Chicago to the north

It was cold and gray leaving Hammond for the river system.

Entering the Cal Sag Canal

We entered the Illinois system at Calumet Harbor, a busy inland seaport.

A working canal

Heavy industry flanked the Cal Sag, from sand to scrap to petroleum to grains - you name it.

Towboats? What's to fear?

Actually, by themselves they're cute.

Then again...

Add a few barges and those cute towboats are fearsome and dangerous.

Our first lock, the Thomas O'Brien

Water depths now 14', this first lock keeps the waterway from flowing into lake Michigan in high water times.

Croissant Yacht Club

We led the Coast Guard out of O'Brien past the Croissant. They soon passed at high speed headed downstream.

Channel breakwater

This houseboat was apparently sunk to partially block a stream and create a harbor for recreational vessels.

Beauty in the blight

This waterfall, plant cooling water, added a touch of beauty to an industrial waterway.

Towboat retirement

After giving their all, pushing trains of barges, towboats find a quiet retirement.

Another beauty spot

Again a waterfall brightens the journey.

Round-up, USCG style

It hard to see, but the Coasties are rescuing a buck (deer) that fell into the canal.

Exiting a lock

These locks are big! Not too many lock photos - not enough hands.