Calumet / Illinois Rivers - 9/24-25/05

We headed into the Calumet River this morning and had a full day of new boating experiences. The Calumet is an industrial area with lots of railroad bridges, tug boats with barges, locks and many factories. A great perpective when viewed from the river.

We hailed the bridges to have the low bridges raised. We went under about 20 or so that had only 4 feet of clearance and one with only 10 inches. Our first locking experience caught us by surprise. We did not know it was there and we were not prepared. We were both a little frazzled. We made it okay. Luckily we were the only boat going through. By the time we went through the lock outside Joliet we felt like old pros. The second lock had a drop of 48 feet and we were the only vessel in the lock. It is nice to practice with no no one else around to see us panic and hustle. We were also fortunate that since we started the river system on the weekend we have not run into a barge, or many other boats, while in the locks.

Saturday we stayed at a free dock in downtown Joliet. Very quiet and peaceful along the wall that is in front of a well kept park. Sunday we anchored out for the first time by Sheehan Island, (southwest side). Very calm night serenaded by frogs and other nature sounds.