Day 9: Bye Bye Illinois River

Day 9: Bye Bye Illinois River!

We have officially completed the entire Illinois River! Woke up to a less foggy morning, which was great since it means we could start moving earlier. We anchored off Willow Island about a mile south of Kampsville, so after getting up I opted to hoist anchor and motor back up river 1 mile closer to the town and it’s boat ramp. I much prefer a ramp than a muddy river bank when taking the boys in for a walk, especially on a cold morning.

Staying at anchor has been very comfortable. The electric blanket does a great job of keeping us plenty warm while conserving energy.

After a nice 3 mile walk we headed back to the boat, I made breakfast and transferred 10 gallons from jerry cans into the main tank. One of the jerry cans I bought from Nautical Donations, Inc. has what I refer to as “The Udder”, its essentially a hand pump/siphon that makes transferring fuel a easy and clean job, opposed to a spout and a funnel…

Once I completed my morning routine of breakfast (eggs and waffles with a cup of tea) I did my daily checks (oil, sea strainer, etc), checked the weather and the chartbook one more time, then hoisted anchor and started heading south.

We passed two LONG barges today, at least 800’ in length. The amount of water these boats move is amazing. stating 1/4 back you can feel their prop wash turn the boat. I’ll try and capture the next one on video. When passing they slow us down significantly. I have been motoring at 6knots pretty consistently but when I get next to a tow you can feel us get sucked sideways and our speed drops almost a knot. Pretty impressive.

Anywhoo. Passed our second barge, then made our way to Grafton, mile marker ZERO on the Illinois River. Just past Grafton are some amazing limestone cliffs, pics attached. We finished the day in a marina today here at Alton Marina (yay shorepower!).

I sent the drone up to get some footage of the bridge, well the drone loved it so much it flew right into it. Watched it fall out of the sky like Sally Field without her habit on. Landed on the breakwall between the marina and the marina, had to take the dingy over and climb up to retrieve it. Oh well glad I bought the extended insurance on it! $69 and they will send me a replacement.

Planning on dinner with the Bavarian Al’s tonight, they are both named Al but aren’t actually Bavarian, but they are on a Bavaria 42 so that what I call them. Two very nice guys from Canada who are doing the loop. We bonded after our death defying experience in the Marseilles Lock.

All is well in our little floating world. My parents are planning on meeting me on Kentucky Lake early next week, will probably spend a few days with them at Green Turtle Bay Resort and take a day or two off from travelling.

Hope all of you are well, Cheers!