Snow Cat: Ottawa, Illinois

We traveled down the Des Plaines River into the Illinois River today, and the scenery was much nicer than yesterday's canal trip. Smelly, oil refineries were replaced by miles of corn fields, some duck blinds, and even some cows!!! We had to wait about two hours for one lock to repair some valves, but it gave us the opportunity to talk to the other three boats who were also waiting, boats we have been with along the Loop at some point. Took the Plunge, Our Bubble, Tango, and Snow Cat were all going to the same marina...Heritage Harbor in Ottawa, IL.

We arrived at the marina first, and I asked if there was a Loopers' discount. I was told that there was a group discount, and since there were four of us traveling together, we could stay for $1/ft, instead of $1.50. This includes tax, electric, use of a new loaner car...plus a pool! What a deal!

At least two of us, Took the Plunge and Snow Cat, are staying another day! We haven't cleaned the boat in so long....and it will be about 90 degrees tomorrow. So Don and I will clean in the morning, and cool off at the pool in the afternoon!

One of the many duck blinds....

Cows!!!

Kate thinks cows are much more interesting than architecture!

We were on the other side of the river, when this tow's captain told us to pass on "one whistle". So we had to quickly cross in front of him to get over to the right side!