{"id":2337,"date":"2021-10-17T11:24:25","date_gmt":"2021-10-17T15:24:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?page_id=2337"},"modified":"2021-10-17T11:24:27","modified_gmt":"2021-10-17T15:24:27","slug":"the-inland-rivers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?page_id=2337","title":{"rendered":"The Inland Rivers"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__list wp-block-latest-posts is-layout-flow wp-block-latest-posts-is-layout-flow\"><li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?p=2309\">Seattle?  No, Chicago&#8230;<\/a><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-full-content\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">Such a spectacularly beautiful city&#8230; but while we were there, the weather did NOT facilitate photographing for you.  We had a hint on the ride in from Lake Michigan where a strange, low cloud rendered the skyline fuzzy and everything a bluish shade of gray.  Those clouds hung around pretty much our entire stay making us wonder if we had somehow landed in Seattle???  This post will set the stage while we curate the city&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7361-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2310\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7361-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7361-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7361-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7361.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7367-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7367-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7367-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7367-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7367.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"659\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7383-1024x659.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2312\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7383-1024x659.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7383-300x193.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7383-768x494.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7383.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7388-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7388-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7388-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7388-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7388.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0758-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0758-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0758-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0758.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0763-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2315\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0763-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0763-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0763.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4936-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4936-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4936-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4936-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4936.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1006\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0768-1024x1006.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0768-1024x1006.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0768-300x295.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0768-768x755.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0768.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7391-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2319\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7391-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7391-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7391-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7391.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0778-2-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0778-2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0778-2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0778-2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0778-2.jpeg 1206w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3540-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2323\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3540-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3540-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3540-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3540.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0784-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2324\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0784-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0784-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0784.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0821-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0821-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0821-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0821.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4948-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2326\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4948-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4948-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4948-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4948.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4952-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2327\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4952-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4952-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4952-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4952.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4995-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2328\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4995-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4995-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4995-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4995.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5089-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5089-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5089-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5089-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5089.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0769-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2318\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0769-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0769-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0769.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?p=2341\">Yes, Chicago!<\/a><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-full-content\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">Even with the predominantly cheerless weather AND 10 days of required isolation (yes, COVID), we are Chicago&#8217;s newest fans.  The waterfront, the bike-friendliness of the city, the architecture, the art&#8230;  and of course, the pizza!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Quarantining in Chicago<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"659\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7383-1-1024x659.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7383-1-1024x659.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7383-1-300x193.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7383-1-768x494.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7383-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Our first night was spent in the mooring field in Monroe Harbor.  Looks great from the boat, right?  Not so much ON the boat&#8230;  the waterfront swung in a 30 degree arc all night and we were going to have to be there for 10 days.\ud83e\udd22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0744-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2343\" class=\"wp-image-2343\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0744-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0744-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0744.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4905-1-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2345\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4905-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2345\" class=\"wp-image-2345\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4905-1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4905-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4905-1.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">We moved into DuSable Harbor which sits on the Lake Shore Drive bike and pedestrian trail.  From this vantage point we could watch the world go by&#8230; and get gelato &amp; groceries delivered!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Neighborhood<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With no ability to do much until we could be &#8220;sprung from jail&#8221;, we masked up and walked.  The harbor was right downtown so Grant Park, Millennium Park, Navy Pier and the River Walk were all easily accessible.  There was also a beautiful little park tucked into a block of four residential towers between the harbor and the Aon Center (Chicago headquarters for Heinz, Microsoft and the like).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4886-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4886-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4886-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4886-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4886-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0747-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2347\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0747-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0747-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0747.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>Lake Shore East Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0751-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2348\" width=\"610\" height=\"813\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0751-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0751-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0751.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px\" \/><figcaption>East Randolph St&#8230; even the streets are manicured!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0754-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2350\" class=\"wp-image-2350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0754-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0754-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0754-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0754.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4923-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2352\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2352\" class=\"wp-image-2352\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4923-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4923-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4923-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4923-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">C<span class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">loud Gate at Millennium Park, known to the locals as &#8220;The Bean&#8221;.  The picture on the right is tak<\/span>en from underneath, looking straight up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0753-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2349\" width=\"610\" height=\"457\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0753-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0753-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0753-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0753.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px\" \/><figcaption>The Jay Pritzker Pavilion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4927-1-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2356\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2356\" class=\"wp-image-2356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4927-1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4927-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4927-1.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4931-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2357\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4931.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2357\" class=\"wp-image-2357\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4931-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4931-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4931.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Crown Fountain at Millennium Par<\/span>k<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3569-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3569-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3569-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3569-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3569.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Navy Pier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3575-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2361\" class=\"wp-image-2361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3575-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3575-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3575-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3575.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3585-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2362\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2362\" class=\"wp-image-2362\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3585-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3585-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3585-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3585.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3596-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2363\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3596.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2363\" class=\"wp-image-2363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3596-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3596-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3596-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3596.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">The River Walk<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free at Last<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once we were able to, we took advantage of being tourists in the city.  We rode the Lake Front Trail to its northern end and had lunch in a little restaurant in Edgewater, we rode to the southern end and visited the Chicago Science and Industry Museum.   We saw an exhibition of work by Banksy, the British graffiti artist, and Barbara Kruger&#8217;s nightly display on the Mart (a 4 million sq ft building).  We caught the beginning of the Chicago Marathon, then rode to the finish line and watched some of the fastest runners come in.  A shout out to Dana &amp; Sarah who provided the highlight of our time in Chicago: a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright&#8217;s house and studio, as well as a walking tour of the Wright houses in Oak Park.  Many thanks for making that happen&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0820-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0820-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0820-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0820.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>The end of the Lake Shore Trail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5018-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5018-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5018-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5018-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5018.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Frank Lloyd Wright&#8217;s Unity Church<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5019-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2377\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5019-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5019-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5019-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5019.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>A private Frank Lloyd Wright house<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5020-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2378\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5020-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5020-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5020-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5020.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>And another&#8230;  the differing styles reflect the different influences over the course of his career.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5023-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2379\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5023-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5023-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5023-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5023.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The children&#8217;s playroom in Wright&#8217;s personal residence.  This photo highlights the meticulous detail&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5024-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2380\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5024-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5024-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5024-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5024.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>&#8230; this the actual scale of the room!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5025-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2381\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5025-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5025-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5025-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5025.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>They&#8217;re off!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5032-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5032-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5032-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5032-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5032.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Some of the best at mile 20&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5036-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2383\" class=\"wp-image-2383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5036-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5036-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5036.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5035-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2395\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2395\" class=\"wp-image-2395\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5035-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5035-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5035.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5041-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2390\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2390\" class=\"wp-image-2390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5041-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5041-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5041-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5041.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5040-3-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2396\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2396\" class=\"wp-image-2396\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5040-3-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5040-3-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5040-3-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5040-3.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5038-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2385\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2385\" class=\"wp-image-2385\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5038-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5038-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5038.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5037-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2384\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2384\" class=\"wp-image-2384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5037-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5037-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5037.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5039-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2397\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5039-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2397\" class=\"wp-image-2397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5039-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5039-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5039-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5039-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Some of Banksy&#8217;s most irreverent and rebellious works were on display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5070-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5070-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5070-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5070.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>The tornado simulator at the Weather exhibit in the Science &amp; Industry Museum.  We wished we could have had a couple more days to spend there!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5053-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2392\" class=\"wp-image-2392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5053-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5053-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5053-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5053-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5055-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2393\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5055.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2393\" class=\"wp-image-2393\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5055-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5055-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5055-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5055.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">A Barbara Kruger projection at the Merchandise Mart<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?p=2404\">Architecture as Art<\/a><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-full-content\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to the abundance of things to do, places to eat and sites to see, Chicago is simply a gorgeous city.  Its location on the lake, and the river which runs through it, give it a natural head start over some other cities, but the emphasis on form and detail, in buildings both new and old, combined with the geography, make it special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Architecture River Tour<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4912-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4912-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4912-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4912-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4912.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>As virtual crew, you can take the tour down the Chicago River with us&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4916-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2406\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4916-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4916-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4916.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>Marina City (1962)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3582-682x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3582-682x1024.jpeg 682w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3582-200x300.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3582-768x1154.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3582.jpeg 852w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption>The Wrigley Building (1924)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3574-682x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2429\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3574-682x1024.jpeg 682w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3574-200x300.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3574-768x1154.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3574.jpeg 852w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption>Does this need saying??? (2009)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3595-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2431\" class=\"wp-image-2431\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3595-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3595-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3595-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3595.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4993-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2438\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4993-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2438\" class=\"wp-image-2438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4993-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4993-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4993-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4993-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">The Reid, Murdoch &amp; Co.\u00a0Building (1914)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3543-682x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3543-682x1024.jpeg 682w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3543-200x300.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3543-768x1154.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3543.jpeg 852w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption>The Jeweler&#8217;s Building, in 1927 the tallest building outside New York City.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4967-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4967-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4967-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4967-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4967.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The Bank of America Tower (2020)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3598-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3598-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3598-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3598-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3598.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The Chicago School of Professional Psychology<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4974-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2416\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4974-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4974-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4974-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4974.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Chicago Union Station Tower (2021)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4983-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2417\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4983-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4983-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4983.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>300 S Wacker Drive &#8211; The design on the face of the building is a map of the river and surrounding streets; the red rectangle indicates this building&#8217;s location relative to both (renovated in 2014)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3551-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3551-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3551-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3551-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3551.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The Merchandise Mart was, when opened in 1930, the largest building in the world by usable area.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5007-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2424\" class=\"wp-image-2424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5007-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5007-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5007.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5003-1-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2443\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5003-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2443\" class=\"wp-image-2443\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5003-1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5003-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5003-1.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vista Tower (The Residences at St Regis Chicago) is the tallest building in the world designed by a woman, Jeanne Gang.  The small black stripe near the top of the 3rd tower is actually an open floor.  It is designed to allow the winds from Lake Michigan to pass through the building thereby minimizing sway.  Many of the new buildings had some feature like this, to reduce sway.  Both the old and new buildings were also designed with features that allowed light and air to reach the street level of the city (2020).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5010-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2425\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5010-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5010-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5010.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>The building in the back is the Aqua Tower, another Jeanne Gang building (2010).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4952-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4952-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4952-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4952-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4952-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>333 W Wacker Drive at Riverwalk (1983)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4987-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4987-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4987-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4987.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>The &#8220;Champagne Flute&#8221; (2017)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4963-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2412\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4963-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4963-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4963-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4963.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>180 N Wacker<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3559-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2427\" class=\"wp-image-2427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3559-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3559-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3559-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3559.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4968-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2441\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4968-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2441\" class=\"wp-image-2441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4968-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4968-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4968-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4968-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">The Civic Opera House (1929)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4956-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2410\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4956-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4956-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4956-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4956.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Fulton House Condos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4958-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2411\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4958-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4958-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4958-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_4958.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The former Montgomery Ward&#8217;s Distribution Center, now lofts (1907).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3555-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2426\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3555-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3555-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3555-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3555.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Riverview Lofts on the North Branch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3606-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3606-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3606-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3606-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3606.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Leaving Chicago on the River.  Here, finally, is the Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Architecture NOT on the River (but interesting, still the same)<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0764-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0764-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0764-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0764-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0764.jpeg 1222w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-10 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0765-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2408\" class=\"wp-image-2408\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0765-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0765-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0765.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0766-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2409\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0766.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2409\" class=\"wp-image-2409\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0766-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0766-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_0766.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5085-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2428\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5085-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5085-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5085-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5085.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3608-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3608-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3608-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3608-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3608.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3610-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3610-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3610-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3610-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3610.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3611-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3611-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3611-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3611-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3611.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?p=2455\">A Bird&#8217;s Eye View&#8230;<\/a><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-full-content\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">&#8230;of the Illinois River Waterway.  The first of the inland rivers we are traveling is known as the Illinois River Waterway.\u00a0\u00a0This section of the journey is comprised of the Chicago River, the Chicago Sanitary &amp; Ship Canal, the Des Plaines River and the Illinois River.\u00a0\u00a0We will have traveled 285 nautical miles (327 statutory miles or 526 kilometers to reach the Upper Mississippi River from Chicago.\u00a0\u00a0And as you can see, this vista could not be more different than downtown Chicago!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296219_DJI_795_jpg_5576336_0_20211017175446_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296219_DJI_795_jpg_5576336_0_20211017175446_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296219_DJI_795_jpg_5576336_0_20211017175446_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296219_DJI_795_jpg_5576336_0_20211017175446_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296219_DJI_795_jpg_5576336_0_20211017175446_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296222_DJI_798_jpg_4594575_0_20211017175516_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2457\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296222_DJI_798_jpg_4594575_0_20211017175516_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296222_DJI_798_jpg_4594575_0_20211017175516_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296222_DJI_798_jpg_4594575_0_20211017175516_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296222_DJI_798_jpg_4594575_0_20211017175516_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296208_DJI_784_jpg_4651706_0_20211017175056_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2458\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296208_DJI_784_jpg_4651706_0_20211017175056_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296208_DJI_784_jpg_4651706_0_20211017175056_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296208_DJI_784_jpg_4651706_0_20211017175056_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296208_DJI_784_jpg_4651706_0_20211017175056_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296204_DJI_780_jpg_4216181_0_20211017175040_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2459\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296204_DJI_780_jpg_4216181_0_20211017175040_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296204_DJI_780_jpg_4216181_0_20211017175040_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296204_DJI_780_jpg_4216181_0_20211017175040_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296204_DJI_780_jpg_4216181_0_20211017175040_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296210_DJI_786_jpg_4633642_0_20211017175142_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296210_DJI_786_jpg_4633642_0_20211017175142_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296210_DJI_786_jpg_4633642_0_20211017175142_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296210_DJI_786_jpg_4633642_0_20211017175142_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296210_DJI_786_jpg_4633642_0_20211017175142_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296213_DJI_789_jpg_5325410_0_20211017175242_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2461\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296213_DJI_789_jpg_5325410_0_20211017175242_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296213_DJI_789_jpg_5325410_0_20211017175242_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296213_DJI_789_jpg_5325410_0_20211017175242_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296213_DJI_789_jpg_5325410_0_20211017175242_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296228_DJI_804_jpg_4069319_0_20211017175710_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296228_DJI_804_jpg_4069319_0_20211017175710_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296228_DJI_804_jpg_4069319_0_20211017175710_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296228_DJI_804_jpg_4069319_0_20211017175710_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296228_DJI_804_jpg_4069319_0_20211017175710_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296237_DJI_813_jpg_3812401_0_20211017175844_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2463\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296237_DJI_813_jpg_3812401_0_20211017175844_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296237_DJI_813_jpg_3812401_0_20211017175844_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296237_DJI_813_jpg_3812401_0_20211017175844_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296237_DJI_813_jpg_3812401_0_20211017175844_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296289_DJI_865_jpg_4102905_0_202110187392_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296289_DJI_865_jpg_4102905_0_202110187392_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296289_DJI_865_jpg_4102905_0_202110187392_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296289_DJI_865_jpg_4102905_0_202110187392_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296289_DJI_865_jpg_4102905_0_202110187392_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296301_DJI_877_jpg_3901083_0_2021101874118_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2465\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296301_DJI_877_jpg_3901083_0_2021101874118_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296301_DJI_877_jpg_3901083_0_2021101874118_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296301_DJI_877_jpg_3901083_0_2021101874118_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296301_DJI_877_jpg_3901083_0_2021101874118_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296306_DJI_882_jpg_4298246_0_2021101874216_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2466\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296306_DJI_882_jpg_4298246_0_2021101874216_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296306_DJI_882_jpg_4298246_0_2021101874216_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296306_DJI_882_jpg_4298246_0_2021101874216_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296306_DJI_882_jpg_4298246_0_2021101874216_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296258_DJI_834_jpg_3454129_0_2021101873138_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296258_DJI_834_jpg_3454129_0_2021101873138_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, 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https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296350_DJI_926_jpg_3997785_0_2021101975048_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296350_DJI_926_jpg_3997785_0_2021101975048_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296350_DJI_926_jpg_3997785_0_2021101975048_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296379_DJI_955_jpg_4881668_0_2021101975550_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296379_DJI_955_jpg_4881668_0_2021101975550_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296379_DJI_955_jpg_4881668_0_2021101975550_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296379_DJI_955_jpg_4881668_0_2021101975550_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296379_DJI_955_jpg_4881668_0_2021101975550_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296336_DJI_912_jpg_5161650_0_2021101974856_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2475\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296336_DJI_912_jpg_5161650_0_2021101974856_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296336_DJI_912_jpg_5161650_0_2021101974856_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296336_DJI_912_jpg_5161650_0_2021101974856_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296336_DJI_912_jpg_5161650_0_2021101974856_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296333_DJI_909_jpg_4372436_0_2021101974758_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296333_DJI_909_jpg_4372436_0_2021101974758_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296333_DJI_909_jpg_4372436_0_2021101974758_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296333_DJI_909_jpg_4372436_0_2021101974758_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296333_DJI_909_jpg_4372436_0_2021101974758_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296358_DJI_934_jpg_6073962_0_2021101975210_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2477\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296358_DJI_934_jpg_6073962_0_2021101975210_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296358_DJI_934_jpg_6073962_0_2021101975210_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296358_DJI_934_jpg_6073962_0_2021101975210_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296358_DJI_934_jpg_6073962_0_2021101975210_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296355_DJI_931_jpg_6100793_0_2021101975152_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2478\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296355_DJI_931_jpg_6100793_0_2021101975152_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296355_DJI_931_jpg_6100793_0_2021101975152_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296355_DJI_931_jpg_6100793_0_2021101975152_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296355_DJI_931_jpg_6100793_0_2021101975152_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296326_DJI_902_jpg_4205205_0_2021101974552_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296326_DJI_902_jpg_4205205_0_2021101974552_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296326_DJI_902_jpg_4205205_0_2021101974552_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296326_DJI_902_jpg_4205205_0_2021101974552_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296326_DJI_902_jpg_4205205_0_2021101974552_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296345_DJI_921_jpg_5127893_0_202110197506_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296345_DJI_921_jpg_5127893_0_202110197506_photo_original-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296345_DJI_921_jpg_5127893_0_202110197506_photo_original-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296345_DJI_921_jpg_5127893_0_202110197506_photo_original-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Photo_1080296345_DJI_921_jpg_5127893_0_202110197506_photo_original.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?p=2485\">The Illinois River Supply Chain<\/a><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-full-content\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">The Illinois River has provided us with a new perspective on American industry.  Even the industrial giants (Ford, DuPont, Goodyear, Chrysler) we knew from Buffalo are further up the supply chain than the work in progress we passed traveling down the river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7791-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2486\" class=\"wp-image-2486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7791-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7791-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7791-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7791.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7794-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2488\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7794.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2488\" class=\"wp-image-2488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7794-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7794-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7794-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7794.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Behind the river banks we pass are miles and miles of farmland, let&#8217;s call that ground zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-12 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7413-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2489\" class=\"wp-image-2489\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7413-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7413-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7413-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7413.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7415-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2490\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2490\" class=\"wp-image-2490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7415-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7415-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7415-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7415.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7416-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2491\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2491\" class=\"wp-image-2491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7416-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7416-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7416-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7416.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7424-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2493\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7424-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2493\" class=\"wp-image-2493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7424-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7424-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7424-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7424-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">On the river, we see &#8220;warehouses &amp; distribution centers&#8221;, this is stone but we have seen mulch and salt stored in this manner, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7652-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7652-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7652-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7652-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7652.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The key components in this system are the towboats.  These little guys move the barges; empty ones around the processing plants and &#8220;warehouses&#8221; or full ones up and down the river.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-13 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3644-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2527\" class=\"wp-image-2527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3644-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3644-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3644-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3644.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7582-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2535\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2535\" class=\"wp-image-2535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7582-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7582-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7582-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7582-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3643-1-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2536\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2536\" class=\"wp-image-2536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3643-1-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3643-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3643-1-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3643-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7585-2-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2537\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2537\" class=\"wp-image-2537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7585-2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7585-2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7585-2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7585-2.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7590-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2538\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7590.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2538\" class=\"wp-image-2538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7590-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7590-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7590-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7590.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">PS &#8211; the towboats do not actually tow anything&#8230;  they PUSH.  The largest tow we encountered on the Illinois River Waterway was 15 barges, 3 wide x 5 long&#8230; You saw our boat next to a 3&#215;5 in the last blog entry, wait &#8217;til you see us next to a Mississippi tow!\ud83d\ude2c<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-14 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7722-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2509\" class=\"wp-image-2509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7722-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7722-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7722-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7722.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7732-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2543\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2543\" class=\"wp-image-2543\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7732-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7732-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7732-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7732-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7733-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2544\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7733-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2544\" class=\"wp-image-2544\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7733-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7733-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7733-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7733-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">This is one of the grain storage facilities we passed.  Seems to be a lot of shrinkage from this one, the others appeared much more efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-15 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7644-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2497\" class=\"wp-image-2497\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7644-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7644-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7644-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7644.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7646-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2546\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2546\" class=\"wp-image-2546\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7646-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7646-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7646-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7646-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7645-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2545\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2545\" class=\"wp-image-2545\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7645-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7645-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7645-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7645-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7648-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2547\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7648-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2547\" class=\"wp-image-2547\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7648-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7648-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7648-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7648-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">This was a processing plant for some sort of grain.  The aroma upstream of the plant was of cinnamon, as we passed the plant, cereal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-16 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7628-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2554\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2554\" class=\"wp-image-2554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7628-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7628-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7628-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7628.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7629-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2555\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7629.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2555\" class=\"wp-image-2555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7629-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7629-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7629-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7629.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Peoria, Illinois was, until recently, the home of Caterpillar&#8217;s corporate headquarters; this is probably the most well-known company we passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-17 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"592\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7659-1-1024x592.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2548\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2548\" class=\"wp-image-2548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7659-1-1024x592.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7659-1-300x173.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7659-1-768x444.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7659-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7714-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2549\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7714-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2549\" class=\"wp-image-2549\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7714-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7714-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7714-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7714-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"685\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7443-1024x685.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2496\" class=\"wp-image-2496\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7443-1024x685.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7443-300x201.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7443-768x514.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7443.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Then, there is all of the infrastructure required to support the raw material processing, transport and the employees these businesses employ.  Power stations&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-18 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7650-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2550\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7650-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2550\" class=\"wp-image-2550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7650-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7650-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7650-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7650-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7730-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2513\" class=\"wp-image-2513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7730-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7730-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7730-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7730.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7729-2-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2514\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2514\" class=\"wp-image-2514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7729-2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7729-2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7729-2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7729-2.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">&#8230; railways and the engineers who lift the bridges for the barges&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7707-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2505\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7707-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7707-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7707-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7707.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>&#8230; cell towers (not that we enjoyed any of those benefits on this leg \ud83d\ude44)&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7765-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2518\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7765-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7765-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7765-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7765.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>&#8230; the ferries which served in the place of bridges&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7560-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7560-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7560-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7560-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7560.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>&#8230; pleasure boats&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-19 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7596-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2552\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2552\" class=\"wp-image-2552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7596-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7596-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7596-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7596.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5328-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2553\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5328.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2553\" class=\"wp-image-2553\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5328-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5328-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5328-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5328.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">&#8230; tiny towns and the bars and the one or two restaurants they supported&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7429-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7429-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7429-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7429-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7429.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>&#8230;and, of course, the Army Corp of Engineers and their locks.  Without these partners in the supply chain, nothing, including us, would be transported down the inland rivers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?p=2563\">Toto, I&#8217;ve a Feeling We Are Not in Michigan Anymore&#8230;<\/a><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-full-content\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">If I neglected to mention it earlier, the Michigan state marinas spoiled us (me) rotten; easy in and out, clean facilities, free laundry in some cases (!), relatively inexpensive and staffed by friendly, knowledgable people.  Of course, DuSable in Chicago was most of these things (not the inexpensive part), as well, but the rest of our accommodations in Illinois have been, ummm, different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two of the anchorages have been spectacular and each of the little towns we visited had something we liked so I will stop with the commentary and comparison but you decide&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Joliet, IL<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"551\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5090-1024x551.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2564\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5090-1024x551.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5090-300x161.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5090-768x413.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5090.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The wall in Joliet is free but it was in a section of town where there was not much else.  On the other side of the river was a large casino but the nearest bridge was impassable due to construction.  Not that we would have gone to the casino&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5104-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5104-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5104-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5104.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>&#8230; because we were busy trying to figure out why we seemed to have lost engine cooling.  We found this in the engine cooling water strainer.  Yikes!\ud83d\ude33<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Channahon, IL<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5099-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2565\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5099-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5099-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5099-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5099.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Our first overnight on a fuel dock; our draft didn&#8217;t allow us to go any further into the marina.  This place had a great restaurant, though!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ottawa, IL<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5100-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2566\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5100-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5100-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5100-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5100.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Like Joliet, we stayed on another free wall in Ottawa.  This time, though, downtown was immediately accessible.  Ottawa was the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate and the first town we encountered on the Illinois River Road, a scenic highway running along the river, down to Havana.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Depue, IL<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5150-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2568\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5150-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5150-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5150-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5150.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Our first river anchorage; we tucked in just in front of the little island, out of the channel, but still on the river.  This was the first place we needed to use a stern anchor to keep from swinging around the anchor on our bow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3628-1024x534.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2569\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3628-1024x534.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3628-300x157.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3628-768x401.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3628.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>We did not visit the town but had delightful company the next morning.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Henry, IL<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7578-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2570\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7578-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7578-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7578-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7578.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Our second fuel dock &#8220;slip&#8221;.  Oh, and the orange box with the K is the pump-out station&#8230; \ud83d\ude35\u200d\ud83d\udcab This marina is in the development phase; a young couple bought the property and are working hard to develop it with little capital. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Peoria, IL<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7657-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2571\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7657-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7657-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7657-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7657.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>We docked underneath the dam, next to the lock.  Not my favorite&#8230;  the tows run through the lock ALL night&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Havana, IL<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7664-1024x574.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2572\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7664-1024x574.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7664-300x168.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7664-768x431.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7664.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>A GREAT anchorage&#8230;  off the river, way behind the island with a dingy dock less than half a mile away.  Havana is the end of the Illinois River Road and a lively little  town.  Plus, we had the best dinner on the Illinois River at Babe&#8217;s on Plum!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-20 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5305-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2573\" class=\"wp-image-2573\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5305-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5305-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5305-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5305.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5307-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2575\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2575\" class=\"wp-image-2575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5307-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5307-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5307-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5307-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5308-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2576\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2576\" class=\"wp-image-2576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5308-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5308-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5308-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5308.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5322-1-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2579\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2579\" class=\"wp-image-2579\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5322-1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5322-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5322-1.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5326-1-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2580\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5326-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2580\" class=\"wp-image-2580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5326-1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5326-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5326-1.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">&#8216;Grandma&#8217;s Got a Notion&#8217; quilting supply store had a surprisingly large on-hand inventory for the size of the town and the historic water tower inspired a creative solution to the problem of a left-over tree stump!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diamond Island, IL<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7771-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7771-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7771-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7771-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7771.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>We anchored in the dam pool of the LaGrange lock but I don&#8217;t have a photo for that overnight.  Our water tank sloshed all night long from the current coming over the dam so we did not like that anchorage AT ALL.  This is Diamond Island and it was a well-deserved reward for the night before.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7777-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2582\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7777-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7777-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7777-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7777.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>This guy had breakfast with us at Diamond Island!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hardin, IL<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-21 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7795-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2584\" class=\"wp-image-2584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7795-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7795-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7795-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7795.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7799-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2590\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7799-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2590\" class=\"wp-image-2590\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7799-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7799-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7799-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7799-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Not even sure what to call this&#8230;  no pump-out or fuel dock, just a spot deep enough and securely tied to the bank of the river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7786-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2583\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7786-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7786-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7786-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7786.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The best part of Hardin was the bicycle ride we took to get our first glimpse of the Mississippi.  Hardin is pretty much the last town before the junction of the Illinois and the Mississippi.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grafton, IL<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7831-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2587\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7831-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7831-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7831-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_7831.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Another fuel pump\/pump-out slip in Grafton.  We tried to get into the slip they assigned, A1, but got stuck.  Seems they did not know their depths although we called that morning to confirm 6&#8217;+.  \ud83d\ude44<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3673-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2586\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3673-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3673-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3673-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3673.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Grafton did have this cool chairlift\/gondola ride you could take to a nice restaurant at the top of the hill, though. The ride was closed so we walked; the views were spectacular and the pizza was delicious.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3684-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2588\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3684-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3684-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3684-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/DSC_3684.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>And, finally, we have arrived at the Mississippi River.  And, finally, we have the beginning of what we know as autumn!  This is mile 0 of the Illinois and mile 218 of the Upper Mississippi.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?p=2626\">A Furlough and An Accomplishment<\/a><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-full-content\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">What was supposed to be only a 4 day hiatus turned into a month long furlough for me and required Christian to move the boat, alone, from Grafton to Memphis.  I would love to post pictures of the reason why but have neglected to get Elias&#8217; approval to do so&#8230; and new grandparents do not want to start off on the wrong foot! \ud83e\udd17\ud83e\udd17\ud83d\udc76\ud83d\udc4d\ud83d\udc83\u263a\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Christian was kind enough to document his journey in pictures for us&#8230;  A solo journey on the Upper Mississippi is quite an accomplishment so we will forgive him the lack of editorial.  I will add color where I can but full disclosure, I was not here&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3690-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3690-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3690-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3690-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3690.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The flotilla from Grafton to Paducah; Christian&#8217;s traveling companions turned off at the Ohio to make their way down the Tenn-Tom route but he had company for the first three days.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3781-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3781-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3781-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3781-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3781.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3688-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2627\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3688-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3688-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3688-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3688.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The famous Hoppies stop&#8230;  I am truly sorry to have missed this as it is legendary among the Loopers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3736-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2629\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3736-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3736-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3736-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3736.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>There was a very dicey start one morning &#8211; fog!  This is hard with two sets of eyes, a major feat alone!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3792-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2632\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3792-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3792-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3792-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3792.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>See you in&#8230; wherever!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3796-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2633\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3796-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3796-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3796-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3796.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>A tow head; these are Mississippi River features made famous by Mark Twain.  Huck often landed his raft on a tow head and Jim hid in among the trees when necessary.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3806-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2634\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3806-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3806-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3806-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3806.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Please make note of the gauge which marks swings in the rivers depth&#8230; and notice how low it is currently.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3821-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3821-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3821-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3821-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3821.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The Mississippi River current added 4-5 mph of speed to Christian&#8217;s travels.  We plan the day&#8217;s trip, normally, using 7 mph as travel speed.  It is completely conservative to use 10 mph descending the Mississippi and Christian reported he saw 13 one time!\ud83d\ude80<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3875-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3875-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3875-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3875-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3875.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The big boys are ALOT bigger on the Mississippi&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3828-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2636\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3828-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3828-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3828-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3828.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>A gaggle of tows.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-22 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3849-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2638\" class=\"wp-image-2638\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3849-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3849-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3849-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3849.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3856-1-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2646\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2646\" class=\"wp-image-2646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3856-1-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3856-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3856-1-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3856-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3943-1-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2647\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3943-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2647\" class=\"wp-image-2647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3943-1-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3943-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3943-1-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3943-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">The Mississippi has no pleasure boating infrastructure to speak of so overnights stops are slack harbors (inlets where barges are loaded or tows are staged) or sides of the river where the bends are wide and the current is low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3832-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2637\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3832-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3832-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3832-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3832.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>This geographical feature was most likely produced by barges parked on the river.  The tows beach the barges on the tow heads&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3986-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3986-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3986-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3986-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3986.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Very little in the way of development along the banks of the river&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3974-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2642\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3974-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3974-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3974-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3974.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>&#8230; but interesting nonetheless.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3993-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2644\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3993-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3993-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3993-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_3993.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The Memphis skyline<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?p=2658\">The Lower Mississippi Bridge Towns<\/a><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-full-content\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">There are surprisingly few bridges over the Lower Mississippi River. They are located at the important (or formerly important) towns on the river and were natural stops for us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Memphis, TN<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Memphis is the largest of the Lower River towns we visited; it is a vibrant, colorful city and we enjoyed the barbecue, blues and Beale Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-23 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5734-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2665\" class=\"wp-image-2665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5734-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5734-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5734-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5734.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5713-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2679\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5713-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2679\" class=\"wp-image-2679\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5713-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5713-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5713-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5713-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Memphis actually has multiple bridges spanning the Mississippi. On the left the I-40 interstate bridge and on the right the pedestrian bridge to Mud Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5693-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5693-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5693-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5693-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5693.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The Memphis Yacht Club, Aurora&#8217;s berth for the week we were in Boston, was on Mud Island. The pyramid in the background is the world&#8217;s largest Bass Pro Shop!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-24 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0939-1-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2675\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0939-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2675\" class=\"wp-image-2675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0939-1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0939-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0939-1.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"896\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5703-896x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2661\" class=\"wp-image-2661\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5703-896x1024.jpeg 896w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5703-263x300.jpeg 263w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5703-768x878.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5703.jpeg 1120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 896px) 100vw, 896px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Beale Street and the South Main shopping district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-25 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5715-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2662\" class=\"wp-image-2662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5715-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5715-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5715-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5715.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5722-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2663\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2663\" class=\"wp-image-2663\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5722-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5722-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5722.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5723-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2664\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2664\" class=\"wp-image-2664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5723-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5723-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5723-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5723.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Mud Island Park&#8217;s Riverwalk. This is a model of the Mississippi River from Cairo, Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico.\u00a0The model includes the river&#8217;s meanderings, towns and the bridges spanning the river. It is 2000 ft (600 m) long with a scale of 30 inches to a mile (1:63360).\u00a0\u00a0The last image is our destination, New Orleans, represented in the model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5740-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5740-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5740-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5740-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5740.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The Lorraine Motel and the balcony where Martin Luther King was assassinated.\u00a0\u00a0The motel is now part of an exhibit in the National Civil Rights Museum.\u00a0\u00a0The museum exhibits document the history of slavery and the on-going struggle for civil rights in the US.\u00a0\u00a0The exhibits are detailed and dense; we didn\u2019t get through everything but what we did see was sobering.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-26 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0937-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2667\" class=\"wp-image-2667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0937-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0937-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0937.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5842-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2669\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2669\" class=\"wp-image-2669\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5842-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5842-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5842.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5840-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2668\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2668\" class=\"wp-image-2668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5840-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5840-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5840.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0938-1-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2672\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0938-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2672\" class=\"wp-image-2672\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0938-1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0938-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0938-1.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5844-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2671\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2671\" class=\"wp-image-2671\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5844-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5844-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5844.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Memphis, home of the Memphis Blues\ud83c\udfb7\ud83c\udfb7\ud83c\udfb7<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5861-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2677\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5861-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5861-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5861-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5861.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The Rum Boogie Club also had &#8220;art guitars&#8221;.  Hanging from the ceiling were all sorts of guitars autographed by famous (and maybe not so famous &#8217;cause some I had no idea who they were) clientele like Doug Flutie!  These guitars were given to their guests to sign but they also had guitars owned and autographed by professional musicians displayed in cases on the walls.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5846-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2673\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5846-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5846-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5846-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5846.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>This unfortunate irony will be a common theme&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Helena &#8211; West Helena, AR<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Helena was once the seat of the highest cotton producing county in the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is the birthplace of Conway Twitty and Sonny Boy Williamson.&nbsp;&nbsp;The annual King Biscuit Blues festival is held here every October and 30,000+ blues fans bolster the local economy for four days. (Helena is home to radio station KFFA; the original King Biscuit Hour was broadcast from here.) Today, Helena is a shadow of its former self.&nbsp;&nbsp;To be fair, we visited on a Sunday, but it was as if we stumbled onto a movie set during off hours\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0952-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0952-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0952-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0952-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0952.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0953-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0953-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0953-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0953-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0953.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5892-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2718\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5892-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5892-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5892-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5892.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0955-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2719\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0955-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0955-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0955.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5863-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2708\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5863-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5863-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5863-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5863.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5865-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2709\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5865-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5865-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5865-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5865.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5871-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2710\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5871-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5871-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5871-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5871.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5873-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2711\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5873-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5873-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5873-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5873.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5887-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2717\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5887-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5887-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5887-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5887.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-27 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5880-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2713\" class=\"wp-image-2713\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5880-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5880-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5880-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5880.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5886-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2715\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5886.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2715\" class=\"wp-image-2715\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5886-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5886-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5886-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5886.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">There is a small, neat park at the end of Cherry St which dispelled a bit of the gloom&#8230; until you googled &#8220;What was the Elaine Massacre?&#8221;.  The image on the right is a memorial to the victims of the massacre.  From the memorial alone, unless you had previous knowledge, you would never know it was the largest race riot in the history of the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5884-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2716\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5884-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5884-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5884-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5884-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5897-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5897-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5897-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5897-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5897.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5901-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2721\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5901-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5901-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5901-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5901.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">We left Helena-West Helena more aware of the havoc the loss of economic activity can have on a community.  We saw this played out in upstate New York but, moving quickly into the tourist infrastructure of the Erie Canal, quickly forgot the dismal places.  Here, in the middle of the country, you get reminded almost every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7897-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2724\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7897-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7897-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7897-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7897.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Greenville, MS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Greenville is another struggling river town.&nbsp;&nbsp;At one point, Greenville had a large marine industry servicing the tows and barges that run the river.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Carter administration\u2019s Soviet Union grain embargo wiped out many of the players when grain transport for export was halted.  Today there is only a single service still in operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Delta Blues scene was also a vibrant component of life in Greenville.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nelson Street was once lined with music venues like Beale Street in Memphis.  Doe\u2019s Eat Place, on Nelson St, was one of the blues clubs but continues today only as a restaurant, one the few remaining in town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7970-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2730\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7970-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7970-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7970-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7970.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>A tow in dry dock at the remaining marine service company.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"690\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7975-1024x690.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2731\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7975-1024x690.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7975-300x202.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7975-768x517.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7975.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>This is the town boat ramp, sized to accept the Mississippi cruise ships.  You will see the same in Vicksburg.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5934-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5934-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5934-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5934-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5934.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>We had a slip here and Hal, the commodore of the yacht club, could not have been nicer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5933-1-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2751\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5933-1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5933-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5933-1.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>Two $64.00 rib eyes at Doe&#8217;s Eat Place.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5937-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2734\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5937-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5937-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5937-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5937.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Peter, Cindy and Kristen met us, again, on this southern loop and were kind enough to take us shopping, to the laundromat and site seeing in Cleveland, MS (45 mins east of Greenville).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5953-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2746\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5953-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5953-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5953-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5953-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-28 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0963-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2737\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2737\" class=\"wp-image-2737\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0963-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0963-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0963.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0959-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2735\" class=\"wp-image-2735\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0959-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0959-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0959.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5948-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2743\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2743\" class=\"wp-image-2743\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5948-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5948-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5948-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5948.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5939-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2748\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2748\" class=\"wp-image-2748\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5939-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5939-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5939-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5939.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5940-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2749\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2749\" class=\"wp-image-2749\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5940-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5940-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5940-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5940.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5944-2-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2750\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5944-2.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2750\" class=\"wp-image-2750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5944-2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5944-2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5944-2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5944-2.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5947-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2741\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2741\" class=\"wp-image-2741\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5947-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5947-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5947-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5947.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5952-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2744\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2744\" class=\"wp-image-2744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5952-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5952-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5952-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5952.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0970-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2742\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2742\" class=\"wp-image-2742\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0970-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0970-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0970.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0965-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2739\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2739\" class=\"wp-image-2739\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0965-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0965-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0965-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0965.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">We stopped at Dockery Plantation on the way back to Greenville. The plantation was extremely well maintained and the inside workings of the cotton gin were fascinating.  Check out the price for Premium at the gas station!!!\ud83d\ude06 Dockery is also reported to be the birthplace of the blues; Charley Patton lived and learned his craft here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4006-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2747\" width=\"612\" height=\"407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4006-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4006-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4006-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4006.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px\" \/><figcaption>Greenville&#8217;s Route 82 bridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vicksburg, MS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All of the marketing material and tourist info we saw refer to Vicksburg as &#8220;The Key to the South&#8221;.  The moniker was earned when Lincoln referred to Vicksburg&#8217;s strategic importance for Union victory during the Civil War and remains relevant today with the well-preserved historical and cultural attractions.  Vicksburg is home to the National Military Park, which commemorates the battle for Vicksburg, and the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum, which showcases the river and the Army Corp of Engineers efforts to mange it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0980-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2779\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0980-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0980-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0980-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0980.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"767\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0976-1-767x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0976-1-767x1024.jpeg 767w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0976-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0976-1-768x1025.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0976-1.jpeg 828w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 767px\" \/><figcaption>The Army Corp maintains this history of flooding in Vicksburg at the town dock.  Much of the Lower Mississippi Museum explains the Corp&#8217;s work to mitigate flood damage and control the course of the river.  In 1927, 27,000 square miles of the delta were flooded and more than 200,000 residents were displaced when the levees collapsed.  Even with improved flood control measures, you can see from the gauges the river&#8217;s rise in 2011.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0981-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0981-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0981-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0981.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>The entrance to the National Military Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-29 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0986-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2761\" class=\"wp-image-2761\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0986-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0986-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0986-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0986.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0990-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2765\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2765\" class=\"wp-image-2765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0990-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0990-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0990-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0990-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0991-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2766\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0991-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2766\" class=\"wp-image-2766\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0991-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0991-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0991-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0991-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7990-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2762\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7990-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7990-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7990-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7990.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">The Union and Confederate lines are documented with blue and red plaques throughout the park.  In some places, the lines are only a couple of feet apart&#8230;  Also, this was all farm land before the battle and, like most all of the Delta farm lands, probably cleared by hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-30 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0992-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2767\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2767\" class=\"wp-image-2767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0992-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0992-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0992-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0992.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0993-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2768\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2768\" class=\"wp-image-2768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0993-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0993-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0993-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0993.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">At the highest point in the park, you begin to understand why Vicksburg was so important a military asset.  It was the highest terrain we had seen since Memphis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-31 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7994-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2770\" class=\"wp-image-2770\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7994-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7994-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7994-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7994.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7995-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2771\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2771\" class=\"wp-image-2771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7995-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7995-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7995-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7995.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5981-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2772\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2772\" class=\"wp-image-2772\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5981-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5981-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5981-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5981.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5984-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2773\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5984.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2773\" class=\"wp-image-2773\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5984-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5984-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5984-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5984.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">The USS Cairo was one of seven ironclads, naval military vessels designed to navigate the river&#8217;s shallows.  The Cairo was damaged in the battle of Vicksburg, sunk and was recovered in 1964.  The museum has reconstructed the Cairo from parts salvaged from the original.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7999-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2774\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7999-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7999-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7999-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_7999.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Hanging with the big boys&#8230;\ud83d\ude43<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-32 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5990-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2781\" class=\"wp-image-2781\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5990-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5990-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5990-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5990.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5991-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2782\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5991-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?attachment_id=2782\" class=\"wp-image-2782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5991-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5991-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5991-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5991-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">The Riverfront Murals on Catfish Row, the downtown arts district in Vicksburg.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5996-1-1024x475.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2783\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5996-1-1024x475.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5996-1-300x139.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5996-1-768x356.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5996-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The US 20 bridge to Vicksburg.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4002-1024x681.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2780\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4002-1024x681.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4002-300x199.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4002-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4002.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Vicksburg marks the end of our Mississippi Delta adventure; the Delta, officially, began on Beale Street in Memphis and ends here in Catfish Row.  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?p=2791\">Fun with Math<\/a><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-full-content\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">We have been posting pictures of the tows we encountered on this trip and, admittedly, it has been difficult to convey the enormity of the vehicles without special camera lenses.  At the Lower Mississippi River Museum in Vicksburg, we stumbled on the perfect tool to provide context and convey size!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0977-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0977-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0977-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0977.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>This is the secret decoder ring for understanding tows in a language most of us understand &#8211; train cars and semi trucks! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0978-1-1024x767.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2794\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0978-1-1024x767.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0978-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0978-1-768x575.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0978-1.jpeg 1236w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The equivalent measures in tonnage, bushels and gallons are in the small print at the top of this display.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4012-1-1024x515.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2801\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4012-1-1024x515.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4012-1-300x151.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4012-1-768x386.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4012-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"596\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4015-1-1-1024x596.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2802\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4015-1-1-1024x596.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4015-1-1-300x175.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4015-1-1-768x447.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4015-1-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>This is the largest tow we have seen to date &#8211; 7 wide by 8 long, 56 barges! The tow is 1750 ft (533 m) long, and 240 ft (73 m) wide. Let&#8217;s do the equivalent units math: 728 train cars (the longest train we have seen was 99 cars so 7+ trains), 3,248 semi trucks carrying 84,448 tons of cargo.  Wow!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0979-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2798\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0979-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0979-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0979.jpeg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>Another plus for river transport! Besides keeping all of those semi trucks off the road, tows use less fuel per ton!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?p=2805\">A Bittersweet Good-bye<\/a><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-full-content\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">This is turning out to be a week of milestones! \u00a0On Sunday, we reached the western most point of our trip when we left the Mississippi for the Atchafalaya River.  Today, we have officially left the inland rivers we started back in Troy, NY, and are now back in tidal waters.\u00a0\u00a0We were 3 more days on the Mississippi, after Vicksburg, and 2 more days on the Atchafalaya River.\u00a0\u00a0There was nowhere to get off the boat during this 5 day stretch so, cabin fever setting in, we were thrilled to step off the boat in Morgan City.\u00a0\u00a0Still, we will miss the rivers and the extraordinary experiences we were lucky enough to have had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"817\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0036-817x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2817\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0036-817x1024.jpeg 817w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0036-239x300.jpeg 239w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0036-768x963.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_0036.jpeg 1021w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 817px) 100vw, 817px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8009-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2808\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8009-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8009-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8009-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8009.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6002-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2811\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6002-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6002-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6002-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6002.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6001-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2810\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6001-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6001-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6001-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6001.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6348-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2814\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6348-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6348-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6348-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6348.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8013-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2812\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8013-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8013-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8013-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8013.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8030-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2813\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8030-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8030-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8030-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8030.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"588\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4029-1024x588.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2815\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4029-1024x588.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4029-300x172.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4029-768x441.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DSC_4029.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5998-1024x532.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2809\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5998-1024x532.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5998-300x156.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5998-768x399.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_5998.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?p=2879\">The Mississippi River by Air &#8230;<\/a><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-full-content\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">It is hard to comprehend the sheer scale of the Mississippi. From St. Louis (where we joined the Mississippi with the Illinois River) to New Orleans it is about 1000 miles long (1600 km). But it is its width, the bends and the islands (tow heads) which make the river truly majestic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080360969_DJI_9_jpg_4870812_0_202111417634_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2886\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080360969_DJI_9_jpg_4870812_0_202111417634_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080360969_DJI_9_jpg_4870812_0_202111417634_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080360969_DJI_9_jpg_4870812_0_202111417634_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080360969_DJI_9_jpg_4870812_0_202111417634_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Kaskaskia River joining the Mississippi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080296423_DJI_999_jpg_5066161_0_202111417458_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2885\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080296423_DJI_999_jpg_5066161_0_202111417458_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080296423_DJI_999_jpg_5066161_0_202111417458_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080296423_DJI_999_jpg_5066161_0_202111417458_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080296423_DJI_999_jpg_5066161_0_202111417458_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Fellow travelers tied up at the Kaskaskia River Lock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080360976_DJI_16_jpg_5316116_0_202111417754_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2887\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080360976_DJI_16_jpg_5316116_0_202111417754_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080360976_DJI_16_jpg_5316116_0_202111417754_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080360976_DJI_16_jpg_5316116_0_202111417754_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080360976_DJI_16_jpg_5316116_0_202111417754_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Kaskaskia River Lock. We did not actually travel through the lock, just use it as a convenient &#8211; and safe &#8211; tie-up. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361002_DJI_42_jpg_6401016_0_2021115171156_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2888\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361002_DJI_42_jpg_6401016_0_2021115171156_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361002_DJI_42_jpg_6401016_0_2021115171156_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361002_DJI_42_jpg_6401016_0_2021115171156_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361002_DJI_42_jpg_6401016_0_2021115171156_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The same boats anchored at the Little Diversion Channel near Cape Girardeau. After this night, Aurora traveled without companion boats, as the other boats went up the Ohio River to continue their journey towards the Ten-Tom Waterway.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361044_DJI_84_jpg_4201685_0_202111672044_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2889\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361044_DJI_84_jpg_4201685_0_202111672044_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361044_DJI_84_jpg_4201685_0_202111672044_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361044_DJI_84_jpg_4201685_0_202111672044_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361044_DJI_84_jpg_4201685_0_202111672044_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Morning fog near Cape Girardeau. Note the tow with barges parked on the right bank. The big guys also don&#8217;t like to travel in fog.  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361053_DJI_93_jpg_4209589_0_202111771922_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2890\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361053_DJI_93_jpg_4209589_0_202111771922_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361053_DJI_93_jpg_4209589_0_202111771922_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361053_DJI_93_jpg_4209589_0_202111771922_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361053_DJI_93_jpg_4209589_0_202111771922_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Hickman Slack Harbor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361059_DJI_99_jpg_4693638_0_202111772128_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2891\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361059_DJI_99_jpg_4693638_0_202111772128_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361059_DJI_99_jpg_4693638_0_202111772128_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361059_DJI_99_jpg_4693638_0_202111772128_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361059_DJI_99_jpg_4693638_0_202111772128_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Old Mississippi flow path at Hickman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361120_DJI_160_jpg_3964523_0_2021117111132_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2893\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361120_DJI_160_jpg_3964523_0_2021117111132_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361120_DJI_160_jpg_3964523_0_2021117111132_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361120_DJI_160_jpg_3964523_0_2021117111132_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361120_DJI_160_jpg_3964523_0_2021117111132_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>View from upriver to the downriver after the New Madrid meander. Direct distance is  0.9 miles but traveling on the river, it takes over 18 miles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361123_DJI_163_jpg_3645723_0_2021117111148_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2894\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361123_DJI_163_jpg_3645723_0_2021117111148_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361123_DJI_163_jpg_3645723_0_2021117111148_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361123_DJI_163_jpg_3645723_0_2021117111148_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361123_DJI_163_jpg_3645723_0_2021117111148_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>New Madrid meander<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361165_DJI_205_jpg_4543234_0_2021118131516_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2896\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361165_DJI_205_jpg_4543234_0_2021118131516_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361165_DJI_205_jpg_4543234_0_2021118131516_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361165_DJI_205_jpg_4543234_0_2021118131516_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361165_DJI_205_jpg_4543234_0_2021118131516_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Obion River<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361241_DJI_281_jpg_5059847_0_202111817450_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2899\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361241_DJI_281_jpg_5059847_0_202111817450_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361241_DJI_281_jpg_5059847_0_202111817450_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361241_DJI_281_jpg_5059847_0_202111817450_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361241_DJI_281_jpg_5059847_0_202111817450_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>View from the Obion River anchorage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361219_DJI_259_jpg_4577729_0_2021118165436_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2898\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361219_DJI_259_jpg_4577729_0_2021118165436_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361219_DJI_259_jpg_4577729_0_2021118165436_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361219_DJI_259_jpg_4577729_0_2021118165436_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361219_DJI_259_jpg_4577729_0_2021118165436_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>View from Obion River <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361193_DJI_233_jpg_4703203_0_2021118163820_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2897\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361193_DJI_233_jpg_4703203_0_2021118163820_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361193_DJI_233_jpg_4703203_0_2021118163820_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361193_DJI_233_jpg_4703203_0_2021118163820_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361193_DJI_233_jpg_4703203_0_2021118163820_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Towhead at Wrights Point<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361147_DJI_187_jpg_5424590_0_2021118125844_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2895\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361147_DJI_187_jpg_5424590_0_2021118125844_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361147_DJI_187_jpg_5424590_0_2021118125844_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361147_DJI_187_jpg_5424590_0_2021118125844_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361147_DJI_187_jpg_5424590_0_2021118125844_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Mississippi at Obion River<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361266_DJI_306_jpg_4637313_0_202111917654_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2901\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361266_DJI_306_jpg_4637313_0_202111917654_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361266_DJI_306_jpg_4637313_0_202111917654_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361266_DJI_306_jpg_4637313_0_202111917654_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361266_DJI_306_jpg_4637313_0_202111917654_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Osceola Slack Harbor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361255_DJI_295_jpg_4314792_0_202111917512_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361255_DJI_295_jpg_4314792_0_202111917512_photo_original.jpg-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361255_DJI_295_jpg_4314792_0_202111917512_photo_original.jpg-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361255_DJI_295_jpg_4314792_0_202111917512_photo_original.jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Photo_1080361255_DJI_295_jpg_4314792_0_202111917512_photo_original.jpg.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Sunset over Osceola, Arkansas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DJI_0016-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2883\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DJI_0016-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DJI_0016-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DJI_0016-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DJI_0016.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Chute at Waterproof Bar, Louisiana<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DJI_0031-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2884\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DJI_0031-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DJI_0031-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DJI_0031-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/DJI_0031.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Upstream view at Waterproof Bar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/?p=2911\">The Mississippi River by Ear &#8230;<\/a><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-full-content\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">We left the Mississippi River at the Old River lock to continue south on the Atchafalaya River, the 5th largest river in North America by discharge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6335-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2907\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6335-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6335-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6335-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_6335.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The Old River Lock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8031-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2908\" srcset=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8031-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8031-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8031-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_8031.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Years of flooding at different levels have created a mural on the lock gates.  And that is not the only art associated with this lock&#8230;<br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Old-River-Lock.m4a\"><\/audio><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">&#8230;  this is the symphony we enjoyed while locking through.  Listen!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2337","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2337","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2337"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2337\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2338,"href":"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2337\/revisions\/2338"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/svaurora.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2337"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}