August 24

August 24, 1968.....Mark proposed!

   And 42 years later it was another great day for us on the water crossing Lake Michigan.    We left Joliet at 6:20 this morning and traveled on the Chicago Sanitary and Shipping Canal, Cal-Sag Waterway, Little Calumet River and finally Lake Michigan!!!  We went thru 2 locks (Lockport and the Thomas O'Brien) and both were uneventful!

We went under many bridges (including suspended railroad bridges), and saw barges, barges and more barges with gravel, coal, and mulch, along with many chemical plants, petroleum and oil refineries and cranes, cranes, everywhere - thought how much our grandsons would enjoy all this.    Here are some sites we saw along the way....

Foamy water in the Lockport Lock

Pile of salt (we think) preparing for the wintry IL roads this winter (not sure about the blue color)

Saw lots of scrap metal

A unique bridge

One of many bridges with neat reflection in the water

Our total mileage today was 128 miles and we were very thankful for a smooth crossing.   Tonight we are in South Haven, Michigan, one of our favorite ports and lots of good memories boating here with friends over the years.    After settling in (planning to stay here for 3 days as the forecast sounds ugly for the lake next few days with 4-7 footers - NO thank you!!!)

We had a delicious dinner at Clementine's......celebrating 42 years ago and what started all this fun!!!