Travel Day 16 Last Day on the Rivers! Hello Lake Michigan!!! Freebird on The Great Loop

[@tumbleweed8231]

Years back, quite a few people would tie to shore in Joliet. I don't think it's so popular anymore.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Interesting. Thanks for watching!😃

[@JanMidkiff]

Do you feel like royalty when they open the bridges for you?! Lol

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Hi Jan, This is the only place on the loop where the bridges go up for you as you approach. It is a special place that is fun to pass through. Often bridges can be a pain if you have to wait in strong current or wind. You are treated like royalty on this stretch of the Illinois River! 😀👑

[@ThePierce5144]

Don’t you call ahead to talk to the bridge/ lock tender to tell them you’re coming?

[@ThePierce5144]

You just answered my question

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

@@ThePierce5144 Great! Thanks for watching.

[@christopherbeil5309]

The black tarp material covering the mounds is highway salt. Kept covered to protect it from the elements.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Thanks for that information. I was wondering what was under there. Makes sense now!

[@BobEstler]

Looking forward to your great lakes adventures.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Thank you!😃

[@tigerphid9677]

It seems like the carp would have a very hard time getting through the locks, which is a good thing.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Unfortunately carp can easily swim into the lock when the gates are open and then exit with the boat as it exits. The Electric Fish Barrier is essential to keep the Asian Carp out of the Great Lakes. We have seen hundreds of dead carp stuck in the bracing on the gates of the Barkley Lock. Thanks for watching - good to have you along on the adventure.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Watch this if you want to see all the carp in the locks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6CzqHusht59odU

[@markkolenc4833]

Thanks for taking us all through the Chicago bridges and see Freebird a 56 Carver Voyager can make it! Did everything have to be removed from the hard top? Anchor light, radar etc...

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Our air draft is 20'8" with antennas folded down. All we had to remove the anchor light mast to get under the 19'6" bridge.

[@KP-zx4zr]

I grew up in the Joliet area and never seen it from the river and canal viewpoint. Very cool. Thanks for sharing your trip!

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

You are welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@scottzorno8414]

Obviously knowing your "air draft" is critical. Kinda spooky for sure...

[@nerdgarage]

To me knowing the air draft is a must for just about any boater in the us since there's bridges everywhere -- yet if you're looking for a boat you almost never see the air draft listed in the specs. WTH ?!

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

We figured out our air draft before we left. The complication arises when the water levels were so high that the bridge height reported could be less due to the high water.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

@@nerdgarage I think that is because there are so many options on a boat to add that will change the air draft.

[@jpattat]

I love your naration- so informative. Did you just lower the whip style antenna or did you need to remove the dome as well. We just bought a Carver voyager pilothouse 560 and will be starting the loop in another year.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Our air draft is 20'8" with antennas folded down. We had to remove the anchor light mast to get under the 19'6" bridge. We did not need to remove the Sat TV or radar. Where will you be leaving from?

[@jpattat]

@@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop we are home based in Racine, Wisconson.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

@@jpattat Great! You will love having the Carver. It's like having a little apartment along. I really love the washer and dryer. Great to not have to find a place to do laundry. Maureen

[@jpattat]

@@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop we will start the journey next fall starting from Wisconsin.Thanks so much for the additional information re: the air draft!

[@jpattat]

@@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop One of the features we looked for - we will be full time live--aboards starting next summer.

[@cajunoneforchrist]

Another six months and everyone's gonna be begging.

[@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop]

Not sure what you mean?

[@cajunoneforchrist]

@@FreebirdonTheGreatLoop You mentioned that y'all pulled up to a dock and people were asking for Money. What I'm saying is that the economy is about to go down the toilet. People don't see it coming.