inflatable fenders. They can be deflated after the river system and reinflated for the Erie and Trent Severn systems. Pat took an old broom handle and attached a small hook on the end that made it easier for me to grab lines that were hanging down in the locks. We also had lots of rubber gloves for handling those yucky lines and a knife on deck to cut any line that may get caught while the boat is in the lock. We had 2 pairs of binoculars, one for each of us. Then we weren't constantly changing the focus when we needed them. We also invested in a good spotlight. Get paper charts, chartbooks and The Ports Guides. Your GPS will go down and will need to be rebooted at the worst time. WE KNOW! Invest in the Skipper Bob books. They are worth the small bit of money they cost for the information they contain. I used them as part of my logbook. From the top: Early morning on the Mississippi River is serene. The rivers may be boring in spots but were so peaceful. Meeting a tow in the Illinois River. Most railroad bridges must raise for boats. Some are on a schedule but most are on demand. Heading out Get to know your boat and both of you need to know how to dock and how to anchor. Trust your partner - your life could depend on what he or she does. Throw out the schedule. It adds stress. Keep a diary and logbook. Both come in handy during the trip and for years after. Be prepared for Plan B and C. Always have a second anchorage in case the first one isn't suitable or is full, (on occasion full of debris!) There are times when you will need to squeeze between the lock wall and a tow. You will make it, trust the lockmaster. Just have an emery board handy to fix the fingernails you chewed while it was happening! Meeting tows for the first time is scary, but it will soon become just another day. The tow captains are great guys and enjoy talking on the radio. They were happy to answer any questions we had. There will be fog and wind. Fog, you have to wait out but wind isn't a bother as 62 CANADIAN BOATING | FEBRUARY 2024