So, You Want to Sail From Chicago to the Atlantic? Ditch the DeLorean, Here's the Real Deal
Ever looked at a map of the United States and thought, "Hey, Chicago's practically on a lake, how hard can it be to sail out to the ocean?" Well, buckle up, Dorothy, because this ain't Kansas (or Oz for that matter), and there's no yellow brick road on water (unless you count a giant barge, which is a whole other story).
The Great Escape: From Windy City to Big Pond
Chicago might be the "Windy City," but a strong breeze alone won't propel your ship to the Atlantic. Fear not, intrepid sailor! There's a hidden highway for these leviathans of the lake, and it's called the Great Lakes Waterway.
Think of it as a super cool obstacle course that starts at Chicago, winds its way through the Great Lakes, and finally spits you out into the vast Atlantic Ocean. Here's the breakdown:
- The Great Lakes: These aren't your average puddles. We're talking about some seriously enormous bodies of freshwater, like Lake Michigan, where Chicago chills. But hold on, there's a catch (or should we say a current?). The water level in the Great Lakes is higher than the Atlantic. So, how do ships defy gravity?
Enter the St. Lawrence Seaway: This is basically a watery staircase with a bunch of locks. Imagine giant elevators that lift ships up and down different water levels. It's pretty impressive engineering, and let's be honest, way cooler than waiting in an elevator with someone blasting polka music.
Now the Fun Part (Except for Maybe Those Locks): Once you're through the tricky bit with the locks, you're sailing smooth (well, hopefully!) through the St. Lawrence River. This majestic waterway eventually dumps you into the Atlantic Ocean, and voila! You've made it from the heartland to the open seas.
Important Side Notes (Because We Like to Keep Things Real)
- This ain't a quick weekend trip. The whole journey from Chicago to the Atlantic can take a couple of weeks, depending on the size of your ship and how often you need to stop for snacks (or engine repairs).
- Not all ships are created equal: The St. Lawrence Seaway has size restrictions, so you won't be seeing any giant cruise liners attempting this feat. Think more along the lines of freighters, cargo ships, and maybe even adventurous yachts (with very experienced captains).
So, there you have it! The next time you're in Chicago and hear that iconic wind howling, remember, it's not just whispering secrets of deep dish pizza. It could also be the call of the open ocean, just a watery obstacle course away.
