Welcome Aboard The Blue Willow |
We spent the night on the free wall on Joliet. We had 10 other loopers with us and it was a fun time helping and talking to others. The river is very busy with tows 24/7. I witnessed a tow at 1 AM or so, pushing by 8 barges. I thought it was very close to us and thought he was angeling towards us, and was ready to wake Vicki up. Alas, he made the swing and then took the barges into the opposite side walls and basically crashed. My thought was that he was in training.
We proceeded to Heritage Harbor Marina. A very nice marina with a swimming pool, bar, restaurant, loaner car, etc. it was $1 per foot . It was so nice that we decided to stay another night. Then the (what else) wind and rains came. This strong storm system extended from the plains states to northern Michigan.
Rain, Rain go away! We were forced to spend another two days at Heritage, (not a bad place to stay, but this was not the plan).
We then proceeded to make progress, and stayed at the Illinois Vally Yacht Club. This area was under substantial water last year..... about 21 feet more of water above where we were in our boat.
We passed through Peoria, did not stop.
The Illinois River is muddy (and I wonder how polluted). If I fell in I would get out ASAP! As I see these waters, I think about Lake Michigan and Huron with consistent, pure, clear, water depths to 20+ feet, and no salt, how special for us to have access to the waters of Great Lakes, so near.
Fishing success without a fish pole, bait, or even trying. |
The industry on this portion of the river impresses me, so much movement of industrial goods, Gas, fuel, and containers of I do not know as they are covered.
Prop Wash from Tow |
A 42 ft Tug Trawler next to a tow. |
The tow operators are very professional, and we are doing the passing on the 2 or 1 with ease.
Back to the rains. The amount of rain raised the Illinois river about 7 feet and the flow was significant, and added two knots speed to our travel. There are a lot if debris fields. The rains from the upper Mississippi and Illinois river valleys areas has created a 62 tow backup in Grafton, and the ensuing backup has caused us to stay four nights in Havanna Illinois (not part of the plan).
Vicki and Daisy enjoying the views. |
Daisy inspecting the Asian Carp action |
After 4 days here, an anchor out, then, two days to Grafton.
Thanks for peeking in on us.
Interesting voyage so far, Hill. I love the comments but what's up with' no salt'.....? Wait until you play with the dolphins and manatees, view more beautiful birds in two hours than you normally see in one year; throw out a lure behind The Blue Willow and catch mahi-mahi, wahoo and any number of species to put on your grill. Sip on a rum and tonic with some fresh key lime while basking in the warm sun under a coconut palm at your dock while your friends are shoveling snow. There is no life like Salt Life. Look forward to seeing you in Naples. Wait until I take you into the ten thousand islands. You will be amazed. Take care and steady as she goes.
ReplyDeleteEvery time we swim in salt water, we crave the Great Lakes. The difference is IN the salt water, not about what salt water has to offer around it. There is a long fad up north with tee shirts sweatshirts and car decals "Lake Michigan No Salt Added" (or needed). or "Lake Huron Ne Sharks No Problem". Every area has its beauty.
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