We are eight miles SW of Joliet and 42 miles from Chicago on the Illinois River, the Big Basin Marina is the first marina you reach after leaving Chicago. The road you see running vertically is Route 66, for those interested in motoring west. The bridge in the photo below carries Route 66, which we passed beneath. To the bottom right is the Exxon oil refinery. Bit industrial here on the Illinois River. It feels great to be on the next stanza of our trip and this area is quite different too. Gone are the concerns about the changeable weather and quickly building seas of the Great Lakes. In some ways Lake Michigan reminded me of Bass Strait last year and being somewhat exposed. The mid western people are great too, unpretentious, straight up and friendly. Great music too!

What do you do after a long 100 mile day yesterday and it is already 34 degrees C at 10.30 am. Well you adjourn to Mugz Hideout bar adjacent to our marina and just under the bridge. Lunch from midday and live music from 2pm, mid western style. Thank you Wind Gypsies featuring Melva (the voice), Nick, Ray and Neil for playing the best live music I’ve heard in decades, especially the Hendrix and Joplin songs.