Day #6 - Senaca, IL

Got up early to sneek into a lock with Blue Angel@ 7:00am. It pays to leave early. The locks are an experience in themselves. The weather was warm, sunny but extra breezy from the south, of course, the direction that we're were going into. Went through another lock and still is amazing how far down you go (like 30 feet ) and then they open the gates, then you go like heck to get out of there. You feel like you are in  a horse race!
We saw lots of barge trafftic today, but with Blue Angel and their AIS instrument, they let us know if any barges were coming down the river. After the last lock, Blue Angel said "You lead the way!". Wow, we thought, he trusts us :). We were able to see more more wild life without watching a boat in front of us. Thank you Jim :)
We are tied up at a marina in Senaca. It was so good to get out of the wind and white caps off of the Illinois River. Really, it reminded me of Lake Michigan!
It really can be very stressful watching all the barge traffic, but if you communicate they are very accomodating.
Yesterday, I was not a happy camper.....I must admit. With all the barge traffic, water turmoil, and probably dehydrated, I learned my lesson. Thank goodness Scot understood everything that I was going through. Today was much a better day.
Thanks to all of our family and friends that are praying and following us on our "honeymoon" adventure. Really, I can say that we will be different people when we return. Nature has been beautiful and worth the trip! Slow down and enjoy the ride.

Day #5 - Joliet, IL

Wow....what a ride today on a beautiful sunny afternoon. The Chicago downtown waterway was so neat to experience. We went through two locks and saw a few number of barges....and they were huge enough to stop personal boat traffic! Disappointed that I didn't see any Asian jumping carp.... I guess that's good news for Lake Michigan.
Saw  our wonderful friends, Pat & Sue Cavanaugh today along shipping canal in Lemont, IL. They took some pictures and waved at us along the way. They joined us later on our boat and we wined and dined together and shared some wonderful memories about how life was and how we all will try to look toward the future. Thanks Pat & Sue...we love you.
Last night there were fireworks at Navy Pier and we saw more tonight in Joliet, IL. More and more "looper" boats are passing by. That's a good sign....guess we're on the right river!
Life is good... try to enjoy every single day to the fullest!

Day #4 - Yes, Chicago

What a beautiful ride from St. Joe to Chicago, 54 miles and 9 hrs. later we anchored at the playpen. It was wonderful to see sunshine again. We  quickly put on our swimsuits. I wanted to get some color and Scot wanted to go for a swim! We were able to pick up Britta and bring her aboard.  After she left, we were admiring the beauty of the Chicago skyline. Wow! It's like looking at stars in the night sky. We are getting ready to go down the Chicago River and I am so excited for my first lock.

Bonnie, thanks for warm socks. Big thank-you to Blue Angel who was beside all the way from St. Joe to Chicago. It sure was nice to have a boat buddy beside you who has so much experience under their belt and willing to share it.

Day #3 - St. Joe, MI.....hopefully last port in MI

Left @ 7:00am. Winds were North and kind of chilly. Nothing like wearing our winter gear already!
There were some rollers (big waves) left over from the last couple days.  Nice sunrise but then clouds rolled in. Got into St. Joe @ 1:00pm and tied to the wall at the downtown park. Scot and I rode bikes for some needed exercise. The town sure has changed after a couple years and our favorite "spots" are gone. Rain kicked in about 4:00pm. Guess it's the after effects from the hurricanes.
Heading to Chicago tomorrow, anchoring  near Navy Pier and hoping Britta came come aboard for a visit. Thanks to the Blue Angel who is still cruising with us. It's nice to have some company!

Day #2 - Saugatuck .....again

Had to stay another day in Saugatuck. Mother Nature was taking her course today with some winds and waves. Tomorrow, heading off to South Haven or weather permitting going all the way to St. Joe. then heading across to Chicago on Sat. am. to visit Britta.

Day #1 - Bon Voyage

Well, we made it to Saugatuck today. It was a very nice trip under glass up above,  keeping  the chill out, had some sun on our side and waves were about one to two feet.   The temperature of the water on Lake Michigan was 41 degrees. We could see out breath!  Burr, thank goodness we're heading south.
After anchoring, we could feel the winds picking up out of the north. Went to town to explore and came  back to "home".  We noticed that our "new" anchor was not holding us with the wind, so we decided to re-anchor, which proved to be a wise decision!
Thanks to all of our friends with the big send-off today from Pigeon Lake. We have the best neighbors.  Also a big thank you to the Chester's for sharing some "cheer".
Not sure what tomorrow will bring.......At least Saugatuck is a great harbor, my favorite :)
Thanks for all the support and well wishes from everyone.

Photo from Dave & Mary Visser

Bags are packed ready to go.....tomorrow.

Plans have changed once again.......We will be taking off tomorrow Wednesday morning @ 9:00am and will be anchoring in Saugatuck, my favorite harbor. Hopefully it will warm up a bit more later on this week. Thanks for all the phone calls, visits and warm wishes from all of our friends and family. Especially thanks to all my dear friends that took my plants. Lucky, our bird, is enjoying life so far in Chicago with Britta.