The Long Long Long Wait at 53

 

 

It is Friday the 14th.  We have another early day, 6:30AM and hopefully with luck at the locks and a blessing, we may may Green Turtle Bay Marina today.  What a beautiful sun rise as we were pulling anchor, or should I say attempting to pull anchor.  After a bit of giggling and pulling the anchor loosened and we were able to pull it up and secure it.  Then it was time to do the dingy.  That was a bit harder, but we worked at it and got it back on the swim platform and secured.  I think with a bit more practice's we might just get the hang of it.  Time for and Advil !!!!





 We leave and say good bye to the mighty Mississippi and head up stream on the Ohio River at mile 981.0.  Well not too far any way.  At mile 964.8 we passed the construction of the new Olmsted Lock and Dam.  Amazing to see the construction of such a huge project.  Just after that everything came to a halt.  At Lock and Dam 53 at mile 962.6, we were told by the Lock Master to anchor and wait.  That was at around 9:30ish and it is now 12:35 and we are still here waiting. This time has allowed me to catch up in our Blog.  At least we have Internet service here....Well it is about time, we pulled up anchor and finally got into the lock, some 4 hours later.  We were in the small chamber and once in breezed through with no problems.  So much for trying to get to Green Turtle today.....



Fort Massac

.We got through the lock finally, and continued on to Lock 52, only 23.6 miles. Along the way we passed Fort Massac or our port side, at Metropolis, the home of Superman.  Once there we had to anchor again but only for a short time.  After getting though Lock 52 it was getting late in the day so we had to find a place to anchor or tie up to.  We talked it over with the other boats and headed down a small channel around Owens Island and Cuba Towhead.  Skipper Bob had recommended an anchorage in this area.  After we got in their we found that there was still some traffic in their and to anchor might be risky.  Then Don noticed a rusty, empty barge on our starboard side that was large enough to hold all three boats.  We went in first to check it out and then tied up followed by the other boats.  I feel it was a stroke of luck we found it because it was getting dark.  Cocktails we on our boat that nite, and think that we were all ready for one, or two....





Abandoned Barge by Cuba Towhead

Our Safe Haven

We had dinner later and watched a movie.  We were certainly glad that we tied up to the barge and did not anchor.  There was quite a bit of traffic and a few barges moving back and forth in that little channel.  A nite cap and we called it a nite. 

Angelo Towhead ~ Anchorage

                                                                                                                              Our longest day is ahead of us.  It is Thursday the 13th and today we have 116 miles to do today.  We all left Kaskaskia Lock and continued down the Mississippi.  We had a great sunrise to start our day.  Fern had mentioned a number of area to enter with caution.  A hard turn at mile 99, and three sharp turns that have wicked turbulence, mile 130 and mile 84 and mile 4.  We could certainly feel the current but it was not as bad as i expected.  Don is great at driving and maneuvering the boat.  There were some interesting little islands along the way. One at mile 80 on the star board side of the boat.  And lot, and lots of barges.  Belinda the nite before had mentioned that it was Bev's birthday and that if we could we should cook dinner for her and have it on Rickshaw.  I thought it was a great idea, and between the two boat that we could put on a great dinner.


 

The day went on with ease.  All the Tug Captain's were very nice especially the on on the Daniel W. Wise.  We asked him which way he wanted us to pass him on the 1 or the 2 and he said " you can go either side, but just don't hit me".  Well we all needed a little laugh at this point.  It was late afternoon as we approached Angelo Towhead.  We went in first and tried to set the anchor.  After about 20 minutes of trying to find the right spot we attempted to dropped the anchor.  Since we have not set an anchor for awhile it, the anchor seemed to be stuck.  A little hit or two with a wrench loosen it and we were able to dropped the it.  By the time we got that done and looked at the other boats they were relaxing in the back of their boats....  Then we had to put the dingy in the water, and again we have not done this for a while.  The dingy went in with no problem.  Don pumped a little more air into it and we were good to go....  Now it was time for a rum and coke.... 

 

I had gone down earlier in the afternoon to bake a box of brownies mix to use for a birthday cake and I had some icing. Belinda suggested to Bruce and Bev over to come over Rickshaw for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.  Don took them over in our dingy then came back to pick up me and the food.  I am very uncomfortable in the dingy, but it went fine.  Once there we had a few munchies and drinks and then Belinda surprise Bev and told her for her birthday that she would not have to cook.  She was surprise and relieved because she have not made dinner and really did not want to make dinner....  That nite went we all got on the boat the sun was going down.  It was amazing.  It seemed to be a perfect way to end a longggg day....  Great food, great wine and great friends and fun were all to had this evening.  Don shuffled Bruce and Bev back to their boat and helped Belinda do the dishes and then back to our boat.  Another 6:30AM morning so we called it a nite.....  I am so glad that we have had the opportunity to travel with Rickshaw and Paddy Wagon.  They are memories that I will always hold close....

Kaskaskia Lock Down

Well today is Wednesday the 12th and a beautiful morning to start our shorter day's journey of only 41 miles.  We left a little later around 9:00AM.  There is not a lot to see in most cases on the Mississippi.  Lots of tugs and barges, industrial areas and dirty water.  There have been lots of birds and the occasional Carp.  I have had some Internet service with our MIFI but it does go in and out.  Now wonder because who would live out here, there is nothing.  We can see where the water levels should be and how low they are.  We came up to a car ferry at mile 125.4 called Little Rock Ferry, and had to wait just a few minutes for it to pass.  First sign of town and people.  We arrived at Kaskaskia Lock early and were allowed to tie up to the barge.  We were told by the Lock Master that we were not allowed to walk around on the barge while the men were working on it.

                            




Rickshaw and Paddy Wagon tied to the barge and we rafted off them.  With getting in early we extra time on our hands to do some of those chores on the boat that you just can not get done while under way.  Belinda invited us all over after dinner for a dice game called Farkeled.  It was so much fun.  Belinda won the game and after that they offered us some of their special ice cream.  Nice way to end the day.
Had a long day tomorrow so we called it a nite.

It's On To Hoppie's

It is now Tuesday the 11th.  We talked to the other boats and Toucan was staying in Grafton, so we said our good-byes to them.  It has been great to travel with them.  I will miss Rick's sense of humor.  We had decided to leave at 9:00AM.  Paddy Wagon went up to St. Charles to get fuel, so we slowed down so they could catch up.  We entered at mile 218.0 where the Illinois River meets the Mississippi River.  It was another great day for cruising and a short day only 59.5 miles.  Our first lock came at mile 200.8 the Mel Price Lock and Dam.  Just before it was the statue of Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine.  Lucky for me Bev was able to get the picture which I will add.  Luck must be on our side today.  We were able to go straight into the lock with no wait time.  This was a 23ft drop but seemed to go by very quick.  The junction of the Missouri and the Mississippi meet 5.5 miles down stream.  We headed for the Chain of Rocks Canal and then our second lock at mile 185.0 Chain of Rocks Lock and Dam. Here we went in to the right, smaller chamber.  Most of the floating bollards were not working properly or missing.  It was a 27ft drop, not to bad. from there we passed a number of bridges and then we were approaching St. Louis.  Really not pretty to come into by boat and lots of barge traffic.


As we approached the arch in St Louis at mile 180.0, we cruised by and got pictures of each of us.  It was kind of fun.... We continued on down the Mississippi with only 21.5 miles to go to Hoppie's.  We called in and Fern answered and told us where to go.  we topped up with fuel and headed to our spot.  After we all were settled in we when for a walk into town.  It was a small town but with a lot of history behind it.  The few streets were lined with quaint shops.  We went to the Blue Owl Bakery.  The owner us very hospitable.  We all picked up a couple of sweets and headed back to the boat.  Fern what to talked to all of us so we met her under her little tent on the docks.  Fern is a nice and very knowledgeable woman.  hard working and a heavy smoker, but probably in better shape that most.  She guided us through each and every important turn or area that we should know about.  Her detail is amazing.  After that we headed back to our boat.  Belinda came by to let us know that it was Bev's birthday tomorrow and that maybe we could surprise her and cook her dinner.  So between Belinda and myself we have everything to make dinner for 6.  Rickshaw invited us back to their boat for a dice game called Farckell.  We played this game for awhile and it was fun.  Belinda won and after that she treated us all to a little of her favorite ice cream.  What a great day....  Back to ours boat and off to bed....

The End of the Illinois ~ Hello Mississippi

It is Sun. the 9th. and another early morning, 6:30 AM and it looks like another great day ahead.  This is the longest day for us.  We have 88.4 miles to do today.  We all depart heading for our last lock on the Illinois, at La Grange Lock and Dam at mile 80.2.  All of the locks we have gone through have been very friendly and very accommodating, but not this lock.  He was snippy and made us wait.  Once through we had a day of dodging barges and floating logs.  It was a great day for cruising and the shoreline scenery was nice.  Mile 0.0 was just ahead of us.  The pleasure boat traffic has picked up.  Grafton Harbor was just in site. 

A very large marina very well protected by a large floating concert break water.  Once there we got fuel and there we were greated by the owner of the Marina.  After fueling we then headed for our slip and were glad that there was help for us to dock the boat.  It was very narrow for our 16ft beem boat.  Don is great at backing the boat in and had no problem but it was nice to have a couple of dock hands there just in case.  We were put next to our friends Tom and Linda Geiger on Q's End.  Linda greeted us and later Tom came up with Tony and Shirley Seager on Headquarters, the couple that are from New Zealand that have the same boat as us....  Small world....  It was so nice to see Tom and Linda again.  Don and I had cocktail on their boat and caught up on the last year.  It was nice to finally meet Tony and Shirley after we had corresponded with them earlier. Tom had invited us to join then for dinner at The Hawg Pit, and BBQ rib place, that Tom and the gang had spent the afternoon over music and a few beer....  After we got there Belinda and Jim, Bev and Bruce and Diane and Rick arrived, so we all sat together.  It was fun and to listen to some of the stories that Tom told us, made us wish we had been there.  The ribs were awesome, and the wine not bad either.  After dinner we walked back to the boat, had a glass of wine and called it a nite.

The next morning we got up a little later.... Hah at last....  I had promised Tom I would make some banana muffins.After breakfast I went to take to Tom and Linda with regard to their blog and some techie stuff.  we took the bikes for a ride thorugh town.  It was a nice day for a ride.  There had been a big festivel in Grafton on the Sat. and town was pretty much out of food and some stores were closed.  We came back to the boat and decided to go to the pool for awhile.  The water was a cold as Don used to have the pool at the Resort, but it was refreshing on a hot day.  Went and had a drink at the Marina restaurant called the Big Kahuna Bar and Grill.  As we were sitting there Wild Goose pulled in.  It was nice to see Jim and Ann again. 

Tom had recommed the Aerie's Riverview Winery at the top of the hill.  The winery came and picked us up at 7:15PM to see the sun set but at the top you can not see the sun set.  But it did not matter, the view was amazing.... As we arrived the patio was filled with other Looper's.  They told us that the kitchen was closed at 7:00 but the Chef said if i am cooking for these other people what are two more.  We order pizza and a bottle of wine which was one of the best pinot grigio's we have had.  The pizza was great.  After dinner they took us back to our boat.  I took some great pictures of the town but for some reason or error on my part it said that the pics were corrupted.

Logston Tug in Beardstown

What a difference a day makes.  Got my first pictures of a sun rise.  Weather is great and we have a long day in front of us.  It is now Sat. the 8th. We all decided to leave early at 6:30AM. I can see those Asian Carp but just can not get a picture of them....  We approached the Peoria Lock and Dam at mile 157.6 and we were lucky.  He said come on in.  It was a small drop of only 8ft. so it did not take too much time.  This is our only lock for the day.  As we travelled down the Illinois River we could notice how low the water was.  It was not a very eventful day but a warm one and a long one 74.1 miles.  We passed an area where they were dredging which was interesting to see. 

 
We arrived at the Logston Tug in early afternoon.  The barge was cluttered with all kinds of ropes and cranes and junk.  Want a hazardous mess but they still charged us $1.00 ft...





We arrived first and then Paddy Wagon and Rickshaw.  The other boat that has been following us Sa Sea Sally arrived a little later.  After we got settled we went for a walk into town.  Not much of a town.  Here it is around 2:00PM on a Sat. afternoon and everything was closed.  We meet the others and arranged to meet for cocktails on Rickshaw at 5:30PM.  It was a hot day but on the back of their boat you did not feel it what with their screens.  So pleasant.  I am glad that we have been able to stay together.  It does make the journey so much more enjoyable when you share it with others.  Later we came back to the boat and I made dinner and we watched a movie and called it a nite.... 

Peoria

It is Thursday the 6th of September weather has cleared and the sun is out.  We are all off again in our flotilla of boats to Peoria.  We left at 7:00AM from Heritage Harbor.   It was a nice place to stop. We can to our only lock for the day at Starved Rock Lock and Dam at mile 231.0.  Next To Me was in the lead and called ahead and they could take us all but it would be a while.  The lock was full with many barges and as soon as they were out and the next barges were in and tied there was room for all of us to tie to the barge.  It was fine once we got in but the wait was 1 1/2 hours rafted off each other on a cell just in front of the dam.  It was another hot day, in the 90's.  Once through the lock Next To Me took the lead and we followed.  Our cruising speed seems to be around 11.0 to 11.5, which is just a little bit faster than the other boats.  It was going to be a long day, 80+ miles.  There really not much to see.  Just before we
got to Peoria we saw a large flock of birds. Thousands of them.  We think that they were some kind of pelican.  When we got to Peoria we had called the IVY club to check on water depths and he said that they were down to 3.5 feet so we continued on down to the Peoria day Docks.  Not the best for larger boats but we made it work.  The other boats arrived shortly there after around 6:30 PM.  Once all settled in we talked on the docks about what we wanted to do the next day.  Patty Wagon decided to eat on their boat but the rest of us ate at the Crab Shack.  Good dinner and great conversation.  It has been good times travelling with these people.  Back to the boat and a nite cap and we called it a day.

Got up around 6:30 AM so we could get a good start on another long day.  Weather just was not co-operating.  The blackest sky and those ominous looking clouds. Jim and Don talked and Don decided to wait a bit.  He look at the Sirius weather and the storm was huge and approaching fast. Then the lightning and thunder and then the rain....  We were not going anywhere.  The first storm pasted and the weather cleared up but there was another coming through later that day.  Jim and Belinda and Don and I took the bus to the Super WallMart. We did not need much but ended up leaving them $168.00.  Came back to the boat and 5:30 cocktail time was on Paddy Wagon tonite.  Their boat was lovely.  It makes you feel like you are a home... Later we came back to the boat and I made lasagna for dinner and watch a new video.  The next day was a 6:30 AM departure so it was early to bed.

On Our Way to the Other Ottawa

Well it is now Tues. the 4th of Sept.  Everyone on all the other boats got up early, including me, to get a 7:30AM start.  Some of the boat were going to stay another day in Joliet but most were moving.  It was going to be another long, hot day.  Next To Me, Toucan, Paddy Wagon and Rickshaw and us The Last Resort all left in a Looper's flotilla. Rickshaw had called the lock and they said that there was a barge in it and it would be one hour, so we left Joliet at 8:30AM. We had three lock to go through. The Brandon Lock & Dam was the first at mile 286.0.  The day again was turning out to be a hot one with little breeze. The next locks was 14.5 miles down stream at the Dresden Lock & Dam at mile 271.5. Here we had to wait awhile till a barge cleared and then we all could get in with the tug going down to pick up the other half of his load.  The waterways were uneventful and not much to see other than dirty water.  Long gone is the clean waters of Lake Michigan. The next lock was 26.9 miles down stream at Marseilles Lock at mile 244.6. All the locks were very helpful and easy to get in and out of.  A lot bigger than the Trent Severn and the Erie systems.  It was only 2.3 miles to Heritage Harbor Marina.  We were enjoying the cruising so much we missed the entrance.... As we were all entering the harbour Rickshaw said that they were touching, so we all went in very slow.  And then there was those flying fish, the Asian Carp.  They were flying behind all the boats in their wakes.  The one time I did not take my camera with me.... The Marina was so nice.  it looks fairly new and great docks and cable TV.  The staff, especially Capt. Moe, were so amazing also.   After we were all settled in we took our drinks up to the pool and had a swim.  Nice pool and so refreshing and so needed after such a hot and very humid day.  Talked for the longest time in the pool.  Did not want to leave it.  There was a beautiful sunset that nite and the stars were out.



 Had a lite dinner at the restaurant Tracey's  at the Marina.  Nice looking little restaurant with a nice outside patio.  Dinner was just okay. Came back to the boat and watched part of the leadership convention before retiring for the nite.

 

The next morning, Wed. the 5th of Sept. we were planning to leave Ottawa and continue to head down stream.  The weather was over cast and they were calling for so severe weather and possible hail and thunderstorms.  Don checked his radar and the whole area did not look great, so we decided to stay another nite.  The Marina supplied a curtiosy car for us to use to pick up thing.  Bruce and Bev from Paddy Wagon needed supplies to so off we went.  We picked up a new carpet for the living room and some food and wine and beer, and lots of water.  back at the boat we were all to meet on Toucan for cocktails and hors oeuvre's at 5:30/6:00 ish.  I first wanted to see Jim and Belinda's boat Rickshaw.  A beautiful boat with so much room, and a great kitchen area.  One of the best parts of doing this journey is the end of the day and drinks with other Looper's and sharing stories.  After cocktails we went back to the boat for awhile and then a quick bite at the restaurant.  Better toniet than the nite before.  Watched Clinton's speech on TV and then called it a nite.  


  

Bye Bye Chicago *** Hello Joliet

 

   

Well what a day to leave Chicago.  It is Set. 3rd and the weather is beauitful.  Don call the other Looper's in the marina, Cathryn and Bob on the boat Next To Me, and the were leave also today so we both left together at 8:30AM.  It was said for me to leave the city but Don was getting ansy....  As were heading for Lock 1 just around the corner from our Marina.  The Chicago fire department gave us a nice good-bye with a great water display.  Just for us!!!!

Good cruising day and nice to have people along side. Very hot again around high 80's and it was not even 10:00 o'clock.  Check all the bridges, and there were lots of them, and their heights in our Skipper Bob book to make sure that we could clear. We needed about 16'4" after everything that we could was lowered.   A couple of them were very close but with the water down a bit it certainly helped. 

It was a nice smooth ride to Joliet.  Went through an area where they actually put electricty throught the water to try to stop the asian carp from heading upstream any further.

 

 

We picked up a couple of other boat that had come down the Calumet River.  Once we got into Joliet there were a total of seven Looper's and one sailboat Looper, Hinnerk on the Paulinchen.  He sailed the boat , mostly along all the way from Hamburg Germany.  He left in 2009.  These are serious boating people....  On the wall in Joliet we had Jim and Belinda on Rickshaw, Bev and Bruce on Paddy Wagon, Walter and coleen on Gemini Dream, Jim and Ann on Wild Goose, Rick and Diane on Toucan and Cathryn and Bob on Next To Me.  I am not sure that you could have fit another looper on the wall.  They had FREE power on shore, which we did not know about, which was nice.  After everyone got settled we met at 5 o'clock for  hors'doeuvres and drinks.  What a nice way to end the day, with old friends and new friends food and rum....  Time had gone by us and before we knew it, it was after 8:00PM.  We all packed up and headed back to our boats.  Not to hungry, I made hot dogs and beans for dinner.  We watched Mamma Mia, again and then went to bed.  I fianlly got some sleep....