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Hey Folks:

Being an ultra-optimist I am planning on taking the 248 Vista down from River City to either Heritage Harbor or Starved Rock Marina on Oct. 9-11 (my lease ends the 15th). I think JNIZI has done the reverse trips, but any tips are welcome. A couple of quick questions -- I think there is only gas available in Joliet (still open after Oct. 1?). I have a 70 gallon tank. If I fill up I should be able to make it, but have not gone on any long trips.

For those of you that have made the trip. How fast have you gone on the river? Any tips will be appreciated. We are looking forward to seeing the leaves changing and we store the boat out West anyway so it should be fun (weather permitting). Thanks for the tips.

We would love for you to stay at HHO. You have a couple of things to deal with. 1) The locks. 2) Barge Alley and 3) The new fish barrier at Romeoville.

With 70 gallons, you should be able to make one of the marinas in the Dresden pool for gas no problem. With that said, that's 3 locks which could be a quick or many hours. Call ahead on Channel 14 to see what your wait will be. We had a new boater come from Hammond and it took 2 days. 3 - 3 Hour waits at the locks, 11 miles of idle speed through Barge Alley and having to cross the electric fence. I guess you now get coast guard instruction prior to running the 200 yards. At least the $500 tow fee has been waived and you can now drive your own boat without a tug tow.

If you come up the chicago river, there is no gas until the past Joliet. If you take the cal-sag, you will have several (expensive) options until about Halsted.

Please come and see us. You should be in time for the fall colors. If you want, send me a PM to get more details.

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Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

also gas available at big basin marina in channahon, springbrook marina in seneca and starved rock marina just east of the lock there. the only problem may be the electrc fence, i have never had to cross it. the rest of the trip is fantastic. if the leaves cooperate, continue west to spring valley marina (gas here too) as the landscape gets really pretty down there. Also some fair eateries on the route.

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08 H190
190hp Merc
Striving to be the man my Beagle thinks I am.

Thanks, guys. Heritage Harbor was going to have Capt. Moe give me a call to talk about this fence, the locks and barge traffic. Sounds a little intimidating. For right now I have a tentative reservation for Oct. 8-9. Here's hoping the weather is ok!

Capt. Moe is a great guy. Hope to see you on the 8th.

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Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

Well, talked to Capt. Moe. He said the trip can take between 16-20 hours. That seemed longer than I had expected. Anyhow, the good news is that the electric fish barrier no longer requires us to be towed, but you still need to fill out paperwork. Also, he recommends tying up in Joliet by Bicentennial Park. You guys ever have to do that on your trips up to the city?

It took us 13 hours going to the city and 10 hours on the return. Most people report 12-16 hours as an average when things go well. Joliet Bicentenntial Park is just a tie up, no resources but you can walk to the casino.

It all depends on the locks as far as how long it will take and what you are willing to endure. With an early start, you could be at barge alley by mid morning. Call ahead to see what the lock wait times are. The lock masters we saying things have been pretty slow lately.

I hate to give false hope about it being quick. It can go either way and one lock can hold you up for 3-5 hours. Have you ever spend the night anchored out? I would be prepared for that just in case.

_________________
Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

Thanks, JNIZI. I think that we will not be able to leave first thing in the morning because the admiral has a meeting in the morning. We have not anchored over night and I'd be a bit concerned that I would have to leave on some lights if I was just anchored in the water (which in turn worries me re the battery). We may plan on just going to Joliet on Friday. Tie-off there and grab some dinner. Sleep there and get an early start on Sat. to arrive around lunch-time. Hopefully, that is realistic.