Departure from St. Joseph

October 1, 2001 - Departure Date Report

We're in Chicago!

After a long summer of extensive planning we left West Basin Marina for Chicago. On board with us were Bev, Tom and Jo Lundgren. Friends, Mickey,Ralph, Doug, Nancy Fowler and Davey Dave and Eileen and David Resch were there to send us off and take pictures on a beautiful, sunny, but crisp fall day. The crossing went smoothly. We arrived at the new DuSable Marina in downtown Chicago, near Navy Pier, about 4:00 --What a beautiful sight - that Chicago skyline.

After getting settled in -Surprise, Surprise, the party started. Ralph Lundgren drove in from St. Joseph, Carol and John Patton and Carol and Sandy Goldman from Chicago arrived at the boat at 6:00 for cocktails, and then we went to a great Italian restaurant, Ricos, that John had chosen for us.

We're planning on leaving on Thursday to start our trip through the Chicago locks and down the river. The weather has been very summer like --80 degrees, and we're wearing shorts. What a great way to start our adventure!