Illinois River at Dawn

August 5, 2017

The water Gods were with us today.  We left Havana, Illinois at 5:30AM with clear skies, no winds or winds.  Only 120 miles to go, and we were ready to "get ir done".  The waters were empty, and

didn't encounter our first big barge load until about 10:00AM.  Then we passed several.   The day was great,  the scenery beautiful but very empty.  there were no services 

for boaters along the way.  No marinas, docks, fuel stations, nothing.  We finally started seeing recreational boaters about 1 1/2

hours out of Grafton, and then they were every where.  A full moon party was being held at the marina we are staying in, and the party started way before the moon came up.  Tomorrow there will be a lot

of people with headaches.  We met up with 2 other couples that are doing the loop also and spent the evening telling stories about our adventures. The vote was 5 to 1 against doing the loop again,  We

Jim Driving by Remote Control on the Bow

An Early Morning Take Off

The River Rises 20ft in the Spring
Houses are on 2 Story Stilts

all have enjoyed it, but once is enough.  Lea leaves tomorrow and we will miss our first mate.  Tomorrow is another day in Grafton and then on to the Mississippi River, and St. Louis.

Lea Enjoying Her First Mate Status