Wednesday, September 20 - Danny’s Birthday

Wednesday, September 20 - Danny’s Birthday

Well, it’s an almost-sunrise picture. (7:33). 

We were about to pull out when Marian aboard Midas Touch called to tell us they were getting ready to leave, too, and if we waited a few minutes they would be out of our way.  Danny said we had plenty of room to pull out into that narrow fairway, and I trust him, but it was still nice having the extra room.

We have seen a lot of industry along the rivers, but this one wins the prize for sheer size.

There are still lots of barges lined up along the river.  And we see lots of tires anchored to the shore that are used for them to tie up. This picture was taken in Creve Coeur, IL.  What an interesting name. 

Still more evidence of the low water level.  And I keep thinking how so many places in Canada were flooded.  Mother Nature at work. 

The only place to tie up between Peoria and Grafton is along a barge in Logsdon.  We missed it as we passed by, which was fine with us since they had no electricity or water but still charged for tieing up.  We proceeded a little further downriver to this anchorage behind an island in Havana, IL.  There is a marina, Tall Timbers, in town but when we called to check depth, the owner told us if our draft was over 3 feet, please keep going.  We took his advice.

There had not been a place to buy ice in Peoria, so we really needed some.  Out came the dinghy and we rode to town.  On the way we passed the marina with shallow water and pulled in just to see.  The owner was still there, and had one bag of ice left!  We bought that, one gallon of gas for our dinghy gas can, and headed back to our boat, skipping town since we had accomplished our mission.  

Serenity, with Jan, Jim and 12-year old AJ, had pulled into the same anchorage, so after we dropped off the ice, we rode over for a visit.  We had met them in Joliet, and crossed paths a couple of times, but this was our first chance for a real visit.  They had tried to get into Tall Timbers and could not pass beyond the shoaling at the entrance.  We understand Lab Partners had run aground there, too, so our anchorage looked even better.  We enjoyed the visit, then headed home. 

Aunt Betty called to wish Danny a happy birthday, and asked what we were doing for the occasion.  I had to tell her the truth - nothing!  I didn’t even have cookies to bring out.  I told her we opened an extra can of beer!  Happy Birthday, Danny.