Day 1 - Sunday, October 3, 2010

We departed today instead of Monday and, officially, the journey began at 1:48 PM as we departed Belmont Harbor.  Why the change?  Two reasons.  First, the Carp Barrier at Romeoville was scheduled for two weeks of maintenance starting on Monday where the Coast Guard would only allow traffic to traverse the 1 mile barrier from 11 AM to 1 PM.  This created the possibility of not getting there on time or not getting through due to traffic.  The second reason and first obstacle was the Amtrak Railroad Bridge at Canal Street.  Because of its 10 foot clearance we would have to wait for it to open and we figured that arriving at the bridge on Monday morning at rush hour was a sure-fire formula for a LOOONG wait.

On board are Sophocles Karapas and David Jones.  Soph and David agreed to help me get the boat to Peoria.  Diana and Kodi will join me on Wednesday evening in Peoria.

The Crew

Present at departure were Diana, Dick and Cathy Hoffman, owners of Sea Sharp (a 48 Sundancer sister ship), Elena Karapa, Irene Karapas and her friend, Larry Centro, Brad, Mike, Pam Rose and, of course, Kodi (our soon to be three year old yellow lab).  Dick, Cathy, Diana and Kodi boarded Sea Sharp to capture our departure on film (well actually digital photos).

Diana and Kodi on Sea Sharp

Goodbye I-Dock

Note The AGLCA (Great Loop) Burgee

Soph and David Waving Goodby

Off we go into 5 foot seas.

Our departure had a short period of excitement due to the weather.  On Saturday, a very strong ridge of high pressure moved into the area bringing strong (30 knot) northeast winds and 9 foot seas on Lake Michigan.  By Sunday's departure, the winds had started to abate but the waves were 4 to 5 feet near shore, which is barely visible as white caps and a brownish sea.  Fortunately, we only had to go 3.5 miles to the Playpen where we would be inside the breakwater and most important we had a following sea, which means we were essentially surfing down the big waves.  Still being out in 5 foot waves is exciting.  We traversed this first segment on plane at 20 MPH and had a relatively smooth ride.

Going through the Chicago Lock was uneventful and once we did we were on the calm Chicago River.

The Trump Tower - Heading Down The Chicago river

What a change in just a few miles.  From there we passed obstacle #1, the Amtrack Bridge after a short 16 minute wait.  Then on to the Carp Barrier at Romeoville where be breezed through and immediately thereafter into the Lockport Lock which was waiting with open arms (oops doors) to receive us.  Two miles later, sat 6:45 PM we docked in Joliet on a wall along the river between Cass Avenue and Jefferson, which incidentally is directly across from Harrahs Casino.

The locking process was surprisingly easy and in about 25 minutes we had dropped approximately 40 feet.  Notice Soph holding one of the lines provided by the Dockmaster.  David held the other.  I, of course supervised.

Two miles later, sat 6:45 PM we docked in Joliet on a wall along the river between Cass Avenue and Jefferson, which incidentally is directly across from Harrahs Casino.

The cruising guide stated that the wall, known as Billie Limacher Will - Joliet Bicentennial Park, had 30 amp power, which turned out not to be the case.  So, we ran the generator.  This actually turned out to be a picturesque spot.

All in all a wonderful day.  Cruising on the river (read as calm water) was a pleasure and we ran a considerable part of the distance at 9.5 MPH, our :trawler speed," burning 4 gallons an hour (or for those who like the details - 2.47 miles to the gallon).  Approximately 1/3rd of the trip was run at 20 MPH to ensure we would make Joliet before dark.  Unfortunately, that segment burned 30 gallon per hour. Most important we all had fun and everything ran smoothly. 

Looking forward to tomorrow.

Miles today: 41.  Cumulative Miles: 41.  Locks: 2. Total Lift (drop): 41 ft.