This part of the Great Loop proves why you should be a flexible boater, ready to handle the unexpected. You really never know what to expect! Although we called ahead to the lock, we waited 2 hrs. and 40 minutes to lock through. The lock master did a great job of trying to lock us through twice, however, the barges entering the locks that we would fit in were carrying hazardous materials. Great effort on the lock masters part! There was no place to tie up so it was a "float and wait" staging. Start your engines, position yourself out of the way of the barges, bridge, dam, and land, shut off your engines and float...once too close to dam, barges, bridge, and/or land, restart engines, re-position......."shampoo, lather, rinse, repeat"! The best part of the "unexpected" was that once we did lock through with three other Loopers, and an added "pleasure craft", we did not have to hold lines nor attach to bollards.....we were instructed to simply float while locking down the eleven feet! Easy breezy, thank you!
Along the river was another unexpected situation! The waterway was blocked except for approximately 50' of which only 25' was navigable. Add to that, we could not distinguish which was the port or starboard side of the dredge boat with all of it's pipes connected on both its bow and stern. Nor could be tell if the tug was attached to the blocking pipes from our view down river. Additionally, the captain did not communicate in familiar river lingo, i.e., "pass me on the one whistle or the two whistle". Our field of vision was obscured by his vessel. We are very grateful for the patience and courtesy we've experienced with all of the tug captains along this river way! They are great! The Looper behind us also encountered the same confusion and unexpected situation. We all fared well!
Also, another "unexpected" close call with a railroad bridge that wouldn't open. Closed height 19'.....Charlie quickly lowered our antennas.
The remainder of the trip was mainly quiet tree lined serenity. Monarch butterflies flying south along with many American White Pelicans, and a stunning show provided by a Bald Eagle! A great travel day!
At port tonight we grilled lamp chops and asparagus toss with blue cheese along with a lovely red wine!
Garmin struggling through an early sunrise walk.
Downtown Peoria.
Lock Master cruising the lock wall.
Floating in the lock, we are center. Thank you Fryedaze for this photo! Fryedaze and another Looper are in lock behind us.
In lock looking back at Freydaze and other Loopers floating in the lock.
It's looking a lot like Christmas.
This guy should be wearing a hard hat?!
Waterway blocked by dredging. View looking aft after passing. This view is much easier to see the tug is attached to pipes.
Dredging in process.
Bald Eagle entertaining us, priceless!
Many hours with this view along the Illinois River.
Railroad bridge will not open.
Crazy low railroad bridge....and we cleared it!
At port tied to barge.
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