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On this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio Podcast, we begin our series on the options available for dealing with the 2020 closure of the Illinois Waterway. This episode discusses the possibility of "waiting it out" including options for waiting near Chicago until the scheduled November 1st opening, as well as moving as far into the Illinois River as is possible to wait for each lock to reopen. We'll also discuss the availability of facilities as you proceed south later than the "normal" Looper schedule and how AGLCA can support you if this is the option you choose to handle the Illinois Waterway closure during your 2020 Great Loop.

Our guest hosts this week will be Woody and Ellen Sutton. They will guide us through the ins and outs of cruising around the beautiful city of Chicago.

Join us on this week's episode of Great Loop Radio as and Looper and Chicago native, Mike O'Malley, shares advice on marinas, sites, restaurants, and how to get around the city when you visit Chicago as part of your Great Loop adventure.

Gold Looper Capt. Gene Schnagl will be joining us to talk about visiting Chicago by boat. Some of the topics we will cover are: Navigation Bridge Clearance Special places to visit Places to Provision Events and Things to Do Any Special Risks to be Aware of: Asian Carp Don't miss this informative show!

On this episode of Great Loop Radio, Larry Dostal of the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee will join us to provide advice on safe boating to Loopers heading to Chicago.

You've made it through Chicago! Now what? Popular Rendezvous Speakers Rick & Betsy Johnson will share details on how to tackle the rivers, including navigation tips, ports of call, dealing with barges and tows, and more!

Our guest on this week's episode of the Great Loop Radio podcast is Jeremy Fowler, Marina Manager at Heritage Harbor on the Illinois River. Jeremy will share details of cruising the Illinois Waterway from Chicago to its junction with the Mississippi River. We'll also talk about the Army COE's plan to close the Illinois Waterway for lock maintenance in 2020.

Registration is open for both "Great Loop Cruising: A Guide to the Looper Lifestyle" seminar in Chicago, and the Fall Rendezvous is Tennessee. Which is right for for? We'll help you decide by discussing the agenda details, who each is aimed toward, and costs for each event. Listen for all the details!

Greg & Cait did the Great Loop aboard their 37' Jeanneau sailboat. The couple, in their 30s, left Chicago aboard Firefly in late 2020, returning 8 months later after more than 6,000 miles underway. Their sailing included passages to the Bahamas, the Dry Tortugas, and more. Hear the stories of their Great Loop adventure including tips on anchoring, what they learned from running aground, and what's next for these Gold Loopers.