GL: From Cumberland R. to Chicago

[M S]

We did it the opposite direction last fall.
 
1) Up the cumberland or tennesse river to the Ohio (your choice). Down the
Ohio to the Mississippi, Up the Mississippi to just north of St. Louis and the
Illinois River. The Illinois comes out in downtown Chicago (or you can cut off
at the CalSag Canal).
 
2) Just north of Grafton Illinois, which is just north of St. Louis
 
3) Pay attention, but the barge traffic draws 8 ft + when fully loaded so 5 ft
shouldn't be an issue.
 
4) We had the mast put back up at Green Turtle. Thier planning left something
to be desired. We aranged ahead of time to have the put up and we were
stopping for a week. We kept getting told they would take care of it tomorrow.
We finally had to push the issue on the day before we were to leave. On the
opposite side of the penninsula is Light House Marina (I think that is the
name). Not sure if they are any better, but they are sailboat oriented and can
step masts.
 
The bigger concern would be the trip up the Mississipi. On the normal
southbound route you get the benefit of the heavy current on the Mississipi
and fight the current on the shorter lower current Ohio and
Cumberland/Tennesse. Currents can run 4-6 knots on the Mississippi. If your
boat only makes 6-8 knots, It could litterally takes days to make it up the
mississippi and there are vary limited fuel stops.
 
I suggest picking up Skipper Bobs guide or a similar great loop guide as they
provide much more detail.
 
Mike & Tammy
Valhalla II (Gemini 3400)