Leaving the Great Lakes Behind

September 17,2017

I must admit that I was pretty happy to enter the Chicago Lock. As pretty as the Great Lakes were, as nice as all the people I met were, and as good as so many of the dinners were the Great Lakes left me traumatized. Entering the smooth, protected waters of the river system gave me a good feeling.

I passed under the Lake Shore Drive bridge and into the Chicago Sanitary and Barge Canal. Every bit as romantic as it sounds. I headed to Joliet, IL.
Yes, the lakes were done, but the rivers presented new challenges. The canal out of Chicago is really congested with traffic/ It is narrow and heavily industrialized. On more than one occasion, I had to dodge around a tow. It was interesting.
I had a 37 mile run to Joliet. Amazing how many miles can be run with the current pushing you along.
Joliet has a free city wall that loopers can tie up to. I was fortunate that there were other loopers already tied on to the wall because it was so tall that I couldn't have tied up without help. And, it's not just a free wall, they also provide electricity. Nice! I'm not sure if there is a limit to the number of nights, but I wound up staying 3 nights.
I found a really great restaurant for breakfast in town. I indulged myself twice. I highly recommend the Route 66 Diner in downtown Joliet.