Day 4: Warmest weather yet

Day 4: Warmest weather yet! We had a wonderful and easy day on the Illinois River making our way from Ottawa, IL to Hennepin, IL.

Sunny, minimal barge traffic, and high 60s meant a very enjoyable day to travel. Only 1 lock today, right at Starved Rock State Park. I remember visiting this park as a kid and looking out over the river and the lock, at the time having no idea I’d be going through it one day…

Had about an hour wait for the lock, which after last night’s lock shenanigans I was happy to oblige. Dropped the hook and played with the drone for a bit. I saw Pelicans! I’ve never seen Pelicans in Illinois, so that was pretty cool.

After locking through and motoring a few hours I decided to anchor again and dinghy ashore to a beach to let the boys run a bit. They have been so well behaved I wanted to give them some time on land to work off some energy.

Hennepin is a cute little town. Basically it’s a bar, bank, and food store. Pretty much all you need. They have a free wall which is really just an old barge pushed into shore. Works for me!

Doing dinner in the cockpit for the first time of the trip since its so nice. Grabbed a fresh steak from the food store, John Prine / Folk playlist on Spotify, and a cold Miller lite. All is right in our little floating world tonight.

Tonight’s playlist for anyone interested in some easy evening listening: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EQp62d3Dl7ECY?si=PBSqP3_eRtqq7u0qWNJIZw

Off to the bustling metropolis of Peoria tomorrow!