On Monday July20th, myself along with aldermen Lavieri, Demes, Green, and Ptak took a ride on the Volunteer. This was set up as a joint voyage with the LBA and the city Officials. The only aldermen not there were three of the newly appointed or elected officials. They were Aldermen Bacidore, Herdon, and Salazar. The Mayor did not join us but I am sure it was due to his work schedule.
He is normally off on Monday but Tuesday was a scheduled informal meeting which I am sure he switched days to attend. Members of the LaSalle Business Association joined us bringing the total number of passengers up to about 15 to 20. Our tour guide was informative but even she suggested we could talk amongst ourselves if we were not interested in the bit of history she was narrating. It was a hot evening and I was wondering what the midday passengers experienced in the way of heat at that time of day. The trip lasts an hour, and for me that was long enough. I have been to the towpath many times in my life and have seen the sights located there. I understand the historical 
significance of the canal but I have to say the trip was rather boring and I would say that once ridden the odds of a return trip to the canal experience would be less than likely. I know everyone means well but the trip needs a longer route and a bigger payoff. I don’t know if there are plans to greatly change things in the future and I would guess the CCA is limited by the DNR and what they will allow. I wish them well and hope we never run out of first time riders……..
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