9/1 - 9/3/2017 - Seneca, IL to Pearl, IL (Illinois River)

Fri, 9/1/17: Springbrook Marina, Seneca, IL to Ivy Club, Peoria, IL (75.1 miles)
The day had finally arrived!  We're finally took a big bite out of the Loop.  Albeit in segments for a couple of years until we fully retire.  Nothing wrong with getting a head start!

Continuing down the Illinois River on a beautiful Labor Day weekend, our first stop was at Starved Rock Lock.  After about a 2-hour wait, we locked through without incident, and continued our 75-mile trip @ 11 knots.  It was an 8-hour day before arriving at our destination, The Ivy Club, Peoria, IL.  It was a nice marina with a well-equipped shower.  We've spied a handful of Loopers along the way.  We loved seeing the AGLCA Burgee proudly flying on the Illinois River.

Sat, 9/2: Peoria, IL to Havana, IL (48.8 miles)
We began with a short trip down stream to Peoria lock, followed by 48 miles at 7 knots, arriving at Tall Timber Marina, Havana, IL in 7 hours.

• The proprietor of Tall Timbers, Bob Skoglund, is a former resident of Lemont, IL.  It's a cute little marina, and the locals were very friendly.  Even shared their squirrel and turtle recipes with us!

Sun, 9/3: Havana, IL to Pearl IL (82.5 miles)
We got an early start for what turned out to be an 85-mile day!  We arrived at LaGrange Lock at about 12:30 p.m. and were through at 1:30.

• Since no marinas were available on this stretch, we had to find an anchorage for the night.  We planned on an anchorage at MM48, but the water was pretty skinny, so we went another 8 miles to Wing Island.
• It was about 300 yds off the green marker, and not as protected as we would have liked.  It was a peaceful evening on the river all alone, enjoying the pot roast we had cooking in the crock all day.
• A couple of barges passed in the night, and Captain got up to make sure we were seen - no issues.
• 40 more miles on the IL river tomorrow.  Then on to the Mighty Mississippi!