Great Loop Days 040, 041, 042. Oct 7, 8, 9, 2016. Big Basin Marina, Illinois
Big Basin Marina, Illinois Trip to Ikea Warehouse Bolingbrook, Ilinois
“Besides the river, there are two things you never forget, that the moment you look at a river that moment has already passed and that everything is on its way somewhere else.” – Niall Willams
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Day 40 - 41 - 42.
Day 40. Friday, Oct 7, 2016. Arrived at the Big Basin Marina, Got my assigned dock, and paid for two night'’ stay. It’s becoming so routine Once I decided which marina I intend to stay at, a simple phone call to let them know I am on my way and I pull in with plenty of time to gas up if I feel like I need to. None of the marinas are ever full and there is plenty of space this late in the boating season.
Haven't seen my daughter, Jennifer, and grandkids, Finley, Luke, and Mason since they saw me off in Sandusky almost 2 months ago. Great weekend weather as Jen picked Mickey and me up here at the Big Basin Marina. The kids squealed with delight on seeing their ole grandpa, sounds I haven't heard in months.
Jennifer made a reservation for two nights at Country Inn Suites and having Mickey with us to stay in the room was a bonus. He was comfortable in his collapsible cat carrier along with his dinner dish and kitty litter pan…
Leaving Joliet and the train decides to come by for a visit.
Brandon Road Lock looking aft. That’s a tow with barges next to us.
Wide enough to accommodate us all.
What I started with…
… what I ended up with at the bottom of the lock.
There was a floating casino but no docking for guests.
Big Basin Marina had plenty of room for transients like me.
Aye, aye, skipper!
The marina office was well decked out.
Day 41. Saturday, Oct 8, 2016. The next morning we said goodbye to Mickey who would be staying in our room and we had a big continental breakfast in the buffet room off the hotel's main lobby. And off to Ikea. How did we ever manage to find our way without the use of GPS?
On arrival at the huge Ikea warehouse in Bolingbrook, Illinois, the kids were ushered to the supervised daycare/playroom on the main floor while Jen and I walked the entire 2 stories of Ikea. The floor plan at Ikea is most unusual. The isles are marked off in white painted lines that would lead the customer from one home department to another. Everyone entering this warehouse stays within the marked isles and will see every department this store has to offer. Hardly any shortcuts but for one. Jen loaded her shopping cart with stuff for her house and I found a few items that should make life on board the Sea Marie a little better, like a larger kitty litter box and a lightweight backpack and duffle bag.
Ikea does have a cafeteria-style food court on the second floor where we all sat down to have a bite to eat. The food was delicious, especially the Swedish meatballs.
Back at the hotel, the kids still had plenty of pent-up energy and made a beeline to work it off in the hotel swimming pool. Mickey stayed up in the hotel room and had a full run of our room with food, water, and kitty litter all within his reach. He seemed to relish the idea of a soft bed that didn't rock all the time. Later that evening we all rode out to a local buffet for dinner.
Ikea carts.
The kids were well entertained while Mom and I shopped.
The Cafeteria at Ikea had surprisingly good food at low prices.
That will take care of me till dinner.
Back at the hotel, the kids had their own pool party.
Dinner at Golden Coral
Mickey was fast asleep while the kids watched TV
Day 42. Sunday, Oct 9, 2016. The next morning after breakfast we gathered all our possessions and stopped at Walmart because I desperately needed another pair of pants and a new shorter belt. Yep, running out of holes on the old belt. Made another stop at Walgreens to pick up a couple of phone charging cables. Got two of them for insurance. Said our goodbyes and wished her and the kids a safe journey back home. They have a long 7-hour car trip to get back to Ohio.
Saying goodbye.
Mickey and I are glad to be back on the Sea Marie and it was a busy afternoon for us. Cleaned and bleached about 1/3 of the forward V-berth and cabin. There was kitty litter and dried cat food in all the existing nooks and crannies here. Mickey enjoyed his new litter box. Bigger with higher sides that hopefully will contain the kitty litter. Got in the outboard motor maintenance. Reinstalled the prop and as suspected, it was just a little bit lose. Hit some weed beds back at Joliet that choked the prop. Runs much better now. Changed the oil without getting a drop in the water. My idea worked out. I duct-taped one open side of a gallon-sized ziplock bag just under the drain plug then placed a bucket under to catch any oil that may leak. Ran the motor only for a few minutes. Hot oil can be a huge mess, but slightly warm oil is much better. Placed the socket wrench on the bolt, a couple of tugs, and the drain plug turned. Carefully unscrewed the plug and the warmed-up oil drained right into the zip lock bag to about a quarter full. No leaks whatsoever in the river. Threaded drain plug back on. Filled the engine with 8/10 of a quart, checked the dipstick and all is ok. Spent time cleaning the lower unit as it was getting a bit grungy.
Earlier got ten gallons of gas, filled 2 of the 5-gallon cans at $3.20/gal, and will leave at the first break of dawn. 2 locks to get by before pulling in at Ottawa, Guidebook claims Ottawa to have a free wall with 30amp service and water outlet. I will let you know how that works out... Fair winds and gentle seas.
Comments from 2016:
Scott Stanley Sikorski Thanks for the posts, glad you had a great time with the family.
Dan Whitmore Nothing better than a dose of the family! Keep the awesome posts coming Henry.
Mary Jo Cartledgehayes What a wonderful break. A new kitten moved in last month, and the original cat is less than pleased so the litter box situation is of special interest.