Lollygag AFTER The Loop

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Peoria, Illinois; September 20, 2011

Link to anchorage in Peoria Lake via Google Maps

Peoria from out anchorage

North of Peoria, the Illinois River is called Upper Peoria Lake.
It's wide and long for 12 miles.
There are additional navigational aids to keep you in the channel, because
outside the channel the water is only 5 feet deep or less.

"The Narrows" at the south end of Upper Peoria Lake

Under the bridge the river turns into Peoria Lake.

It was probably suppose to look mean, but this cute little police boat
was zooming all around.

Coast Guard doin what they do.

World travelers and our pleasure to spend some time with.
Thanks for the yummy cake!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Fun on the river; September 17, 2011

Link to Rome, Illinois via Google Maps

HOLY CARP!
Asian Carp were jumping all around the boat - some as high as 5 feet!

Down the Illinois River

This part of the river has a lot of bends

Red channel markers are on the port side going downstream

Sandbar filled with white pelicans

There are many sloughs in this area which attract migrating birds.

Being a bird watcher, I really appreciate this part of the river.

We circled around to watch the white pelicans -
Later a local guy told us he'd almost came out to help because he thought we were stuck.
We had a good laugh about being lollygagers.

Great Blue Heron

Turkey vultures feasting on a carp

Egret - they stand so still, it looks like a statue

Lollygag at the dock with a casino boat in the background

Friday, September 16, 2011

Illinois River; September 15 & 16, 2011

Map showing our stopping points 9/15 & 9/16

9-15-11

Link to anchorage in Buffalo Rock State Park via Google Maps

Tucked behind an island for the night in Buffalo Park State Park.
The bluff overlooking the river is part of the canyon that
was once used for Indians to capture buffalo.

Plenty of room for barges here....think we will still hide.

Marseilles Lock - 5th lock going down; 25 feet
Good timing as this barge was just leaving so we could go right in.

9-16-11

Link to Spring Valley Marina via Google Maps

Not our planned anchorage, but baby its cold outside!
We opted for overnight heat at this quiet quaint marina.

Lots of history here. If you care to read it, click this link.

Starved Rock Lock and Dam - 6th lock going down; 18 feet
Radioed for a lock-though, and were informed it would be 1&1/2 hour due to barge traffic.
We tied up to a "can" and enjoyed our first wait.