America's Great Loop - Down the Illinois River - EP#21

[@jdc3702]

Just stumbled across this video, will definitely be going back and catching up on this whole trip. But oddly enough, I’ve been down this river. A few years ago bringing back a 50 ft formula with friends, from Hastings Mn to Lake St Clair. We spent a night at that Tug company and also ate at that Mexican restaurant, which was phenomenal.. lastly, we also met Mr. Hamm the next day, where we got fuel. What a hoot, we probably stood around for a couple hours, talking with him, and he gave us a few tours of the tugs. Great guy. Glad to see he’s still going! Not many like him left!

[@wmmoran]

Mike: You really hit it out of the park with your coverage going through that first lock! The camera behind the helm, listening to the radio and watching that barge hand help you tie up were great! Docking at Heritage Harbor was text book. The cameras covered everything. What a learning experience. This was one of your better ones, thanks. Safe travels.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Wow, thanks!

[@RF-ci7ng]

Loved the bridge comment, I used to cross a bridge travelling to work too and always thought the same “wish I was on that boat” 😁👍🏻

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thanks for sharing!

[@tjborekvideo]

I'm learning a lot from your video series, Mike. Thank you for putting in the effort to do this for the people who follow you. I know it takes a lot of extra effort setting up camera angles, mounting the cameras, and then editing and uploading the videos.

[@610boating5]

I watch all these looper videos and you show things I've never seen, love it.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@mikaelpedersen1327]

WOW. What a great video! Going through those locks single is truly impressive.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thank you very much!

[@TracyPtacek]

HI Mike. It was great to meet you in Grafton, IL. I am all caught up on your videos and wanted to thank you for the great information. You have such a great presence and positive attitude. I wish you the best in the rest of your adventure.

[@jerryq1000]

Hope you enjoyed your stay or passage through Peoria...The long barge vid was taken there. Walking distance to some really nice places to eat. Safe travels!

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thanks for watching

[@johnpelszynski6646]

I AM FROM PERU ILLINOIS. MARSELLES AND STARVED ROCK LOCK AND DAM

[@georgestembridge7834]

Great videos Captain! I have followed you since day one of your journey. Mike as always stay safe!

[@MV_Checkmate]

I appreciate that!

[@733DMPILOT]

Excellent video, very informative and extremely well edited. I appreciate the hard work you did, please keep it up!. It was amazing! \

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thank you very much!

[@CMan-602]

You would have been a hot mess if that was your first lock. Experience has given you greater confidence. Terrific camera work and editing. Love the channel and look forward to following you home. Cheers Captain Mike

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thanks 👍

[@mississippioutpost2895]

New 1st Mate Subscriber, Little Johnny (Mississippi Outpost)

[@Rev1Kev]

Nice episode Mike, beautiful river country

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thanks for watching.

[@UnderwayDriftingNDreaming]

Sweet video! We are maybe three weeks behind you or more with Lake Michigan weather. Safe travels

[@MV_Checkmate]

Safe travels.

[@Indian-Pursuit23]

Great job. One thing.. in the locks please wear a life vest

[@MV_Checkmate]

I always do. This was one of those unexpected oh $hit moments and had to do what I had to do immediately or bang up my boat. There was another boat coming in hot right behind me.

[@budbartlett9075]

We joined the SENECA boat club when I was 12 Big times on the river.

[@jaipersico7940]

Great video and nice inclusion of the Harbor Host discussion - really nice of him to do that! Wondering what people typically tip those who help you tie up? I typically give $5 to each that help.

[@MV_Checkmate]

I do the same. $5

[@richbowie76]

We used to camp a lot in Marseilles near the lock and seeing these barges go by at night with the spotlight sweeping across from bank to bank in the fog was like something from outer space.

[@MV_Checkmate]

I know, it’s awesome to see.

[@lindanadaud9698]

Thank you for the video.

[@MV_Checkmate]

You're welcome

[@Brayton-nc3xd]

The guy in the neon shirt in the first part of the video is my dad he’s was the one talking

[@burrl48]

As long as its not a hazmat tow and or there is room they will let you go through with them. I live in Marseilles and they are awesome at that lock!!

[@glbaker5595]

Glad to see you're back looks like it's doing okay. What did you retire from doing

[@MV_Checkmate]

Broadcast TV Engineer.

[@kentalanlee]

It depends on the lock, but my experience is that recreational boaters can frequently get put through with a commercial barge if they just show up.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thanks.

[@theabsolutetruth2024]

Good video.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thanks for the visit

[@donbrum2264]

Thank you

[@MV_Checkmate]

You're welcome

[@johnschieffelin3226]

Mike, wonderful video. The river portions look scenic and uneventful, although the locks must be a challenge at times. You sure stopped at some classic "marinas." Hamm's was amazing. The sight of those Asian carp was disturbing. I hope you have a wad of $5's and $10's to tip dockboys -- they deserve a bit of cash. When you are staying at a dock with no power, do you run your generator all night?

[@MV_Checkmate]

I always tip them all. It’s a must! I don’t do it on camera for certain reasons. If it’s really hot I’ll run the generator and AC till the sun goes down then just open windows and use a fan. Not so in Florida of course, but up here the nights are nice.

[@mxmastermitch]

its always better to just show up at the locks, they will work you in.

[@Just4JK]

Enjoy watching your videos and following you through the loop, looks like you are completing it in incredible time! Who’s the guy behind the camera, how did you become so proficient in boating?

[@MV_Checkmate]

I video all by myself. Been boating all my life. Have owned a dozen boats or so.

[@MrJbkendell]

Did you tip the deckhand??

[@todmarmino196]

That looks like the Joe page bridge in Hardin Illinois

[@norweldernorwelder4285]

Beardstown Elks rules.

[@gary9674]

😅glad to see you doing ok with the locks. You seem to be having much less stress. BTW, I don't see you using the remote controller anymore ?

[@MV_Checkmate]

I only use the remote when it’s absolutely necessary, like in strong current or wind.

[@gary9674]

@@MV_Checkmate ok, I've been strighten out ,lol

[@donbrum2264]

What is the minimum bridge clearance on your yacht?

[@MV_Checkmate]

17’8”

[@mississippioutpost2895]

Just show and call in about 10 minutes ahead. Try that.

[@joellemanski3076]

Do not call the locks! You are a Rec vessel you have zero priority. Commercial traffic is priority . You’ll get through when they have time. Don’t bother them.

[@bryonholland5041]

Don't get your panties in a wad.

[@alanswanson5642]

Get off your high horse the tar or gravle you are hauling isn't saving anyone life. Nothing wrong with calling the locks. It is the lock master's job

[@tomvansoelen6557]

Only idiots wear flip flops boating. Between lack of footing on wet surfaces and slipping off completely, one should know better . And single handed on top of it.

[@matthewcarroll2215]

Lmao you think that is big!?!?! Look up MarkTwainEd he is a river captain and has had 60 barges. Love what your doing keep it up love the vids

[@MV_Checkmate]

I will check it out