Peoria was our game plan today - 45 miles down river. Cynthia Faye and Catrina enjoyed a very easy, sunny day on the River! Captain Tom was seen on the foredeck running the boat. Please note his right hand.
The water level was still up about 4 feet. There were fewer logs to dodge and only occasional barges. We saw many homes on the west coast of Upper Peoria Lake and Peoria Lake. The Lake is formed by the backwater from the Peoria Lock just below that town.
There were more markers in the River and some were very unique. Please note the log draped around the marker.
Along the way Joy@Sea joined us but was soon showing us her stern. They had spent the night in Henry just below Hennepin. Barbara, the boat, came from Chillicothe and greeted us at the Peoria Waterfront. Communication between boats either by radio or cell phone is a good way to find out about your next stop. Barb and Ken let the rest of us know that the Peoria Dock was now available during the night and was free but donations would be accepted.
We arrived in the early afternoon and tied up on the high side of the dock with Madison and Marlene on Joy@Sea and Linda and Jack on Cynthia Faye. A quick hike around the area gave us the information that Octoberfest was being celebrated above our heads (30 feet away) by food stands and a band from 5 to 11 p.m. This should be fun.
Tom and Debbie discovered that Walmart was on the other side of the Illinois River. We took our dingy across, tied to a tree and hiked up the bank - and there was Walmart! A picture (below) from across the River showed our three boats under Octoberfest.
Barbara (above) was moored downriver on the other side of The Spirit of Peoria, a paddle boat.
When we returned to the West side of the River, the drummer was warming up. It was an easy decision to move down the river and join Barb and Ken. Shortly afterwards, Linda and Jack appeared. We definit
ely made a good choice!
ely made a good choice!
