To go or not to go???

To go or not to go?  That is the question of the day.  On Tuesday we left Dresdin (MM 273.5) and headed out.  The first lock we came to only two miles down the river had a huge crane in it doing work so we were forced to tie up on the wall and wait when we arrived at 9:15 am.  By the time the lock was open, there were six looper boats all waiting to lock through.  Some we knew, some were new that we became acquainted with.  Snow Cat was there.  We met a new boat, Our Bubble, from Charlevoix, MI that is a nice family with two small kids and two small dogs.  They started the trip on Sept 2nd.  Such a small world and in talking with them we learned Bert's cousin Klaus and his wife Chelsea know this couple quite well as Chelsea was the nanny for their kids for several years.  We also met Tango and Carried Away.  We all cleared the lock at about 12:45 pm and were on our way.  The remainder of the day was smooth and there was a minimal 30 minute delay at the second lock on Tuesday.  Snow Cat, Our Bubble, Tango, Carried Away and Took the Plunge all arrived at Heritage Harbor in Ottawa, IL safely which is at MM 242.3.  We made it 31.2 miles Tuesday and dropped a total of 46 feet in the two locks (20' and 26').

Line of pleasure boats cleared to enter the first lock

We've been here since then.  Heritage Harbor is a fantastic marina.  We negotiated a group discount of $1 per foot so it is the cheapest we've found so far.  There is strong internet, BBQ grills, an on-site restaurant and bar call Tracey's Boathouse, a pool and an brand new courtesy van which we all used to go to WalMart on Tuesday night.  After dinner we hung out at the bar for a bit and met Tracey (the owner) and her husband which were great folks as are the harbor hosts we me upon arrival.

Memorial in Ottawa, IL - Lincoln/Douglas Debate - First National Debate 08/21/1858

Yesterday was a low key day.  One side of the boat got washed and a significant amount of time was spent determining the stops for the next few days and our options are very limited due to the depth we need and the shallowness of the river.  Many marinas are not available to us at all.  Happily we do have a game plan.

While I've been typing, Bert has decided we go today so it is time for me to start securing the boat for travel once again.  Today we will stop in Peoria on the city dock at MM 162.5.  They allow no overnight transients, but we called and made arrangements provided there is room on the wall.  We've heard they have 15 amp power so we will at least be able to keep the fridge/freezer cold.  Next we will go to MM 88.4 and tie to a barge courtesy of Logston Tug Service.  Again, provided there is availability.  No electric, no services.  On day three we'll go to MM 21.1 and tie at Mel's diner.  Again, provided there is availability.  No electric, no services.  Finally we'll arrive in either Graton or Alton and wait out the weekend in a marina once again.  There is more to the story, but we'll save that for next time.

We finished last night with exchanging of boat cards and  "docktails" with Snow Cat and Our Bubble.  We also got to do boat tours.  Both boats are really nice and it is wonderful to get to see other looper boats.  Snow Cat is a Catamaran.