Day 76 - Hammond, IN

We were enjoying the sun's warmth and the blue sky on the foredeck as Osprey's bow wave gently shouldered aside Lake Michigan to allow our passage. When we glanced up at the horizon, we were surprised by the sight of a hazy skyline. It was Chicago! We, of course, started singing, "Chicago, Chicago; my home town . . . " We had the lake to ourselves so we didn't offend anyone's eardrums.

A little while later we had a visitor. This beautiful little bird with yellow under its tail and bluish hues on its head flew in the door of the salon. She stayed with us awhile, exploring and trying vainly to nab insects that were on the other side of the window, then exited out the other door.

In less than 4 hours we were docked the ginormous Hammond Marina on the border between Indiana and Illinois.

We'll turn in early tonight. We plan to be underway by 6 a.m. to beat the Sunday traffic entering the lock at the entrance to the canal, then proceed through the city.