We entered the Calumet River at 8:45 and soon after asked for our first bridge lift. Going through this industrial area, we made many such requests. Though we met only a few tows (tugs pushing barges), we practiced communicating with them. Besides learning to radio bridge tenders and tow captains, we had other experiences to raise the blood pressure a little. First, we re-learned how to go through river locks. Second, we carefully passed under the lowest fixed bridge on the loop after taking down our television satellite dome in pouring rain. And third, we transited the infamous fish barrier erected near Joliet. This barrier consists of electric cables strung under water to keep Asian Carp from passing into the Great Lakes. After donning life jackets, agreeing to verbal waivers, and following coast guard instructions, we passed through the barrier without incident. After 7 1/2 hours, we docked at Harbor Side Marina, a great little place near Wilmington, IL. Complete with a nice restaurant, it was a perfect stop at the end of an eventful day.
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