Chain O' Lakes Breeze for August of 2019

Breeze Chain O’ Lakes

INSIDE AUGUST 2019 • VOL. 6 NO. 3

• Visit the park • Enjoy boating • Things to do

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CHAIN O LAKES BREEZE AUGUST 2019

Stay safe around the water this summer Summer is here, which means that more children will be in and around water areas such as pools, lakes and oceans. Like many parents, you worry about your children’s safety around water, no matter how old they are.

According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of injury death among children aged 1 to 4, and the third leading cause of unintentional injury death in children and adolescents aged 5 to 19. Two children die every day due to drowning, and according to a study from the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, 88 percent of children who drown do so while under adult supervision. Many don’t realize that drowning can occur quietly, with no overt signs that the child is in trouble.

The good news is that you can follow safety tips – and teach your children skills – to help keep them safe while enjoying water activities. Supervising children vigilantly and creating barriers to accessing water unexpectedly are the first steps in averting a tragedy.

Teaching children how to be safe in and around water is one of the most important life skills parents can give their children.

In fact, research shows that participation in formal water safety and swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children 1 to 4 years of age.

Lindsay Mondick, Senior Manager of Aquatics at YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) offers important safety tips to protect your children from harm around water, whether it’s in the bathtub, at the beach or in a pool.

NEVER SWIM ALONE

Nobody should swim by themselves, in case of accident. Teach your children that they should never enter the water anywhere without a lifeguard and/or responsible caregiver attending them.

STAY ATTENTIVE AND WATCH WITHOUT DISTRACTION

If you’re with a large group, or even if a lifeguard is present, designate one person to watch the child or children at all times.

If children are in a pool or near a body of water, a caregiver needs to be close, paying full attention and not distracted by a phone or other diversions.

WEAR U.S. COAST GUARD-APPROVED LIFE JACKETS Children and adolescents must wear appropriately sized and weighted life jackets in or around watercraft. It’s important to understand that not all life jackets are Coast Guard approved. Adults can check this feature by looking at the tag on the inside of the jacket. Non-swimmers and small children should always wear life jackets when near water and while swimming. Adults should also wear them to model safe behavior.

DON’T PRACTICE HOLDING YOUR BREATH UNDER WATER Children should not have breath-holding contests or participate in underwater swimming challenges that could risk their lives.

Learn CPR. When seconds count, bystanders may be the first to help, so learning CPR may save a life. If you were CPR certified years ago, take a refresher course. CPR classes are available at community centers, hospitals and the American Red Cross.

TEACH BASIC SWIM SKILLS EARLY Not only do most children enjoy swimming lessons, but taking formal lessons can save their lives. Many free or reduced-cost options for classes are available at your local YMCA for children from 6 months old through adults.

Learning basic water safety and swimming skills at an early age helps children cope with potential dangers. In Safety Around Water classes at the Y, adults and children learn what to do if they find themselves in water unexpectedly.

Participants practice basic skills like how to float and tread water; learning how to push off the bottom of the pool as they are submerging to get back to the surface can help a child find and grab the side of the pool for safety.

Each year, the Y teaches over a million children and teens how to swim, providing lessons about water safety in a fun, safe environment. There are classes available to meet every family’s needs and schedules.

Water safety not only saves lives but also builds confidence.

Learning to enjoy activities in and around the water nurtures children’s social-emotional, cognitive and physical development. Water safety and swimming lessons promote a lifelong enjoyment of swimming while encouraging healthy living.

For more information visit www.ymca. net.

(BPT)

Chain O’Lakes

Breeze

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On the cover

Canoes, kayaks and other watercraft can be rented from Catfish Cove at the Chain O’Lakes Park. They also offer all the safety equipment required to head out on the water.

(Sandra Landen Machaj photo)

At left: Far too many people die from drowning each year in the United States. Exercising caution when swimming or boating is paramount to keeping everyone safe. Above: Young children are especially at risk around water.

Nothing substitutes for adult supervision; keep your eyes on the kids at all times when out on the lake or by the pool.

STOCK PHOTOS The Breeze

CHAIN O LAKES BREEZE AUGUST 2019

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This pier and bench along Turner Lake provides visitors to the Chain O’Lakes State Park a scenic resting spot to enjoy the serenity of the lake.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ The Breeze

Enjoy nature at its finest Chain O’Lakes State Park offers fun for all

By Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPENDENT

Looking to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather and spend time enjoying a mini vacation? Chain O’Lakes State Park offers a variety of activities for your whole family, so close to home it makes a single day outing or weekend camping trip easily accessible.

Located in the northeastern corner of Illinois in both Lake and McHenry counties, and bordered by Wilmot Road and Illinois Highway 173, the 2,800-acre state park with its adjoining 3,200-acre conservation area makes it large enough that there is always some interesting activity to enjoy.

The park became a state park, named in 1946 with an initial purchase of 849 acres.

By 1957, it was able to expand its size with the incorporation of land that was the home of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp founded in the 1930s.

Further growth occurred in 1969 when the Department of Conservation purchased the acreage, which was known as the Stevens Farm. The Stevens family originally received the property in 1843 as a land grant.

The park contains a diverse blend of open prairie, and heavily wooded areas with beautiful trees that form canopies over the trails and roads through the area, including the 44-acre Turner Lake.

Imagine a day at the park with a variety of outdoor activities for every member of the family to enjoy. Start by bringing a picnic lunch and enjoy one of the pleasant picnic areas to enjoy time with family or friends while you enjoy your lunch.

There are seven picnic areas each equipped with tables, water, grills, and toilets. Three of the areas – Oak Grove, Maple Grove and Oak Point – have playground equipment on site that will keep the kids busy for hours.

Four of the groves – Oak Point, Deer Path, Oak Grove and Catfish Cove – have picnic shelters that will protect from sun or rain. The use of these shelters requires a reservation, and a $25 fee, which can be made on line at www.reserveamerica.com.

Groups of 25 or more who wish to picnic in the park must secure advanced written permission from the Park Office.

Water sports Chain O’Lakes State Park is a water lover’s paradise. Located in the heart of the Chain O’Lakes region, it borders three of the chain’s lakes, Grass Lake, Lake Marie and Nippersink Lake along with the Fox River.

Bring your boat and enjoy the free boat launch to begin your day on the water.

While the launch is free, all boats on the Chain of Lakes waters must comply with the Fox Waterway Agency’s user fees.

There is no horsepower limitation on boats using the Chain O’Lakes. Only trolling motors may be used on Turner Lake.

Don’t have a boat? Rent a kayak or a canoe at the rental station and enjoy time on the water while getting in some exercise. The concession stand will supply boats, fishing equipment, bait and camping supplies along with soft drinks and everyone’s favorite summer treat – ice cream.

Fishing is a favorite activity on the Chain because of the variety of fish found in the lakes. The most popular fish include bluegill, large mouthed bass, walleye, crappie, Muskie, northern pike, catfish and yellow and white bass.

Fishing from boats is most popular as the marshy nature of the park’s shoreline makes fishing from the shore difficult, but there are some fishing piers on land that

See STATE PARK, Page 5

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CHAIN O LAKES BREEZE AUGUST 2019

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SUBMITTED PHOTO The Breeze

A group of horseback riders returns from their guided tour at the Chain O’Lakes State Park. Horses can be rented daily for the guided tour.

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• State park

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(Continued from page 3)

provide the opportunity to fish from shore without having to stand on the marshy shore.

Hiking and biking The Nature’s Way hiking trail begins at Oak Grove Picnic Area and is 2-1/2-miles long. It will take you through a beautiful wooded area lined with a variety of trees including oak, hickory, cherry, birch, sumac and spruce.

Looking for a longer trail? A biking/ hiking trail 6 miles in length will provide a more challenging hike or bicycle ride. It can be accessed at any of the picnic areas between the Concession Stand and the Park Office. If you didn’t bring your own bike, stop at the Concession stand where they may be rented.

The Pine Marsh North Picnic Area has been developed specifically to provide accessibility for disabled and elderly visitors and provides the park experience in a safe environment. This area includes a 1/4-mile hiking trail that can safely be used by all.

Horseback riding A special unique feature of the Chain O’Lakes Park is the Equestrian Trail with three loops of trails that cover 8 miles. The parking lot for horse trailers is near the park entrance. Bring your horse, park your trailer, start riding and enjoy.

If you don’t own a horse, visit the horse rental concession at the first left turn when entering the park from Wilmot Road.

For the past couple of years the horse-rental concession, which had been

special to the park, was closed after the concessioner left the area. This year the concession has been reopened to the delight of the many young and old riders who enjoyed riding in the park. Becky Weringer now leases the concession.

“We offer guided trail rides for those seven years of age and older ranging from 40 minutes to 2 hours in length. The horses and riders are paired to accommodate the rider’s ability, size, and horse’s temperament. We also offer pony rides for children under 7 years of age,” Weringer said.

“With 28 horses available, no horse is ever overworked. There are enough horses to allow a rest between rides,” she added.

In the past there were also wagon rides available.

“We don’t offer wagon rides at the present time but we are looking for an appropriate wagon that can be used for the rides. Hopefully by next season we will be able to institute these rides,” Weringer said.

The horse concession is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Call 815-710-7210 to reserve a horse.

Camping While a day trip to the park is enjoyable, spending a night or two at the campgrounds makes the experience a vacation. The Chain O’Lakes Park offers a large number of campsites, which can be as rustic or as high end as one wishes it to be.

Looking for a campsite with as many

See STATE PARK, Page 7

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ The Breeze

The Chain O’Lakes State Park has a variety of camping spaces to accommodate tents and campers of various sizes. The park also has cabins for rent.

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CHAIN O LAKES BREEZE AUGUST 2019

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1988 24FT. CREST III Pontoon Boat; with TRACKER DEEP V16 16 ft. fishing boat 1982 16 FT. TRACKER with cover and 1998 Mercury 25HP 4 stroke motor. Motor with 60 HP Mercury, trailer, Hummingbird and trolling motor included, asking $5,700 trailer - Strong 50 hp Merc with powertilt, runs clean & quiet, $2,500. 708-417-7524 OBO. Please call 262-895-6442 or 2622 gas tanks - live well - Minnkota trolling LOFLAND SAILCRAFT SLOOP 2nd 309-8642 for Dale or Skeeter. motor - Minor wire repair needed, Great owner, 1967 model, good condition, all starter boat On Bohners Lake. $1,500 gear, google for specs, rare, $3,000 OBO. WE BUY - BOATS/RV/PONTOONS/SLED/ ATV’S & MOTORCYCLES! “Cash Paid” OBO. Call Rich 708-404-0855.

608-772-1812 Now. American Marine & Motorsports 1985 23 FT. SEARAY with trailer. $2,500 LUND BOAT & TRAILER Too much to list, Supercenter, Shawano 866-955-2628 $3,100 OBO, 224-518-6491.

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Slalom ski, HO, competition ski, paid 1990 Mastercraft Prostar 190, aqua $500 - sell for $95. Text only (630) 886blue, stereo, low hours, runs great, 6667 $5,795. (262) 949-6997 Ski trainer, perfect for teaching kids to ski, $75. (262) 949-6997 1998 Supra Legacy, green/maroon, 230 hours, bow rider, very clean, fuel Electric golf cart, road ready, lights, seat injection, smooth running boat, $8,500 belts and signals, very clean. $3,750.

Lauderdale Lakes. (312) 285-8630 or best. (262) 742-3665 1964 Century Coronado

1996 Mastercraft Sammy Duvall series, very smooth wakes, limited use, garage kept, runs strong. Lauderdale Lakes. $11,750. (262) 949-6997 1990 Supra comp ski boat, low hours, includes trailer and cover. $3,950. (262) 949-2830

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Be aware!

Ethanol could damage outboard motors

Ethanol, a corn-based fuel that is mixed with traditional gasoline, has been a boon to the fuel industry. It helps to keep costs down and provides a renewable, more eco-friendly option to fuel cars and trucks.

While ethanol may perform fine in automobile engines, boat engines may not be so lucky, and some engine manufacturers have expressed concern over the use of ethanol in boat engines.

Gasoline that contains 10 percent ethanol, commonly referred to as E10, is not recommended for outboard motors, particularly older engines. The only way to avoid ethanol is to purchase marinegrade fuel that has none of it. This fuel costs more, but many boaters prefer it because of the risks for costly engine repairs when ethanol is used.

Unlike car engines that burn through a tank of gas quickly and are used frequently, outboard boat motors are often left to sit until the boat is used again. When ethanol fuel is allowed to sit, the corn alcohol can separate from the gasoline and settle at the bottom of the fuel tank.

Ethanol is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs water. In high moisture conditions such as those on a boat, this can further exacerbate the separation of ethanol and gasoline. The result is a sludge that forms in the fuel tank. Most outboard engines have their fuel outlet at the bottom of the tank. After being left to sit, the engine will draw in pure ethanol and water that has accumulated, which can muck up the engine and corrode internal parts.

Ethanol also is a strong solvent, and it can dissolve substances in the engine, potentially clogging fuel ports. Many boat owners have noticed clogged carburetors due to ethanol fuels.

Boat service centers have mentioned an increase of engines needing cleaning from oxygenated fuels like ethanol. Buildup in the engine can restrict gas flow and cause the engine to overheat – precipitating a breakdown.

Although many manufacturers and repair shops recommend avoiding ethanol fuel for boats, if they cannot be avoided it is best to heed these tips: • Buy as little as possible – just enough to fuel the trip so leftover fuel will not remain sitting in the tank; • Drain the carburetor on the engine after using ethanol; and •U se a fuel stabilizer that will help prevent separation.

Ethanol is not recommended for all engines, and it may cause costly engine problems on outboard motors when the fuel is allowed to sit in the tank for extended periods of time.

• State park

(METRO CREATIVE)

STOCK PHOTO The Breeze

The options are almost endless when it comes to how to spend warm summer days out on the water.

Great ways to enjoy a day on a boat

Few things can be as enjoyable on a warm day as spending some time on a boat. For many people, the sound of the water lapping beneath a boat and the feeling of a warm summer breeze blowing through their hair is the very essence of summer relaxation.

Boating appeals to people with varying interests, and there are many ways one can enjoy a day spent traversing a nearby river, lake or ocean.

FISHING

Recreational fishing is wildly popular. According to the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, in 2016 more than 47 million Americans participated in fishing at least once during the calendar year. In its Survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada, the organization Fisheries and Oceans Canada found that more than 3.2 million adult anglers actively participated in a variety of recreational fishing activities in Canada in 2015.

The sheer volume of people who enjoy recreational fishing suggests it’s an activity that has widespread appeal and it can benefit people of all ages and skill levels. What’s more, fishing provides a wonderful excuse to spend a day on a boat.

SAILING

Sailing is a rewarding and demanding hobby.

Avid sailors often describe the origins of their love of sailing as “catching the bug.” Indeed, few hobbies can be as gratifying as sailing, which the organization Discover Boating notes requires participants to be more active than almost any other type of boating.

While sailing can be physically demanding, when the waters are calm, few activities can be as peaceful and relaxing.

EXPLORING

Of course, even people who do not own their own boats can still enjoy time on the water. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation notes that roughly 90 percent of U.S. residents live within one hour of navigable bodies of water.

Many waterfront communities, particularly those with tourism-based economies, are home to small businesses that provide local river and lake tours.

These can be great ways to learn about local history and/or see local marine life.

(METRO CREATIVE)

(Continued from page 5)

amenities as possible? The Class A Premium areas are just the campsites for you. Located in Honey Suckle Hollow and Fox Den, there are a total of 151 sites which rent at a cost of $25 per night except for holidays.

Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day weekends the fee is raised another $10. The sites have electricity, disposal stations, flush toilets and shower houses. Pitch your tent or bring in your camper.

A more economical and more rustic way to camp is to stay at one of the three

Class B Premium camp areas. The park has 87 of these campsites at Turner Lake South, Prairie View, and Mud Lake East.

The sites have water available, vault toilets and access to showers. They are more economical renting at $12 each per night.

For Pat and Al Harrison, camping with their family is a frequent summer event.

“We try to come out every few weeks for a day or two either here or at one of the other campgrounds we enjoy,” Pat Harrison said. “Disconnecting and spending time with nature is good for all of us.”

Bringing a group of youngsters to camp

in the park? The youth group camp area, which accommodates up to 150 youth, is available at only $2 per person per night. Adults must accompany the group.

Advance registration is needed for the youth group camp.

If you are new to camping, try one of the three cabins available. Each cabin has two bunk beds and a double bed. The cabin includes electricity, a table and six chairs, a picnic table, a charcoal grill, a dustpan and broom and a fire extinguisher. No restroom facilities are provided in the cabin.

Dogs and other pets are not allowed at

the cabin site. The cabins cost $50 per night.

Reservations are recommended at www. reserveamerica.com.

Chain O’Lakes State Park is at 8916 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove, Illinois. The park is open through the summer from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., winter hours are from 8 a.m. until sunset.

The park is open every day except Christmas. During hunting season the park is closed except for hunting from November until Jan. 1.

For more information, call the park at 847-587-5512.

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CHAIN O LAKES BREEZE AUGUST 2019

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