Had a great time in Chicago. Our stay at DuSable Harbor was wonderful. The views were spectacular. We visited the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Architectural river cruise, and had Giordano's pizza twice (John loves Chicago style pizza). Wednesday the 14th we had a wonderful dinner at The Gage with JonMarco Cloutier (son of Johns best man in our wedding - John Cloutier) and his fiancee Catherine. We also had drinks on the 16th Floor of the Trump Tower....pretty cool! Thursday morning the 15th we took off down the Chicago River. Since we have boated on the Great Lakes a bunch, I felt like this was the true beginning for us on The Loop as we would start to experience things we never have before. The first day down the rivers was very educational as we went thru 2 locks and experienced passing towboats pushing many barges. We experienced a 4 hour wait at the 2nd lock (Lockport Lock) which took up a lot of our day. There were 13 loopers in the lock with us and we all ended up mooring at the Joliet public wall for the evening. Can't wait to share more with you......and will do that again soon. It's been a lot of fun and we have met some great people. Till next time!!!!!
The Field Museum
John working hard at pumping out the boat!
Us with JonMarco and Catherine
Beautiful skyline behind JonMarco and Catherine...oh...and our boat!
Chicago at night from Trump 16th Floor!
Chicago morning skyline and opening to 1st lock
Cruising down Chicago River
Low Chicago Bridges.....boats could not be taller than 17 feet....we are 15 feet. Cleared 40 bridges in 5 miles.
Looking back at the city and at Willis Tower (use to be the Sears Tower)
JonMarco waving goodbye as we exited the city.
Railroad Bridge south of Chicago.....yes we had to wait for them to raise it.
Entering the Lockport Lock - after a 4 hour wait.
Lockport Lock dropped approx. 40 feet.....loopers getting ready to exit.
Trish and I are really enjoying your blog. We have lots of great memories of Chicago, which is where we got engaged. I'm amazed - but not really surprised - at how many acquaintances you've met with already. What a bonus that is! If the location link is accurate, you're nearing St. Louis, and traveling a lot faster than I thought. So Peoria wasn't a party town? Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the next posting.
Hey you two! I am loving your pictures and documentation. I’m not much of a water person but I’m envious of your trip! Enjoy, enjoy and loop on!