Early Morning in Ottawa
Repurposed Barge is now a Large Flower Pot
When we're asked over the radio by a lock master, bridge tender, or commercial tug captain "What are you?", there are several acceptable answers. Rec boat and pleasure boat top the list. But Bicki, who does all our radio work, and does it very well, keeps getting tripped up by this simple question. I've got to give her credit for ingenuity though. On several tongue-tied occasions she's called us a passenger boat and a rec ship. Strictly speaking we don't carry passengers for hire and Nellie's 37 feet don't measure up to 'ship' status. My favorite answer, and one I'm sure caused a moment of pause on the receiving end, was pleasure vessel. Hmm, so many ways to take that one, but it's hard to argue with ;-)
A Sprig of Green in the Marseilles Lock's Sea of Concrete and Steel
"Honey, Let's Take the Caboose to the Campground this Weekend."
The Free Wall in Joliet
It's a day off contrasts. As we get closer to Joliet the number of rec boats goes up asymptotically. Then, almost without warning, they disappear completely as heavy industry takes over. In Joliet the natural and wild river is subdued with concrete and fencing.
Ottawa to Joliet
It's 48 miles from Ottawa to Joliet; where Nellie is now safely tired to the free wall (with electric). Our trip total in now 854 miles. Tomorrow, Chicago or bust! DBH
