[Jon]

I just checked with three different captains that I know very well and not a single one of them would vouge for anyone running in the chicago area at the moment. In the past there have been some fine boats down there but the economy has hit the Chicago dive scene pretty hard and more places are going under all the time.

Haivng siad that, there are still a boat or two running down there, but don't know anyone who has acutally dove with them. Water templs should be in the 60's and vis should be at least 30' when you are there- unless a big storm blows in. Many of the wrecks are less than 50' and there are some nice schooners around that depth that you could dive on. If you don't want to dive I could also suggest going out kayaking for a day, since your into that also. I believe they have a very active sea kayaking club down there and it would be a nice way to see some of the shallower wrecks- just paddle over them.

Jon