We topped off our fuel at Burnham Harbor this morning before heading down the Chicago River. We departed the harbor at 09:50. The seas were 4-5 feet today on Lake Michigan but we didn't have far to go before hopping on the river.
While underway on Lake Michigan, we experienced our first rude boater. As we approached the city in a no wake zone, a boat named "Blue Moon" blew past us, rocking our boat. How rude!
Capt Bart and Jim at the helm on Lake Michigan heading to the river.
We encountered our first lock (Chicago Harbor Lock) at 10:30 on Lake Michigan at the entrance to the Chicago River (MM 327.2). It was only a 2 foot drop so it didn't take long to get through the lock. Captain Bart gave us our instructions and Jim and I managed the lock lines. At 10:40 we left the lock and were on our way down the river passing through the heart of Chicago.
During this segment, we went under 57 bridges before getting to our second lock. The lowest height fixed bridge that we had to pass under was the Michigan Ave Bridge at a fixed 17 feet high. Play Station 2's height above water is about 15'6" with her VHF radio antennae and masthead light in the down position. For those boats doing The Great American Loop, this is a big consideration. If the boat cannot pass under this low fixed bridge, you cannot navigate this route through downtown Chicago. The next best route has a fixed bridge which is 19 feet high.
Passing through locks is quite an experience. There are different ways to maintain position while in a lock. Some locks use lines that you grab and hold while others use floating pins that you rig to. Still other lock masters just want you to float and maintain position. The largest drop we had today was a 42ft drop at Lockport Lock in Lockport, IL. Lockport Lock is part of the Chicago Sanitary Canal. The last lock of the day was Brandon Road Lock (MM 286) in Joliet, IL. It had a 34ft drop.
We called ahead to Harborside Marina in Wilmington, IL (MM273.3) to reserve a transient slip for the night. We arrived at 18:37 just as the sun was setting. No one was around. It was quiet on the docks. This marina had tiny houses along the edge that could be purchased or rented. It had a small ship store where we planned to fuel up in the morning. We travelled only 57 miles today due to the slow speed around bridges and waiting to pass through locks.
We grilled out Salmon tonight and called it a great first day!
Docked at our transient slip in Burnham Harbor.
Preparing to leave Burnham Harbor.
Docked at our transient slip in Burnham Harbor.
Preparing to leave Burnham Harbor.
The captain's view of our approach to Chicago.
Leaving the Chicago Lock. Trump tower ahead.
It was so cool to travel through the city by water.
Passing under the I-55 Bridge at sunset.
Arriving Harborside Marina at sunset.
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