The Sometimes Scenic Illinois River
Most of the Illinois River has been quiet and serene but there have also been parts that are very industrial. The commercial river traffic proceeds 24/7 as we found out in Joliet. In this part of the river, the traffic seems to be predominately grain barges; nearer to Chicago, it was almost all gravel and sand.
We have one more full day and one more lock to transit on the Illinois River before merging with the Mississippi River a little north of St. Louis. We find ourselves in Beardstown, IL tonight at one of the more scenic marina stops (not really) along the entire Great Loop. See pictures below. Last night we anchored in a peaceful little place at Havana, IL. There were four other Loop boats at the same anchorage but there was plenty of room for everyone.
Wanna hear a fish tale? Too bad, here it is anyway: This fish, all 20 inches of him, jumped in the boat as we were minding our own business heading down river.
Schuyler waiting for the fog to lift
Earlier in the morning, the bridge was not even visible
The sun trying to burn off the morning fog
The morning fog highlighted a few of the many spider webs on the boat.
Passing a tow boat on the Illinois River
Enjoying a glass of bubbly with Jo. Note the classy champagne glasses which perform multiple functions as glasses for cocktails, orange juice, or anything else.
We met another Loop couple at a marina and had dinner together
Enjoying an (almost) candlelight dinner on the boat.
We were inundated with Mayflies when we got up this morning. There were all over everything but harmless enough. They live for one day only and die off.
Mayfly bodies littered the entire boat.
Our "marina" was being tied up to a series of work barges. No electricity and I had to drag a water hose from 3 barges over. NOT five star accommodations by any means.
Sunset at Beardstown