Looking back under the bridge, we wished Peoria goodbye!Catrina had a late start from Peoria Docks. Five miles down was the Peoria Lock and Dam. Tom called ahead and learned that we could go over the dam. What no lock? The waters were higher than the dam so the dam was lowered and down the river we went. It was like the dam was not there! Sorry, guys, no picture!
South of the Lock that wasn't was a 35 mile stretch with no marinas or anchorages. Now we find out that it is recommended that we start early in the day so that we can make it to the next facilities before dark. We goofed on the leave early part and with the high water/swift current, we really did not have to worry about a slow trip. Tom pulled one motor up and we chugged along at 5 mph plus 2 for current and averaged 7-8 mph without the second motor. Some of the things we passed along the way were:
Little Tug Boats from Holland MI.
The Corp of Eng resetting markers.
A Green Marker hidden under a log.
Many Markers were just missing!
The beginning of color along the shore.
Cottages along the shore.
And last but not least we got passed by two of our friends Joy@Sea and Barbara and haven't seen them since!
About 3 p.m. we arrived at the Tall Timbers Marina a few miles above Havana. We needed to stop and get gas. Cynthia Faye and Catrina found Baby Grand whom we last saw at Joliet. The Marina was closed but the owner promised to arrive at 7 a.m. and pump gas! It was an easy decision to spend the night rather than head for the next mooring 30 miles down. We could see how high the water was in this Marina. We estimated that the water levels had dropped about 6 feet but were still 4-8 feet above normal. The owner said waters were still 11 feet over normal! Floating docks were a great invention.
The group of six loopers was joined by a new looper from Burnham just above Chicago. We had a 5 p.m. get together on the dock with lots of nats flying about, a warm shower and dinner aboard!
