[rayk]

I'm getting back into yachting after many years of flying, and even then, was always a salt water sailor. We are looking at a small yacht on Lake Michigan and want to bring it down to Galveston, Texas. I was wondering if there is a passage from the lake down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. For some reason, I'm having difficulty getting the information and was hoping one of you might know right off the top of your head, having been there and done that. Thanks, guys. Ray

[CTdave]

About a year ago, I bought a 50' Bertram which was out in Pittsburgh. I had a captain take it down to Mobile AL via the Tennesy Tom Bigbee water way. I hear it is alot more pleasure craft friendly than the Mississippi. I don't know this first hand but I hear alot of the pleasure boats go this way.

[rayk]

Thank you, sir. This is what I've been told by a couple of folks, which is why I posted this thread. I've gone so far as to pull satellite images trying to find the path. Hopefully, someone will have the full data for me. The Tenn-tom, and/or Tom Bigbee Waterway has been cited to me before. Guess I should just break down and buy the appropriate charts and be done with it. Thanks again. Ray

[nas130]

The waterway guides do a great circle guidebook now. Contact bluewater books and charts in Fort Lauderdale, they are the best.

nas

[rayk]

Thank you, sir. I'll do just that. Ray

[Ken Bracewell]

I have done that exact trip (except we went UP the Tenn Tom and Mississippi. It can be done by any vessel of less than 8' draft and less than 19-ft. 2in. height (there is a fixed bridge in Chicago of that height).
You will travel down the Chicago River, Illinois River, Mississippi River (for about 200 miles) Ohio River, Kentucky River, Tenessee River and Tom Bigbee Waterway. (it's been a while, so I may have just made a few of those rivers up). It is a nice trip and there are marinas with fuel to stop at every night.
I would recommend a book called the Ten-Tom Nitty Gritty which can be purchased at Bluewater.
Good Luck

[rayk]

Merely perfect! Thank you, sir. Now it's back to the maps and satellite. Thanks again. Ray

[wdrzal]

If your using google earth, go to Pittsburg Pa. and zoom in on the confulance of the rivers." Point park" has some familiar "shapes" next to the fountian & thru out the park. Heinz feild (steelers) is directly across from the park and PNC ball park(Pirates) is also on the north shore.

[rayk]

In fact, google earth is exactly what I've been using. I'm retired Air Force so have knowledge of satellite imagery, thus was astounded when I discovered this service for civilians a few days ago. Been having fun ever since. Thanks for the pointers. I'll look them up now. Ray

[Loren Schweizer]

RayK:

Contact Bill Parlatore at "Passagemaker" magazine for one of their recent articles regarding a 'great loop' tour.
Can't recall just which issue it was, but they have a wealth of info regarding wwwhat you are looking for.

[rayk]

Thank you, Loren. I will do that. I want to thank all of you again. The way you all jumped in to help has been fantastic. You make me feel like I'm back in the aviation community. Ray