September 12th, we left Michigan City, Indiana and did a crossing of Lake Michigan to Hammond, Indiana. This day presented the opportunity to be dependent on our instruments. Fog was as thick as I have experienced. Our visibility was less than 1/4 mile. When we bought the Honey Queen, radar and AIS (Automatic Identification System) were included in the electronics package on board and they proved to give a level of comfort and safety much needed, under these conditions. Prior to this day, I have enjoyed having them on board, as they have given me time to see far beyond what my eyes can see, provide plenty of time to comfortably plan, communicate, and reasonably address any situation that may develop.
This day, we were cruising due West (heading of 270 degrees) to Hammond. At the same time, coming from Chicago, the Alden Williams tow (tugboat) was heading Southeast at approximately 130 degrees. In short, our timing ensured a near miss, if not a collision. With AIS and VHF radio, we were able to monitor each other’s course, verbally communicate, and alter our courses to ensure we would not meet in the middle of the Lake.
We “saw” this guy on the screen, pulling these 2 barges, long before our eyes saw him.
The 22-mile journey across, got us to the Hammond Marina. By far, this is the biggest marina I have ever seen. Conservatively, 1000 slips are in this place. Situated on the Western shore of Lake Michigan, south of Chicago, many folks live aboard here from April through October. Being directly on the Lake, the marina is subject to lots of wind. The slips moved constantly, making the whole marina sound like a horror movie when the guy with the chain saw slowly pushes the door open. The marina is also located next to a casino. Like many regions of the country, this casino is not allowed to be land-based. This casino is built on top of the water, essentially “floating” in place. What a joke to build such a massive structure to avoid the letter of the law. The parking deck is on land, so after leaving your vehicle, you walk to the attached casino to give away your money.
I have always heard they have good, cheap food. Dale and Sandy got 2 for 1 coupons for the buffet (they did not gamble to get them) and we enjoyed our last meal together. For approximately $10 each, we ate like kings (and queens) and then walked out, smelling like cigarettes.
Sept 13th was a full moon over Hammond 
The Inlet/Outlet to the marina in Hammond. 
Sunrise over Lake Michigan 
I am no navigation expert, but I believe this would confuse the saltiest of captains.
We said goodbye for the 2nd time to friends, Dale and Sandy Collins, on the boat On Missions. Their lives and down to earth Christian world view have been salt and light to many, including us, fellow believers. Dale’s servant spirit, who always lends a hand, and seldom needs one, has been a testimony to many in their travels. Sandy, whose sense of humor and hilarious outlook on life have added much color to our trip. Having said goodbye once after Amanda’s broken foot ordeal, we hope this 2nd goodbye will be like the first, and find us back together again in the not to distant future. They have become special friends to many, and we are fortunate to have had our paths intersect, allowing us to be a part of their lives on this adventure.
Early morning, September 14th, we dropped the lines and made the crossing to Dusable Marina, in the heart of downtown Chicago. Our good friends, the Steins, from Rochester, NY., flew to Chicago last night to meet us and show us the town where they were educated, met, and lived in the early days of their marriage. They were at the marina before we got our lines tied, and we were off to see the city. We enjoyed breakfast, the Architectural boat cruise, lunch consisting of genuine Chicago style pizza, a few miles of walking (and scooting), a park, a stainless steel coffee bean (I guess that’s what the shiny thing is), and an Italian dinner. It was a long day, packed with activity. Amanda was trooper, making the scooter work everywhere she could and hobbling the rest of the time.
The 4 “layers” of Trump tower tributed 4 other buildings/architects in Chicago. 
Parking garage on bottom and then apartments. Round balconies. Looks like a bunch of Pringles. 
The roof framing is on the exterior instead of conventionally. 
Built by J. C. Penny 
The bottom of this building was the smallest floor. 
Map of the downtown streets in the area. 
Round glass is in! 
The Chicago Skyline from our boat.
After the boat tour and lunch, our day looked like this:
Image superimposed on this structure…. 
And then they turn on the fountain. 
Rich, Sandy, Amanda, Wes 
Building reflections 
Selfie with the Stein’s, reflecting from the “bean” 
I really need to work on that belly (for the record, this is Wes’ caption)
The Navy Pier, from our boat in the marina.
We rested Sunday, the 15th, watched Moody Church on TV, and had every intention of leaving early Monday morning, destination Dolton, Illinois, aka the river system of Illinois. Monday morning came and the fog was so thick we could hardly see the end of the pier where we were docked.
This image was invisible from our the marina on Monday morning.
No big deal we thought, the fog was forecasted to lift by 10:00 am. Our destination was less than 10 miles, so we could leave later. Later ended up being 2:30, so we agreed to go for it. First bridge, 20 minute wait. Fourth bridge, 1 hour wait. First and only lock, 45 minute wait. At 9:30 pm (yes, it was my first night driving training), we came to a very small marina, obviously closed down for the night. All the slips were too small for our boat, so I pulled in to the fuel dock, tied the boat, and we crashed. We were only 30 minutes from the marina in Dolton, where I had reservations, but we were too spent to go another mile. Early the next morning, we left a note on the marina office door, telling them we had used their facility for the evening and headed on down the river. We checked into the marina and got settled in, tying up loose ends on the boat, changing the oil in the generator, and a handful of other duties. This will home for the Honey Queen until we get back from our visit to Savannah and Sweetwater.
We met John and Karen DeYoung who keep their boat at Marine Services during the boating months. A retired heavy equipment operator, John and I hit it off. We enjoyed getting to know them both. They were willing to keep an eye on the boat and open it up occasionally to let it air out. I love meeting folks from different parts of the country, who have worked hard all their lives, and are salt of the earth folks. Though our time together was short, the friendship will be long. We are grateful for their watch-care.
Saturday morning, September 19th, we caught an Uber to O’Hare Airport and flew home for a month. Our plan is to return on October 19th, following the Emmaus weekend, where I will serve on the music team, and our 10th Annual Barn Dance. We look forward to getting home, hugging grandkids (and the kids), seeing mom and dad, serving with brothers, and “do-ci-do”-ing with great friends.