Joliet to Tall Timbers (south of Peoria) Two more Stowaways

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 water levels in this area vary substantially.  The area knows how to handle the variances.  For example:  The gas pumps sit on a small floating dock, the dock then has a series of large poles that guide the dock up and down as the  water raises.  There are  gas supply hoses that are looped overhead (as the water is down), and they are able to flex and as a result, raise with the water too. (sorry for no picture).  Docks around here can raise up 15-20 feet or so, kinda weird.  Many houses are on stilts.
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.

We are in the heart of the Asian Carp.  We had two of them jump INTO and on our boat.  It was Vicki's job to put the fish back into the river, (right),  she pitched a fit, and I then did the honors.  The fish  create a mess, as they bleed instantly, and shed some scales.  We see them jump frequently, and hear them hit the hull of the boat (thud).

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

Daisy is doing so well, and seems to be very content with a all the activities.

After 4 days here, an anchor out, then,  two days to Grafton.

Thanks for peeking in on us.