Chain of Lakes flooded!

[alsantini]

Well, currently the Chain of lakes in Northern Illinois, where Off the Wind is floating, is flooded and closed.  The Fox River feeds the Lakes and it has had a tremendous amount of rain in Southern Wisconsin.  This all flows South.  The last time I visited my boat I had to drive through 8 inches of water on the road that runs into the marina.  Thanks to the floating docks, all was well.  The marina has a nice system of floating the docks on pipes.  When we are at low water level there is 6 - 10 feet of pipe showing.  Right now the pipe at the end of my dock has about 2 feet showing and we are expecting an additional couple of inches tonight.  Might be another week before I can sail again.  I had hope for a few more sailing days before I pulled OtW out to get her ready for the trip South, end of October, but now I am just hopeful that the Chain will open soon so I can motor to the ramp and get out of Dodge.
Not the way I like to end the summer sailing season, but it is what it is.  last time I checked there was significant damage to some of the boats in the marina.  Mostly because they are not tied correctly to the dock.  A large storm came through and bounced the boats into the docks.  I use 5 lines and two horizontal fenders tied to the side of the docks so I came out un-scathed.
Sail On everyone....  Al

[Fastdoc98]

That's got to be frustrating for sure.  Who would have thought too much water would be a problem this year?!