Twelve Stones

9/18/14: Big Blue Island Anchorage – Grafton, Illinois 50NM. We got an early start this morning after a peaceful night on anchor.

We will stay in Grafton, Illinois for 2 days until Saturday when we go to Hoppies Marina on the Mississippi River. The closure of the Mississippi River last week resulted in a backlog of Loopers trying to get south. Hoppies is the last place for fuel for 107 Statute Miles and the last marina for 228 Statute Miles so it’s a ‘must stop’ marina. Miss Hadley & Endeavor will need to take on fuel.

When we arrived at Grafton Harbor Marine we saw many Looper boats at the docks. Most are still here as a result of the flood closure of the Mississippi River some days ago. While checking in the marine staff let us know that a tug had sunk at Mississippi River Marker 100 which could result in yet another closure of the river. We should know tomorrow.

As usual we saw lots of birds on our trip down the river.

9/17/14: Havana, Ill. – Big Blue Island Anchorage 53NM. The LaGrange Lock & Dam had he wickets lowered so we were able to cruise right on by. This time we crossed in rain.

Approaching La Grange Lock

As we continue south on the river the amount of debris (logs, trees, stumps, etc.) increases. The logs are sometimes bigger than telephone poles. We received a call from Rick on Assisted Living today and they had just made it to the Ohio River. He reported that the Mississippi River has massive amounts of debris & if we could wait a couple of days to continue it would probably be best. This will fit into our time schedule perfectly.

The Big Blue Island Anchorage was a perfect place. Endeavor, Miss Hadley, & Twelve Stones fit nicely tucked back off the main river. Later Pura Vida who had come all the way from Peoria joined us. With the river at flood stage we had plenty of depth. While the channel was small the 1knot current kept us from swinging.

Anchorage off the river.

Once anchored Russ fired up the grill for burgers & hotdogs. John lowered his dink, picked up Steve & they joined us for dinner.

9/16/14: Peoria, Illinois to Havana, Illinois 41NM – Tall Timbers Marina.

The Illinois River has two Wicket Dams, the Peoria Lock & the La Grange Lock. A wicket dam consists of a series of paddles (wickets) that aee attached to the river bottom with a hinge on one end. When up the paddles block the river & create a waterfall, navigation traffic needs ot use a lock to pass the dam. During periods of high water, the river can completely submerge the paddles. When this occurs you simply pass by the lock using the main river channel. . The first wicket we crossed over was fogged in.

Passing the Lock in the fog.

Debris Caught By The Bridge

(look how high up it is)

We stayed at the Tall Timbers Marina in Havana. It’s a small marina but charming, quiet, & clean. The owner Bob was the best. There is a Dollar General just up the street & a good restaurant as well. We would highly recommend this as a stop.