaping out of the water. Very industrial. Traveled about 60 miles in total to Joliet, Il where they have a free wall (with free electricity) for boaters. We were able to squeeze in with a shoe horn. There were 16 Loopers – a record for this wall. Great “docktails” that evening! Sept 6: Left early to go on to Ottawa, Il. Scenery was much more rural. Nice to see so many white egrets. Our mini parade of boats went outside of the channel to avoid this tow. (Per guidebook, the tow boats pushing barges are called tows, even though they are actually pushing the barges, oh well!). Stayed at a nice marina in Ottawa (Heritage Marina – half price night – nice!). Got up early on Sept 7 and the full moon was still shining. Morning light on the transom of the boat in front of us, with the full moon still out. Loved the lighting. A nice change of scenery – bluffs!Rafting up in one of the three large locks we traveled through today. Going by Starved Rock State Park – I need to find out about the unusual name. This part of the Illinois River reminded me of the Erie Canal. After months of high water it’s weird to see low water – note the red buoy off to the left on the sand bank! The water is three feet below the norm – go figure!I thought the white birds in the distance were simply seagulls….Nope – pelicans!!! Not expecting to see pelicans. Perhaps they got the word about Irma and evacuated to Illinois.Lots of snow geese too. A real paddle wheeler!Two of the boats from our group split off to anchor out for the night. Unfortunately this boat ran aground (again, water is unusually low). We threw them a line.Took a bit of doing but we got them off the shoal. This tow was so large – couldn’t get it all in the frame…Twelve barges!So a group of pelicans is a “ballet” which is exactly what these pelicans look like they’re doing. And off they go. Preening and primping time. Happy hour at the Illinois Valley Yacht Club just outside of Peoria, Il. Looking southeastand northeast. Nice Yacht Club, established in 1907 and has a Laser Fleet. Moonrise on Sept. 7.
Islandia Grabo's Blog 
So fascinating! You document everything with such precision! I am amazed and impressed!!
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Thanks, it has been quite the journey!
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Such a departure from other places you’ve been thus far! Neat 🙂
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Really different! All part of the journey!
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Love the pelicans!
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Yes, such a fun surprise!
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