There are several quarrys around that can be paddled. My wife and I went on one of the larger ones 2 weeks ago.  We paddled the edge and went around 2 times in 40 minutes.  They are just too small. 
The river is industrialized at the put in but it is a different story up stream.  From the car bridge 1.6 miles up stream or from the boat ramp 2000 Ft up stream there is no more industry for over 2 miles. Then there is a short stretch with trucking company’s on one side then a much longer stretch.  In that stretch of river I see coyotes and deer.

My schedule is getting tight so I need to set a date that is still open.  How about May 9?
Driving Instructions:
From I55 get off on to Lemont road south. There is 1 gas station you will pass while going south on Lemont road and that will be the last place with flush toilets and they have a subway in side. Follow Lemont road south 1.9 miles and you will be at the bottom of a hill turn right on Bluff Rd = 111th.  Follow Bluff Rd west 1.2 miles to a small park on the right. It is just before you go under I 355.  There is a shelter house but I do not have it reserved.  If it is available we can use it.   There are no tables or drinkable water. There is one porta potty. If we go up the hill to the east there is a large area with large trees and no under brush that would be good for putting up hammocks and tarps. No open fires.
10:00 Meet in a park where you could show off your non boat gear and see others gear, what ever you use for canoeing, fishing or camping. I would hope some hammocks would show up and the place I am thinking about has many places to hang hammocks.
12:00 Eat your bag lunch and pack up your gear.
01:00 Move to the river for a paddle 2.5 miles away.
Driving Instructions:
Go back to Lemont road and turn right = South. Go 750Ft and turn right on to Old Lemont  Rd. Take it over the river and under Lemont Road.  If you are a strong paddler you can turn left on a dirt road almost under the bridge to a place you can park under the bridge and carry down to the river.  Put in and paddle up stream the roughest part will be under the railroad bridge.  If you want a easier paddle after going under Lemont road go .9 miles and there is some parking on both sides of a boat ramp.  
This would be to paddle your own boat unless others offer to trade crafts for a while. We can go up stream about 2 hours then turn around and come back.
3:00 - 04:00 we load up and get off the river.
05:00 Arrive at restaurant and have a beer burger pizza or what ever.
Driving Instructions:
Go back to Lemont Road and turn right. Go 1.5 miles and turn left in to Lemont Lanes  parking lot at 1015 State street. They have a restaurant and bar on the fare end of the building form the parking lot. You can go through the bowling alley or follow the walk in front of the building to a door into the bar.

In the attached google shot A in the park and B is the boat ramp.

I need to know if we will have any one bringing any thing to show at the gear show off at 10:00.  So who will bring some piece of gear to show to others? If we don’t have several respond we will cancel that part.  

The restaurant will need to know how many of us will be there so who will be there?

[IMG]http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd254/Magicpaddler/Map.jpg[/IMG]

Magicpaddler

I'll be there, but have no vessel. I'll meet up for the gear part and then re-meet after the paddle. Its always nice to put faces with the names on here

Can't wait to see everyone!

I might be able to make it.
If I do, I'll do my "fresh Egg packing" demonstration.

A big thumbs up to you Magicpaddler, on that bushwhack last year. I just read the story.

Hay its getting close.  May 9 one week from tomorrow.  If you know any one who would be interested bring them along.
MagicPaddler