Illinois River

We traveled a total of 327 miles from Chicago to the junction of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.  First we were on the Chicago River, then the Des Plaines river, then after about 60 miles it became the Illinois River.

We went under over 50 bridges in the first 30 miles. And this RR bridge is the only one we had to call for an opening.

As we we left the Chicago urban area things become very industrial with plants on both sides of the river for miles.  Lots of activity with tows and barges moving on the water.

Of course their were more locks to negotiate,

some with "bollards" to tie onto.  They float with the water level.

There were narrow sections and other stretches more like lakes.

Much futher away from Chicago things became more rural, with farms and even a bit of recreation.

Bit surprised by this campsite.

We were delayed by one lock for almost 4 hours and were limited on anchorages available before it got dark.  We pulled over to the side of the river just above this railroad bridge and anchored in 8 ft of water.  Current kept us fairly straight except for a strong wind that pushed us close to the bank and shallow 6 ft water.  But that was better than into the channel where the tows and barges traveled.

Obviously, some parts of the river basin floods higher than other areas.  We saw many of these houses on stilts we assume to be vacation homes.

Along the southern portion of the river we say many bald and golden eagles.

Several sand and gravel loading stations were spread along the lower stretch as well.

Near Grafton, IL we saw this paddle wheeler which went into the Mississippi for tours.

Grafton is the last stop on the Illinois just before it joins the mighty M.  You can see the first couple of barges on a tow headed downriver past us.  Many of these were 2 or 3 barges wide and 5 long for a total of 15.  Roughly 80' x 500'

Ok, next up is the Mississippi.