Molly’s Great American Loop

We’re Betty & James, along with Luna cat and Moki dog we are cruising America’s Great Loop aboard our boat the Molly Brown. She is a 24’ C-Dory TomCat. We expect it will take us 8 or so months to complete 😀. Read more

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Day 173
Friday, August 30, 2024 at 1:33 PM
☁️ 70 °F
Altitude: 551 ft
United States De Tour Village 45.99827, -83.89987245°59’54” N 83°53’60” W
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DeTour day two
August 30, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
We were going to leave late this morning but it was very windy and after getting reports from Bernie who did leave we changed our mind. He did too and is back here at the marina. So After work Moki and I walked to the Botanical Garden. Very nice and worth the visit. On the way back we swung by the ferry landing where there’s a maritime museum. Moki and I have walked enough that people are starting to recognize us. Tonight winds have laid down and it’s very calm. Heading out tomorrow.Read more
TravelerHow can you add more than 10 photos? Seems that’s all I can add to a note.
8/31/24Reply
TravelerI have the premium version. When you first download app you get premium for 30 days then it goes to free version (10 pics and 1 video) unless you pay to upgrade. It was nominal …$27 a year I think but allows me to upload 20 pics and 2 videos per post.
8/31/24Reply
TravelerThanks, I thought that might be the case. Makes it tough to chose out of 100+! lol
8/31/24Reply
TravelerYes! Picking 20 can be a challenge too!
8/31/24Reply
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Day 174
Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 8:23 AM
☀️ 63 °F
Altitude: 568 ft
United States Carp River 46.025158, -84.69600746°1’31” N 84°41’46” W
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Carp River
August 31, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
50 miles today and some of it was down right rough. The animals were not happy. We left this morning around 8am and first headed across northern Lake Huron to Les Chêneaux a group of islands near Hessel one of which has a large nature preserve with trails (Aldo Léopold). Apparently growing up Aldo’s family had a summer cottage on the island. Moki and I hiked around 2.5 miles. Parts of the trail were really nice, some way overgrown and lots of poison ivy. Hoping we avoided it all. When we got back to the boat winds were already noticeably stronger. We did another 15 sporty miles to Carp River which has nice protection. It’s within the Hiawatha National Forest and is a National Wild and Scenic River. Moki and I did a short kayak paddle up to some rapids and then turned around. We later saw several groups of kayakers who had portaged across the rapids. May have to try that tomorrow. Winds are supposed to be NW 15-25 with gusts to 30 tomorrow and there’s a small craft advisory (there was for the second leg today too ) so we’re here till Monday. Carp River is 22 miles long and the rapids we encountered are apparently the only rapids on it. Beyond that there’s a kayak launch and a very busy fishing pier. The road in is nice for dog walking.Read more
TravelerYou’re up in my neck of the woods. My condo was on the Augres River which leads to Lake Huron. Lots of sailing
9/1/24Reply
TravelerJust looked up the river. You’re down by the thumb. We won’t make it there on this trip but maybe if we come back.
9/1/24Reply
TravelerI will be in Alpena mi September 13-23 close to Mackinaw Bridge by an hour but James said you will be gone by then
9/2/24Reply
TravelerYeah we want to be down to Chicago by 10/1.
9/2/24Reply
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Day 175
Sunday, September 1, 2024 at 10:25 AM
⛅ 63 °F
Altitude: 597 ft
United States Carp River 46.026695, -84.70170646°1’36” N 84°42’6” W
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Carp River day two
September 1, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
It was some kind of windy today. James and Luna had a down day on the boat while Moki and I had quite the kayak adventure paddling up and back down the river. We are not sure what is meant by “this is the only patch of rapids” because we traversed four sets of rapids before deciding to turn around and head back downstream. All good fun! This afternoon we got a “wellness check” phone call and visit from the St. Ignace police 👮. We don’t know how they got my cell number but the officer on the phone knew my name and asked if I was related to James (the registered boat owner). He said someone called for the wellness check… We said all is well, hung up and then noticed two officers at the fishing pier looking out. Assured them we were ok too. This was a first for us. We assume the locals aren’t used to seeing a boat at anchor in this river. Winds have already died down considerably. Getting down to 46 degrees tonight 🥶. Tomorrow we are headed to Mackinaw City.Read more
Traveler Another beautiful sunset!
9/2/24Reply
TravelerThat’s kind of odd. I routinely notify the police chief there when I park for extended periods, since it’s kind of a gray area in that they don’t really allow it but don’t disallow it either, lol. But I’ve never had them call for a wellness check on me. So are you delaying your job trip then? The winds were pretty strong on Sunday! (Park tge truck and trailer at the St. Ignace ramp that is.)
9/2/24Reply
TravelerIt was very odd. We were at anchor so not even a gray area. But all good. And no not delaying. I leave in the morning.
9/2/24Reply
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Day 176
Monday, September 2, 2024 at 10:22 AM
☀️ 61 °F
Altitude: 541 ft
United States Mackinaw City Historical Marker 45.782963, -84.71939845°46’59” N 84°43’10” W
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Mackinaw City
September 2, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
We’re in Mackinaw City so that I can take the bus tomorrow to Pellston Airport. This will be a short trip. Just a one day meeting in Toledo on Wednesday and then back on Thursday. Mackinaw City was crazy busy when we arrived. Labor Day is the annual Bridge walk over I-75 to U.P. Michigan. A regular season day is 6000 people but the annual walk draws as many as 100,000. They even close the bridge to boat traffic (a 9/11 thing). It quieted down in the afternoon. This is a pretty touristy place regardless . Good that we’re here at the end of the season. There are four ferries that do nonstop runs between here and Mackinac Island all day from this Marina.Read more
Traveler So much history in this one place!
9/2/24Reply
TravelerPerfect weather
9/3/24Reply
Traveler There is live music and a laser show in the crossings, maybe every night. Sadly the laser show isn’t as good as it used to be though.
9/3/24Reply
TravelerLive music yesterday afternoon but no laser show. It was pretty dead at 7:30 when we went over.
9/3/24Reply
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Day 180
Friday, September 6, 2024 at 7:59 PM
☀️ 54 °F
Altitude: 581 ft
United States Conkling Heritage Park 45.779591, -84.72606745°46’47” N 84°43’34” W
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Mackinaw City day something
September 6, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F
I returned from Toledo yesterday and had good intentions of taking pictures today but … regardless I had a good meeting in Toledo and my presentation was well received. This trip was pretty uneventful despite having to navigate the bus, air travel, Uber and a shuttle bus. Pellston airport has got to be the cutest airport ever! Today I met up with loopers Donna and John who we hadn’t seen since Waterford NY. They are in the other marina. A few minute walk. We had a nice visit. We also enjoyed dinner with loopers David and Norma here in the marina aboard their boat. She cooked stew which was perfect! It is really chilly. Temps in the 50 but very windy. We are likely here till Monday. Pic collage from the last few days.Read more
Traveler LOL 😝
9/6/24Reply
Traveler Yep - this place is officially weird 😊👍
9/6/24Reply
Traveler🤣
9/7/24Reply
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Day 181
Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 7:39 AM
☀️ 46 °F
Altitude: 568 ft
United States Conkling Heratage Park 45.781109, -84.72538845°46’52” N 84°43’31” W
Mackinaw City day six
September 7, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 46 °F
Today was the 16th Annual Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing. It was estimated 1500 tractors participated with the parade of tractors starting in Mackinaw City at 8:30 crossing the bridge and ending in St Ignace. It took until 12:30 to get all the tractors to the bridge which is another 5 miles long. Moki and I watched them from several spots on our morning run… which was cold and windy. I don’t know why I thought we needed to run so early 🤦🏼‍♀️. This afternoon we hit up the tasting rooms and picked up some wine and whisky.. two different vineyards and a distillery… all from the region. Supposed to be ten degrees warmer tomorrow (68 predicted) but still windy. Still hoping to leave on Monday.Read more
TravelerGreat pics
9/19/24Reply
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Day 182
Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 8:19 AM
⛅ 54 °F
Altitude: 640 ft
United States Mackinaw City 45.773796, -84.74348445°46’26” N 84°44’37” W
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Mackinaw City day seven
September 8, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F
We are ready to head out tomorrow! Oil is changed (motors and generator), shopping done, laundry mostly done ✔️… tomorrow morning we will fuel up on our way out. Today was still pretty windy but the sun was out and it was noticeably warmer. Winds should lay down overnight. Moki and I ran on the N Central State Trail this morning. It’s a rail-to-trail and wooded. Very pretty. We saw two deer… or maybe the same deer twice. There are hiking trails off the main trail but we didn’t check them out…Although I was tempted. We also saw a guy on a bike.. and that was it. Made for a nice morning. I should mention this area is known for fudge. There are lots of stores where you can watch it being made and buy some. Neither of us are fudge eaters though so no temptation there. But I took pictures because it is pretty cool 👍Read more
Traveler She can give tips to the US Olympian’s who all fell off the beam in Paris❤️😊🙌
9/8/24Reply
TravelerYes dig in with the toe nails 😂
9/8/24Reply
Traveler Fall is in the air in there! 🍎
9/8/24Reply
TravelerI thought the exact same thing. Time to head south!!
9/8/24Reply
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Day 183
Monday, September 9, 2024 at 8:17 PM
🌙 64 °F
Altitude: 594 ft
United States East Park 45.315834, -85.25857545°18’57” N 85°15’31” W
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Charlevoix
September 9, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 64 °F
We went 53 miles today! It was pretty rough going west across the top of the lake but once we turned the corner to head south it was noticeably better. When we headed out today we really didn’t have a firm game plan. Started out maybe going to Beaver Island.. or better yet Garden Island with better protection but that was more west and south was better. So then we discussed Petoskey, and then Harbor Springs which was shorter. But then after calculating the distance Charlevoix was only 3 more miles without having to go east so we’re actually a fair bit further south. This is a super cute town and much less touristy. Nice downtown right on the water. Tonight Moki and I stumbled upon a concert at the library. It was the last one of a summer series. They played everything from Jethro Tull to the theme song of Charlie Brown. It was fun. Charlevoix is also home to around 20 mushroom houses. May try to squeeze finding some in before we leave.Read more
Traveler 😳 electrocuted hot dogs🤣🤣
9/9/24Reply
TravelerI googled it. It was a thing thru the 1970s!!
9/9/24Reply
We had a "hotdogger", basically electrofied hot dogs. [Laura Tiu]
9/12/24Reply
Traveler🤣 I can’t imagine that I didn’t eat an electrocuted hot dog out two!
9/12/24Reply
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Day 184
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 7:41 PM
☁️ 70 °F
Altitude: 587 ft
United States Leland River 45.021561, -85.76403845°1’18” N 85°45’51” W
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Leland
September 10, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
We are inching our way down Lake Michigan. Today we traveled 38 miles most of which was fine but crossing Traverse Bay was pretty sporty. Moki slept and Luna never left her seat so that’s a good sign. We are in Leland Municipal Marina until Thursday as tomorrow will be pretty windy. Leland has a small downtown and a Commercial Fishing District… one of the last remaining on Lake Michigan. There’s also beach on either side.Read more
Traveler Those are some funky looking rooftops on the mushroom houses. What a strange architectural feature to find in Michigan of all places!
9/10/24Reply
Traveler Don’t think I’ve ever actually seen an Edsel before! 😊👍
9/10/24Reply
Traveler All these places have such lovely views…
9/10/24Reply
TravelerAnd the water color is spectacular
9/10/24Reply
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Day 184
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 7:41 PM
☀️ 70 °F
Altitude: 587 ft
United States Leland River 45.021572, -85.76404545°1’18” N 85°45’51” W
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Leland day two
September 10, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
Today was a down day for the most part. I got allot of work done and James worked on the stove which has been acting up. He thinks he figured it out… maybe got some biodiesel by mistake. Moki and I ran across a group of deer this morning… 6 total. This evening he got to play with his new best friend Ash a red Merle Aussie. Ash’s humans live in a van and are traveling thru Leland as well. We plan to leave early tomorrow to take advantage of the winds.Read more
Traveler Sailors delight
9/12/24Reply
TravelerAnd it was! Seas much better the last couple days.
9/13/24Reply
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Day 186
Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 9:16 AM
☀️ 64 °F
Altitude: 512 ft
United States North Breakwater Lighthouse 44.630299, -86.25231244°37’49” N 86°15’8” W
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Frankford
September 12, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F
We did 40 miles today with a stop midway so Moki and I could climb Pyramid Point Dunes. What a workout! There is a way to tire a crazy Aussie!! Seas today were the nicest there been all week. Fingers crossed tomorrow will be nice too 🤞. We are now at the Frankford City Marina which has a great view of the bay. Very nice downtown and a multiuser trail right outside boat that goes for several miles. It also goes to the lake which has a nice beach. We walked there tonight after getting our ice-cream. Oh and we hit 4000 miles yesterday!!Read more
Traveler Impressive! Both you and Moki. I love the video too - he’s finally done in 🤣❤️
9/13/24Reply
Traveler You find the most interesting things along the way, don’t you? 💕
9/13/24Reply
TravelerWe stumble on allot of cool stuff.
9/13/24Reply
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Day 187
Friday, September 13, 2024 at 10:28 AM
☁️ 70 °F
Altitude: 545 ft
United States Ludington City Park 43.95372, -86.45322443°57’13” N 86°27’12” W
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Ludington
September 13, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
Today we had a really nice cruise to Ludington 53 miles. Seas were the calmest they’ve been on Lake Michigan. On the way we stopped at Nordhouse Dunes which are just amazing!! The dunes weren’t as high as yesterday but the extent was huge and the sand squeaked. Ludington is about the size of Punta Gorda. Fridays from 3-7pm is the farmers market and from 6-8pm live music. We are here for two days.Read more
🥰😘😘 [Jeanmi & Dom]
9/14/24Reply
TravelerNous avons eu des couchers de soleil exceptionnels ces derniers soirs
9/15/24ReplyTranslate
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Day 188
Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 7:52 PM
☁️ 72 °F
Altitude: 551 ft
United States Ludington City Park 43.954319, -86.45217143°57’16” N 86°27’8” W
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Ludington day 2
September 14, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
Today was a 4D… Domestic Duty Down Day. Groceries are bought, laundry is done, boat is clean… relative to living on it for six months with a dog and cat. Today we also got a visit from our neighbor Shelly and her boyfriend Mark. Always great to see our friends and learn what’s happening in the hood. Moki and I got a couple nice walks in today and found more sculptures along the sculpture trail. Such a cool idea.Read more
Traveler Glorious! 😊
9/14/24Reply
TravelerPretty sunsets the last few evenings
9/15/24Reply
TravelerIt was so great to see you both. We
9/19/24Reply
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Day 189
Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 11:24 AM
☁️ 73 °F
Altitude: 548 ft
United States Snug Harbor 43.240162, -86.3258943°14’25” N 86°19’33” W
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Muskegon
September 15, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
Today was a 55 mile day… most of which was on plane. After spending a few nights in marinas we are happy to be on the hook tonight. We are anchored off Muskegon State Park just inside Muskegon Lake. It’s pretty rolly with all the boat traffic but all day boaters so settling down for the evening. There’s some big dunes here and miles of hiking trails. Moki and I got a little over 3.5 miles in. Very pretty wooded trails. This evening we hiked up the dunes for fun.Read more
Traveler Tiny little shelf mushrooms 😊 can you cook with these?
9/15/24Reply
TravelerNot sure. I’m not a mushroom connoisseur. Might be risky.
9/15/24Reply
Traveler The only place I’ve ever seen swans was in Switzerland… I love swans!
9/15/24Reply
TravelerFirst ones we’ve seen since coming back to the states
9/15/24Reply
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Day 190
Monday, September 16, 2024 at 6:51 PM
☀️ 77 °F
Altitude: 591 ft
United States Singapore, Michigan Historical Marker 42.654408, -86.20424742°39’16” N 86°12’15” W
Saugatuck
September 16, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
We made it to Saugatuck today with great anticipation of meeting C-Dory friends Lee and Jan. They live not too far away and drove over. We enjoyed a great dinner and conversation with them and then walked around downtown. We are staying at Sergeant Marina which is right downtown. There are several loppers here. One of them got his degree in French from the University of Florida years ago but is still fluent so James got to parle français tonight. Beyond that it was a pretty busy work day for me so less pictures tonight.Read more
So nice to see our friends together. Wish we were there. It’s about time for you to get off Lake Michigan, though. [Tom and Joyce]
9/17/24Reply
TravelerYes it was a great visit. We plan to be in Chicago this weekend. Looking forward to the rivers.
9/17/24Reply
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Day 191
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 12:09 PM
☀️ 75 °F
Altitude: 584 ft
United States Kalamazoo River 42.674362, -86.2061342°40’28” N 86°12’22” W
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Kalamazoo River
September 17, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
We went a whole two miles today! It was a busy work day for me so we left the dock late and dropped anchor in a nice little basin right before exiting into Lake Michigan. There’s a sandy beach and dunes here. When we arrived it was just us but then another looper we know anchored and around five lots of boats arrived… all day boaters and all gone now… except our looper friends.Read more
Traveler Is this a white man’s totem pole? 🤣🤣🤣
9/18/24Reply
Traveler😅 There were allot of these throughout the garden. They’re pretty fun looking.
9/20/24Reply
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Day 192
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 11:33 AM
☁️ 72 °F
Altitude: 492 ft
United States Black River 42.401711, -86.28730842°24’6” N 86°17’14” W
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South Haven
September 18, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
Today was not at all as planned. We were headed to Benton Harbor about 20 miles further but I suddenly got nauseous. It was not at all rough but I was hard at work and suspect the little bouncing while I was focused on my laptop was enough. Hopefully first and last time for that. So anyways we came in for a break around lunchtime and decided to stay. We are at the South Haven Harbor Marina and there’s a ton of loopers here. They did dock tails. Went towards the end when folks started leaving the boaters lounge and congregating outside. This week has been busy busy work wise and I just wasn’t into being social. But South Haven has a nice downtown with lots of art around town and I did enjoy a stroll thru it.Read more
Traveler 🤣🤣❤️🐶
9/19/24Reply
Traveler Love this.
9/19/24Reply
Traveler Looks like Moki can read
9/19/24Reply
TravelerHe probably can 🧐
9/19/24Reply
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Day 193
Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 7:41 PM
☁️ 73 °F
Altitude: 574 ft
United States South Beach 42.40197, -86.28310442°24’7” N 86°16’59” W
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South Haven day two
September 19, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
Deadlines, deadlines!! I had a busy day meeting a work deadline so we are here another day. All good… deadline was met… although more to come. Not many pictures today since I was face planted in my laptop but this evening’s sunset was quite nice. Tomorrow we are leaving early. *Added a few more pics from our morning walk before l leaving.Read more
Traveler Congratulations Moki !!
9/19/24Reply
TravelerThanks Mark!
9/20/24Reply
Traveler Deadlines met with some help?
9/19/24Reply
TravelerI have learned to lock my screen because she is very productive….
9/20/24Reply
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Day 194
Friday, September 20, 2024 at 7:32 PM
🌙 72 °F
Altitude: 581 ft
United States Washington Park Marina 41.725547, -86.90531241°43’32” N 86°54’19” W
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Welcome to Indiana !
September 20, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 72 °F
Yes… the bottom sliver of Lake Michigan is in Indiana and tonight Michigan City Indiana is where we’ll be resting our heads. We had a surprisingly enjoyable cruise down the Lake getting here today and I say surprisingly because it was already pretty windy when we got up this morning… we had two outs if it was too rough but ultimately didn’t need them. Michigan City is definitely not touristy which is fine but also not really the most enjoyable. Not super walkable. All good though and we are only here one night. Today we also crossed time zones… getting dark at 7pm 😩. I’m not going to like that! Today’s log puts us at 60 miles and 4265 for the trip. Tomorrow early we are headed to the Windy City.Read more
Traveler Why do other people take pictures of your boat and how do you get these pictures?
9/20/24Reply
TravelerApp called Nebo. It’s like social media for cruising boaters. You can follow, ask questions like is there room for us at x dock, and share pics. Loopers profile has a burgee.
9/21/24Reply
Traveler We have a rule in Switzerland - if you can’t figure out what it is, it’s art!
9/20/24Reply
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Day 195
Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 8:02 AM
☁️ 64 °F
Altitude: 515 ft
United States Bicentennial Park 41.524086, -88.08730341°31’27” N 88°5’14” W
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Welcome to Illinois !!
September 21, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
We were up early this morning… still functioning on eastern time… and on the go before the sun rose. We enjoyed our smoothest crossing of Lake Michigan… barely a ripple and arrived at the Chicago Harbor lock at 8:15. Smooth and quick lock through and made our way thru downtown Chicago. Getting there early made for an enjoyable cruise as hardly anyone was on the water. Navigating the Sanitary and Ship Canal was painless too as it was Saturday and very little activity. Our second lock though… wow! Let’s hope for no more of that. We were in the front with a barge beside us who had his engines in reverse to keep him from getting dragged forward… but we got all the prop wash and it was hard to stay on the wall even before they started letting water out… which was a long time as we waited on four boats to arrive. This lock dropped 40’ which also took a long time. Our two Chicago locks brings us to 134 locks completed so far this trip. We are now on the Joliet Free Wall with nine other loopers. Enjoyed dock tails with half of them. Five arrived later. We’re now looking forward to a good nights rest. Supposed to rain tomorrow so we may stay here… but one never knows 🤷🏼‍♀️. 82 miles today. It also got up to 92 degrees!!Read more
Traveler Pretty cool
9/22/24Reply
👀 wahou 📷 [Jmi]
9/26/24Reply
😅 isnt a little swiss chalet, but the boat is same [Jmi]
9/26/24Reply
TravelerPas du tout, mais nous voyons les Suisses et pensons toujours à vous.
9/26/24ReplyTranslate
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Day 196
Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 5:18 PM
☁️ 72 °F
Altitude: 541 ft
United States Sugar Island 41.345117, -88.47952241°20’42” N 88°28’46” W
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Sugar Island
September 22, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
Playing catch-up since I flaked out yesterday. We had a decent night on the Joliet Wall without too much rocking. It rained but not as bad as predicted … and knowing 5 more boats were coming to the free wall we decided to slow cruise. Both locks we went thru we had to wait on barges and each time when they were ready for us the sky opened up and rained and then as soon as we left it stopped. Oh well. We didn’t melt. We did however find a nice anchorage at Sugar Island along the Illinois River. Just enough dry shoreline for the obligatory pup walks and good protection from wakes.Read more
🥰 [Jmi]
9/26/24Reply
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Molly’s Great American Loop Traveler
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Day 197
Monday, September 23, 2024 at 2:01 PM
☁️ 70 °F
Altitude: 512 ft
United States Fox River 41.343997, -88.84125541°20’38” N 88°50’29” W
3
Ottawa
September 23, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
We did another couple locks today and have landed on the free dock in Ottawa. This dock has 30 amp power but the dock is a little rough. We made it work… or should I say James did. This afternoon while I worked James biked to the grocery store. After work Moki and I checked out downtown. It’s cute. Lots of history here. This is where Lincoln’s historic debate with Douglas occurred in 1858. Lincoln was also a frequent visitor.Read more
Traveler I prefer your dog! ❤️
9/23/24Reply
TravelerAh but the other one doubles as a seat. Not very cuddly though. Moki on the other hand is becoming quite the cuddle bug.
9/24/24Reply
Traveler 😊❤️
9/24/24Reply
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Day 198
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 9:49 AM
🌧 61 °F
Altitude: 515 ft
United States Fox River 41.343962, -88.84120841°20’38” N 88°50’28” W
5
2
Ottawa day 2
September 24, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 61 °F
Today’s theme was rain rain rain and work work work! Not allot of sightseeing today but while I worked James and the animals were entertained by commercial carp fishers who set nets right out from our boat. They have an interesting way of corralling fish by revving their motors and throwing rooster tails i guess to push the fish towards the net. Today’s high was 67 with no sun so it felt pretty cool. We are definitely seeing signs of fall with hints of color change and leaves dropping. We plan on moving tomorrow but if ours plans pan out it won’t be far.Read more
Traveler Yep - those guys are all wrapped up with gloves and everything…
9/24/24Reply
TravelerI suspect the gloves are normal attire. Carp are really slimy. But yes it was chilly yesterday. Going to be nicer today
9/25/24Reply
Traveler Are you getting ideas about what to do in your yard when you get back?
9/24/24Reply
TravelerHaven’t even thought of my yard 😎. But no most of this wouldn’t work in Florida.
9/25/24Reply
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Day 199
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 12:54 PM
☀️ 73 °F
Altitude: 348 ft
United States Plum Island 41.325413, -89.00328141°19’31” N 89°0’12” W
2
2 2
Starved Rock State Park
September 25, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
We traveled a whole eight miles today and traversed one more lock. We initially were planning to go 5-miles to Buffalo Rock State Park but then realized we’d have to scale a bluff to get access to it 🧗 … um no. But right at the lock is another State Park and this one has good access… although there’s considerable current from the lock dam. Honestly this is one of the coolest parks we’ve visited. It was Illinois second state park, established in 1911. The park has 18 canyons with moss-covered St.Peter Sandstone formed by glacial meltwater. There’s several waterfalls… and it’s a beautiful hike. Moki and I did just over 4 miles. We are at anchor tonight with a view of the main river but tucked behind an island for protection from wakes.Read more
Traveler Things that make you go “huh?” 🤪
9/26/24Reply
TravelerI know right!?! I think it means you can’t walk along the road but you can cross at the crosswalk. But the wording and placement could use some assistance.
9/26/24Reply
Traveler Eons of history right here! ❤️
9/26/24Reply
TravelerYeah!! This place is amazing!
9/26/24Reply
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Day 200
Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 7:32 AM
☀️ 54 °F
Altitude: 476 ft
United States Vermilion River 41.320758, -89.05868641°19’15” N 89°3’31” W
6
2 1
Peoria
September 26, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F
This morning’s fog! Holy smokes!! We got socked in!! Ran with all the lights on.. including the spot light. Just about the time we were thinking about finding a place to pull off it of course let up. Once the fog let up It was nice weather wise today but we are expecting allot of wind tomorrow. As such we bumped up our Marina plans and traveled 75 miles to make it to Peoria. We are at the Peoria Boat club. Everyone here is very nice. And there’s eight other loopers here. There’s a Riverwalk trail right outside the Marina that leads to downtown. Moki and I explored but it was hot. Two hours later for dock tails there was a noticeable drop in temp. We are here at least two nights but probably three. Power, water, showers and Free laundry.Read more
Traveler 🤣🤣🤣
9/26/24Reply
Traveler That really nice!
9/26/24Reply
Traveler❤️❤️
9/26/24Reply
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