Great Time Traveling


The past two days have just flown by. We spent the day in Joliet on Saturday cleaning and checking systems on the Last Mango. We loved Joliet. We had several more boats coming through the Lockport lock traveling south from Chicago join us at the Joliet wall later saturday afternoon. It was a packed wall. The area was not as quiet as Friday night (many tows/barges past through during the night saturday) but it was very nice anyhow. How can you beat free dock space, power and internet. We also loved “Homecut Dognuts” of Joliet. 
Joliet Free Wall Saturday at Dusk
My sister and her husband came to visit us Saturday also. It was wonderful to see her and Brian before we get to far from the area. They treated Karen and I to a Harrah’s Casino buffet dinner. The food was great and it’s the most I’ve eaten in one sitting since the firehouse. Thanks Cathy and Brian. Karen and I again lost a total of $8 dollars at the casino.

Brian, Karen, Cathy and I from Left to Right

We awoke this morning to voices from other Loopers/cruisers saying that the Brandon lock stated the lock doors would be opening in 15 minutes so we prepped the boat and were moving again. The Brandon lock went off without a hitch but we were delayed about 3 hours at the Dresden lock. It really was nice though. We shut down the motor and set the anchor and enjoyed the peace and quiet for a while before I turned on Bears pre game. I should of left the radio off.

Parade of Boats Leaving Joliet for Brandon Lock

Most of the other cruisers ran for Ottawa today but we decided that traveling at our speed we couldn’t make it before dark. We don’t like to travel in unfamiliar waters in the dark. Also barges shining there spotlights directly at you at night is blinding. So currently we are anchored at the south end of Sugar Island on the Illinois River. Click here to View Location on a Map It’s quiet except for birds and other little creatures. Going to be a great night. Showers and then some cheese and sausage from Tenuta’s and a beer or two. 

South end of Sugar Island looking North



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