Month: January 2025

We got underway at 0800 in wet snow, and stopped at dusk at Spring Brook Marina, where we are tied to the fuel dock.   39 miles and 3 locks, with a 2 hour wait at Dresden Lock. 

It got above freezing long enough to clear the decks of snow, which is good because now the temperature is going down.  Tonight’s low is forecast to be -12C, with cold clear weather for the next couple of days.

We’re eating well, and are staying warm.  All good.  Hoping we don’t encounter ice in the coming days, but warmer weather is due later in the week.

All is good.  We’re tied to a rough wall just above Lockport Dam.  Generator is running on shore, and the boat is toasty warm and cozy.  Dogs have had a run.

Today was the usual last minute scramble.  We couldn’t find the engine key, and when we found it the engine wouldn’t run properly.  After adding fuel and conditioner and bleeding it started up, and has been running perfectly since. 

The next challenge was ice.  Coming out of the O’Brien lock we hit heavy ice, and spent a couple of hours crunching through it at about 2 knots.  A tug had been through earlier, so it was broken up, but still tough going.  Big chunks about 2″ thick. 

I checked the ice reports for the waterway, and that was the only area mentioned, so we pressed on.  The ice disappeared after a few miles, and it’s been clear since.  Phew!  Fingers crossed that we don’t hit more later this week, as it’s forecast to cool down.  But after tomorrow we’ll have a more relaxed schedule after getting through locks that are closing soon. 

Tomorrow we continue at first light.

Thanks to Rick Haislip for the photos.

We launched this afternoon.  The yard guys have been amused.  First launch of 2025.

Dean has been on a sprint to get some mods done like the big arch and swim platform.  Tonight will be his first night sleeping on the boat.  He has two dogs as well.   This is their new home.

For heat we have 3000w of electric powered by a 3500w gas generator, and a solid fuel Dickinson heater.  And two biggish dogs 🙂  Lots of fuel.  Things got up to temperature quite nicely today.

Tomorrow we leave. 

Happy New Year!

To ring in 2025 I’ve agreed to go on a river trip, taking the boat above from Chicago to Nashville with the owner.  We’re leaving this weekend.

Why now?  There is a lock closure starting next week, and the Illinois Waterway will be closed to through traffic for a couple of months.  The owner is keen to go south by water rather than trucking the boat. 

I think it’s doable but cold.  Having second thoughts just writing this post, but the prep list and plan seems OK.  Dean the owner does cold weather motorcycling and has a heated suit. 

More to come…