Day #53 - Joliet, IL
September 22nd, 2008Decided that today was the day that we would venture out and ride the bus to the local Menard’s. It is like Home Depot, from which I think Andy has had withdrawals. Found the correct bus stop in town and boarded the 502 to our final destination. It took about one half hour and we were there. Everyone should ride the bus now and then to get the local flavor. Found nearly everything we needed and headed back to the bus stop to wait for the return trip.
Got back to the boat and Andy vented the dryer to the outside instead of dumping hot air into the engine room which is already warm enough. Organized and cleaned up as we are anticipating leaving Joliet tomorrow for Ottawa and further into the river system. Things are still bottle necked and closed south of here so not sure how far we can get. The AGLCA is doing a great job in conjunction with the Loopers to orchestrate the passage so as many boats get through as safely as possible.
An absolutely huge barge (3 wide and 5 deep) with one tug in front and one in back passed by a little while ago. Looks like the barges are starting to move and you sure don’t want to get stuck behind something like that. Another Looper boat, Full Moon, arrived in Joliet this afternoon. Fortunately, there is still a little more room on the wall in case more show up.
Charlotte (Foreign Exchange) is attempting to arrange dinner reservations at a Mexican restaurant for the group tonight. It is called Senor Tequila should be interesting. They claim you can drink as many Margaritas as you want because they will drive you home. Hope the food is as good.
Another Captain’s meeting is scheduled for 5:00 to decide who is moving and who is staying.
