Monday 9/29

Up at 630 at Joliet free wall, free is good.  Called Brandon lock, had a bunch of tows to wait for, will not move off dock until they are clear.  Finally, get the call, depart the wall at 11:30, so much for an early start.  We arrive at 12:15 out at 12:45, with a 20 ft. drop with Beulah Belle and Allez.  At mile marker 277, at 1406 finally passed the tow Sam Flemming – the same tow we waited for four hours at the Lockport lock on Sunday. We catch and pass them during the day then they run 24/7 so while we sleep they pass us again.  A vicious circle.  14:39 arrive Dresdan lock wait for a a southbound tow Frank Jahn.  Again a one hour wait. 1535 finally in Dresden lock and leave 25 minutes later.  Allez stops at Springbook marina for evening.  We continue on until we pull in behind Grist Island and anchor for the evening with Beulah Bells.  Wally from BB picks us up in his dingy. We grab beers and wine and enjoy dinner of stuffed peppers and apple pie with our hosts.  Most enjoyable! During dinner the wind picked up and we wished we put out more anchor chain put the anchor held.  Tom slept great, Colletta tossed and turned.  Total hours : 9 hours 45 minutes.  Moving time: 4 hours and 12 minutes.  25.1 miles.

My beautiful First Mate with her push pole fending off a lock wall.