A convoy of Loopers left Heritage Harbor (Ottawa) at the earliest light of day, having confirmed no barge traffic was expected at Starved Rock Lock, which was about an hour downriver. The lockmaster was ready for us when we arrived. Five miles after the lock were the “Peru Bends.” We were warned that if we met an upbound barge at this narrow curvy section, we would need to retreat (reverse course) to the Vermillion River to let the barge pass. Thankfully, we slid through the “S-curves” without a head-on encounter.
Forty-six (46) miles further downriver is the small town of Henry, population 2200. The city’s slogan, “Best Town in Illinois by a Dam Site,” is derived from the it’s distinction of having the first lock and dam built on the Illinois River. It was completed in 1870 at a cost of $400,000. It was decommissioned in 1927 after additional, more modern locks were added north and south. Henry Harbor is quite small and with the river level low, it is only accessible to shallow-draft boats. The old lock wall makes for a nice rustic stop for larger Great Loop boats. There was no water hook up, but generous access to electricity, and no cleats but adequate rebar loops to enable tie up. By late afternoon the wall held six Looper boats, tightly spaced, maximizing the capacity of this historic site. We all planned to enjoy a bonfire here but mother nature precluded this with a rain shower.
It was a short run (28 miles) to the Illinois Valley Yacht and Canoe Club in Peoria. This late in the season the “IVY Club” offered limited hours and services. We arrived on Tuesday (10/5) so the restaurant was closed. The bar, however, was open and just down the hall from the laundry room.
I put the first of two loads in the washer then met some Looper-mentors, Susan and Greg on Lucky Me, for a glass of wine. I have followed and admired “S&G” since 2019. They are incredible ambassadors for the Great Loop. Their charitable works as individuals and on behalf of the AGLCA organization are astounding. As they travel they seek out opportunities to make a difference. Once an organization is identified, they do their part to donate something tangible on behalf of “Loopers Care,” a phrase coined to express the sentiment of giving back. (Lucky Me Looping)
This was a particularly challenging day for the crew of Lucky Me as they were dealing with some engine trouble. (Oh, how I could relate!) We talked less about that and more about us, about what drives our dreams and ambitions, about serendipity and God’s blessings, and how fortunate we are to even be here on such a wonderful journey. As we spoke, I realized how our own delays have played into a philosophy of “C’est la vie.” That’s life. We roll with the punches. Lucky Me demonstrated the grit and resiliency of our Looper community!
On Wednesdays, even in the off-season, the IVY Club Restaurant opens for their loyal group of regulars. We made a reservation for our original six, then eight, then ten… in the end, we had sixteen (16) Loopers enjoying dinner at the IVY Club!
The next three nights were without services. Quiver Island anchorage, just north of Havana, was wonderfully peaceful. We slept in as we let the fog lift before traveling on.
Jeremy (back at Heritage Harbor) spoke of Logsdon Tug Service, at Beardstown. This was a working barge that allows recreational boaters to tie up for a nominal fee. Our second no-service night (10/13) was an experience we will never forget! We arrived early enough to be first on their barge. The tie up required creativity! We scouted the town, the Heritage Museum, the grocery store, the recommended restaurant and the town square. I utilized the post office to send some souvenirs home.
On the barge, in order of tie up, was Reverie, Grand Cru, Lady Kadey and Phoenix. I received a call from Kessel Run who was under tow by Ten-Seven. (We met these two at IVY Club.) With little room left on this barge, we made it work. Honey Bee arrived and tied up to Reverie, Kessel Run and Ten-Seven took the southern spot, and we all chilled just a bit with a delivered order of authentic Mexican Food. (As of this post, Ten-Seven has completed their loop and Kessel Run decided to winterize in St. Charles, MO, and resume their trip in 2022.)
Our third night was spent at Willow Island Anchorage, a wide and serene location.
We arrived to Grafton Marina early in the day and took a covered slip. We had some repair parts shipped here. Pete contacted the harbormaster for an update. Our “legacy” radar parts arrived and were ready for pick up! The next few hours were spent fixing the damage done in Chicago. As it turned out, the damage was more than cosmetic! In addition, we managed an oil change.
We accepted an invitation for doctails with Grand Cru. George and Barbara, our companions since Hammond Marina, Indiana, were anxious to get to Green Turtle Bay where their antenna repair parts were shipped. We celebrated the Illinois River, and talked about the Upper Mississippi, the next part of this journey. We would share one more night together at Alton Marina before they motored on ahead.
Next up, we will be on the Mighty Mississippi!