Bill, I share your concern about anchorages and water depths from Chicago to Mobile. That is why I have just finished the book Cruising from Chicago to Mobile. It is at the printer and will be ready in Mar 2005. In it you will find many anchorages from Chicago to Mobile on the Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, Tombigbee, Black Warrior and Mobile Rivers with water depths. Bob Skipper Bob Publications Http://SkipperBob.home.att.net