Tuesday, September 26, we traveled 80 miles to Peoria where we stayed on the downtown wall. Free stay with electric - yay - as temps are still in the 90s! On our last trip this is where we discovered the Nina, Pinta and the Pura Vida, but this time the Pura Vida sits solo in the harbor.
Wednesday, we tackled 110 miles and 2 locks before anchoring behind Big Blue Island. It took traveling 30mph at some points (sucking down the fuel) to arrive before sunset, but we made it.
Captain "I don't like that" polished the props on the river bottom as we pulled into the anchorage we were told had 5-6ft depth. We then dropped the hook between the red buoy and the river bank in about 6ft of water just out of the barge channel. As usual, when the anchor goes down, the grill came out. A fine meal was enjoyed under the bright moon and a zillion stars.
Thursday was an easy trek of 58 miles to the Grafton Marina. This is where the Illinois River meets the Mississippi River. Once again we made a left turn to join the Mighty Mississippi. (more NASCAR) In the afternoon we deployed the dinghy to explore some nearby islands and coves on the Mississippi, harassing a few Asian carp along the way. At night we joined 8 other loopers for dinner overlooking the river.
Late Friday morning we left Grafton and did a short 22 mile cruise to Alton Marina where we fueled up and prepared for our trek down the Mississippi. That evening we enjoyed a fun dinner at the legendary Fast Eddies Bon Air.
Lock Duty!
Tows on the Illinois River
Pura Vida dos (PV2) docked at Alton
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