Captain's Log
by Captain Toby Lindo
Welcome to our second issue of Soundings!
Summer of 2009 on ROBERT ALLAN II
We had a more active summer on ROBERT ALLAN II than any other since we acquired her in 1995. Among the guests aboard for the first time were some young African-Americans now living in the Albany Park neighborhood. In this photo, Abraham Lissa is at the helm, with Chris Etsch pointing the way through the breakwater. 
Called to the Corps
On August 30, we received a call from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, asking us to help test their fish barrier on the Illinois River near Romeoville. The barrier was set up some years ago to prevent the Asian Carp from invading the Great Lakes, and destroying the native species. To improve its effectiveness, a higher voltage system was installed this summer. We agreed to help, and in early September took a 115 mile in less than 24 hours from Montrose Harbor to Romeoville and back. ROBERT ALLAN II performed without a hitch. Chris Etsch joined the Captain for the trip, and we made it to an unlighted boat launch in Worth, near Palos Park on the Calumet River by around 10:30pm, where we spent the night before the test runs. 
Bright and early the next morning, a horde of Corpsmen and Coast Guards descended upon us, one officer flying in from Washington for the day. Within a couple of hours, they had connected wires to almost every metal surface in the boat, and we proceeded from Worth to Romeoville for the test runs. After nine passes over the electric barrier, we had accumulated enough test data to confirm that while fish could not, boaters (at least in wooden vessels) could survive the passage through the barrier. And with this information in hand, after a few more days of analysis, the river was again opened to recreational boat traffic.
We were glad to get to know the men of the Corps, who, when their day was done, were no different from the rest of us: grateful for beer and food. And we were happy to be able to help the Corps accomplish its mission.
(Click for larger view)
River Cruising
We took countless river trips usually beginning and ending at the River North Pier in Ogden Slip.
We found that Flatwater Restaurant 
just west of Marina Towers has a dock which can accommodate guests visiting by water.
We had a great trip in Mid-August with Casey Carter’s uncle, Judge Michael Carter, a raconteur and distinguished son of the South. Our boat being just a bit light on crew, we were fortunate indeed to be hailed by Chris Etsch and his friend Scott as we passed beneath the Dearborn Street Bridge. These two promptly trotted down to Flatwater and jumped aboard from the Flatwater dock. So we ended up with enough Chicago hospitality for Judge Carter to carry him through the evening.
On one memorable trip with Bob Hoelterhoff and the gang from J&B Signs, the group was not satisfied when we returned to Ogden Slip after a long trip up the North Branch and demanded to be taken all the way back to Montrose Harbor. Indeed it was one of those days that no one wanted to end.
Air & Water Show
Another highlight was the annual Air and Water Show. We followed our usual custom of slowly cruising through the spectator fleet. In addition to some very nice sights seen as we cruised the fleet, we found many friends out for the weekend, including the Lady Grebe, a beautifully restored Grebe motor yacht from the early 1960’s.
Return to Winter Quarters
We made our final passage from Montrose Harbor to winter quarters at thye Canal Street Marina on November 2, and as this is written, we’re still looking for one or two more late Indian Summer days for a last cruise before we put on her covers for the winter season. As she did last winter, she will spend this coming season in the water at Canal Street, just across the Canal Street Bridge from Lawrences’ Fisheries. Last winter, this proved a very practical, safe and pleasant storage solution which gave us a place on the water at a time when almost every other Chicago boat is on dry land. In fact we had one of our best parties of the year on December 14 last winter, to say goodbye to Clem Majerus.
Eastern Hemisphere Colony
As is his custom, Clem Majerus returned to Thailand for the winter, leaving our shores after a two week stint in Jacksonville working on the Magic Castle. He left this year on November 11. He was preceded this year by Daniel Avers, known to his friends as Porky, who, finding that the United States was not big enough for him, decided at the age of 85, to venture into uncharted waters so to speak. Thanks to dear friends of Mr. Majerus, Porky has set up permanent living quarters within a mile from shore in Hua Hin, on the Bay of Thailand. 
From all reports, it appears Porky has died and gone to Heaven, without actually having to die first. A festive farewell party was held on July 28th for Porky at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Montrose Harbor. So, for any world travelers from Montrose, be advised you have friends from our home harbor in Hua Hin.
Best to all, Captain Toby