GL: Leaving Chicago October First

[Rob Johnson]

We also are Great Lakes Sailors and are currently in Ottawa, IL, waiting for
the flood waters to settle down. We had to leave the city docks last night
when we got the word that the Fox River was to go 8 ft above flood stage. We
backtracked 4 miles to Heritage Marina, the old 4 Star Marina, and arrived
at about 10 PM. Cpt Moe was here to guide us in and give us directions to
our dock. He is pretty much the harbor master. He takes care of the boaters
but I don't think he does much with the paper work in the office. We took
the free courtesy van back to town where we were docked and could not find
the dock. The 4 foot pilings were under water with 30 foot logs charging
through at a good 5 mph where we had been tied up only 14 hours before.

I highly recommend the Heritage Marina. $1.50 per foot but first class
accommodations. No cable TV yet nor laundry, but free WIFI and free courtesy
car. Given the height of the river we are very glad to be tied to floating
docks at a very clean and nice marina. The staff is fantastically helpful.  

It appears we will be here for a few days. We are on floating docks but we
need a dingy to get to shore. The water is so high that the ramp system to
get on and off the docks is under water. There are currently 7 loopers boats
holed up here, 4 sail-3 power, waiting for the water to recede. 

As to other questions that you asked:


   " we are still concerned about the depth. She draws 5  feet 6 inches."

Call in advance of any marinas that you want to get into. We draw 4 1/2 and
our current traveling partners draw 5 ft. We were turned away from the two
marinas down river from Ottawa due to depth. Plan ahead. We are learning
that the hard way!!
 

"Where is the best place to step the mast in the Chicago area?"

We used the crane at Belmont Harbor. $5.50 per foot and you do most of the
work. The harbor master did put one of his guys on the boat to help handle
the base of the mast as we lowered it. We had our mast cradle all prepared
in advance. Don't know if it is the best, but it worked for us. If you carry
the mast on the deck make sure that is lashed very tightly to the deck. We
had it lashed with the mainsheet tackle, the 4 part vang tackle, and
shipping straps. The 3-5 footers that Lake Michigan gave us on the port bow
for the 4 miles down the Lake gave me quite a scare when the mast shifted
and started to move around. I did not have jack lines rigged and was not
willing to go on the foredeck to try and tighten the whole thing. I was
definitely happy when we got into the lock in Chicago.

 
"Where is the best place to step the mast in the Mobile area?"
 
We have friends that had it done at Dog River Marina.


"Beyond Quimby's what cruising guide did you find most helpful for the  
Chicago to Mobile part of the trip?"

Skipper Bob, Chicago to Moblile
  
""What  wireless net carrier gets the most reception?"
I cannot say what is the best, but we have traveled for the last 2 years in
our RV and have had very good coverage with Verizon. 

 Rob Johnson
s/v Danny's Fault--Thought are we still a s/v without a mast and sails??