Great Loop: Downbound on the Illinois River, Part 1

 

It was a gray, overcast and drizzly day for our Chicago departure .  As we cruised through town on the Chicago River, the tops of the buildings disappeared in the clouds.  A left turn took us into the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.  This was built over a hundred years ago to prevent Chicago River from carrying sewage and garbage into Lake Michigan, the source of Chicago's drinking water.  The 1900's solution was to build a canal to reverse the flow of the Chicago River so it flowed in reverse and it's waters would eventually end up in the Gulf of Mexico.  To accomplish this, a 28 mile canal was dug to connect the Chicago River to the Illinois River, which connected with the Mississippi River and eventually the Gulf of Mexico.  Quite a replumbing job!  Not sure the people downstream were thrilled if they knew about it. To insure the Chicago River remained isolated from Lake Michigan, a lock was build at the mouth of the river to further protect the lake.

The start of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.

The Army Corps of Engineers practiced their canal building on this and then dug the Panama Canal.

Yes!  A section of the Canal is Electrified to prevent Asian Carp from moving north and into the Great Lakes 

Currently transits the electrified portion of the canal

Mike watches a tow boat pass

1970's Legislation, which set water quality standards, finally forced Chicago to begin the process of cleaning up their direct discharge.  Gradually the water quality of the Chicago River and the Sanitary Canal has improved.  For health reasons, swimming is still not advised.  But you no longer have to go directly to the hospital if you fall in.

These days, the Sanitary Canal is flanked by industrial and commercial establishments.  This allows barges to move bulk cargo easily and cheaply to its destination.  We were amazed at the number of barges in the canal.  There are so many in some locations, it is difficult to find a path forward.  

Currently is in a "hiding hole" allowing a tow to pass

At one point, Maggie on Currently called a tow headed towards us to ask on which side we should pass.  The Captain's response was, "Honey, you better find a hole to duck into".  We looked around and got behind a row of parked barges then watched the tow skipper scrape the canal wall with his line of barges as he squeezed through and passed us in our "hiding" hole!  You just don't get these experiences back home...

This is the free city dock in Joliet

We passed up the chance to enjoy Joliet and moved a bit further south

Most Loopers make Joliet their first stop after Chicago.  When we arrived the dock was full.  We could have rafted, but we wanted a different kind of experience.  Just a few more miles downstream we found a rural marina which was quiet and secluded with nothing but the sounds of nature.  We arrived at dusk and the attendant had stayed late so we could fuel prior to moving to our slips.  

Near Three Rivers Marina

We departed Three Rivers Marina as the sun was rising

Fortunately our vessels were shallow draft as the marina water depth was as low as 3 feet in places.  Three Rivers Marina had no restrooms or nearby restaurants, but it was quiet and cheap and in a pretty spot.

Someone is using an old Caboose as their riverside cabin

Yes, we were happy to arrive in Hennepin!

Off the boats at last!

The Free Docks in Hennepin

Those Ranger Tugs fit nicely!

Ranger Tugs and Crew on the Hennepin Docks

The next stop was Hennepin, at their free city docks by their launch ramp.  It's perfects for boats up to about 30' in length.  A block from the dock there is a good store.  Beth liked their variety, quality and prices.  There is also a restroom at the launch ramp that is open 24 hours, and you felt safe.  You see almost no movement at night. The town is small but nice.

The Line Tow Boat that came in next to Currently to re-provision

In the morning we awoke to thick fog.  We were standing on the dock contemplating our next move when a 350' long Line Tow Boat appeared out of the fog and slowly started moving our direction.  It kept coming closer and closer and finally tied sideways to shore with it's stern a few feet from our companion Looper.  Once secured to shore, the crew commenced re-provisioning from a waiting truck.  Bruce decided the proper move was to reposition his boat to a slip further away to insure there were no problems if the tow boat decided to depart before we did.

The Fog is lifting!

We can move!

Finally about 10am, the fog lifted and we departed for our next stop, an anchorage near Peoria Lock.  Along the way we fueled at the Illinois Valley Yacht Club.  This was the last fuel stop until Grafton at the confluence of the Illinois River and the Mississippi.

An egret looking for breakfast

Currently just dropped her hook outside the Peoria Lock

A good spot to spend night

The next morning Amy Marie and Currently are ready to pull their anchors and head south

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Berthing Information

• Three Rivers Marina
• Located at mile marker 275 on the Illinois River
• Phone: (815) 476-2324
• Diesel and Gas Available
• Shallow depths in Marina
• Hennepin Free Dock
• The docks are free.  No Reservations.  Just show up.
• Restrooms are clean and open all night
• Best for boats 30' or less
• Peoria Lock Anchorage
• Free, Show on Navionics next to the lock
• Talk to the lockmaster as you lock through, it's located on the downstream side
• No Services

Trip Log