Mike and Beth's Adventures

  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...

Naval Station Norfolk May 6th-13th, 2022 Norfolk and it's sister city Portsmouth are naval towns.  Collectively they are home to Naval Station Norfolk and a major center for ship building and repair.  There are numerous warships undergoing repairs and updates as well as new construction.  I was impressed with the observed activity level as much work was underway to keep our fleet ready for action.  Alfred Thayer Mahan would have been proud. Even Aircraft Carriers need bottom paint In every direction you look, ships are in port for repairs, maintenance and upgrades. The naval hospital in Portsmouth has been looking after the health needs of our sailors since the 1830's.  It has undergone many expansions and occupies a prominent spot on the waterfront.   Portsmouth Naval Hospital To facilitate travel across the Elizabeth River from Portsmouth to Norfolk, there is a Ferry, which runs continuously till 10 pm, and for $2/person will whisk you to the other s...