Off again on our Voyage!! Travel day 3, Into the River system!

The eye doctor said I could travel but that the next 5 weeks still involves some risk of further vitreous detachment. So long story short, he wants me to see another retinal specialist in a month, unless I notice deterioration in vision. 
So we departed Portage IN (it was a great stop....Marina Shores Marina) and after a slight detour to check out a little more of Indiana (don't ask)  we made it to Calumet Harbor and entered the barge traffic and one lock.  We only needed two bridges opened as we can get down to 17.5 feet with our electronics mast laid back against the dinghy on the crutch Julie's brother fabricated....thanks Kevin!!

Here we are following a barge through a bridge....can't get too close due to prop wash.

Pleasure craft are second citizens on the river (meaning the barges lock through first) but we were able to enter our first lock after a barge was secured and we just free floated in front of him and were allowed to leave ahead of him.  Lock operators and barge captains are willing to talk and help, although they are a bit hard to understand!
We are currently in Dolton IL just past the I-94 bridge.  They even leave a night light on for us here!

Tomorrow we hopefully make Joliet or further.  May not post for a few days as we are going to try some long days and try to make up some ground (water)...  Thanks for all the well wishes.