Illinois River – Day 3

Heritage Harbor Marina was nice.  They had a restaurant on site so we ate out after a long day with another Looper couple ( Karl and Mackie on Endorphin Voyager). 

We did not feel like getting up early and traveling the 6 miles to Starved Rock Lock for the 5:30 AM pleasure boat lock through.  This lock is also under repair and is closed from 6AM to 6PM.  We chose to try to get through at the 6PM lock through.  We found a marina that would take us that was 10 miles south of the lock.  As long as we made it through right at 6PM we would be Okay to get in before dark.  Heritage Marina allowed us to stay until late in the afternoon.  We fueled up and began a slow cruise to the lock.

 As we traveled south, we saw many tugs and barges that were waiting for the lock.  We were amazed at how far away they parked to get in line for the lock.  The lockmaster will be busy tonight.   

We had to wait for the barge with the crane to move out of the way and then we were waiting on this barge to pick up his crew. The lockmaster advised us to go around this guy and we were able to get in right at 6:00 PM to lock through.

As we got out of the lock we saw this neat cliff, or rock. We then saw the Peoria Riverboat. It was at a nice park along the river. We then saw quite a few tugs and barges waiting in line to go through the lock.

We arrived at Spring Valley Boat Club at 7:45PM just as it was dark.  No one was around except a bartender for the bar/restaurant. We startled her when we walked up to pay for the night.  She was very nice and let us have a couple beers before we retired for the night.