We left Peoria and Heaven to Betsy behind. Heaven to Betsy was to follow the next day. We called the lock and they were able to get us in almost right away, and Seascape came up right behind! The two of us were the only two in the lock - so nice and roomy :)
It was a beautiful day on the river and quite uneventful and nice.
The Illinois River
After so many huge tugs this little guy looked real cute.
This is what the barges look like from behind, pushing 3 barges wide.
While we were waiting for the lock to open, we watched this guy appearing to be searching for something in the water that he never found. He was balanced on an barge. Notice the man at the end of the video to understand how huge the bucket on the excavator is.
We were hoping to stop at a Nature Center with a free dock for the night, but noticed the water level was very low through this area. After all the high water through the Erie Canal and Canada, it is strange to see such low water. When we arrived at the Nature Center, we discovered their dock was too close to shore. When we tried to approach, on the hope that the shoreline dropped steeply, we were suddenly in 3 feet of water! We backed out quickly! Two other Looper boats were anchored nearby, so we joined them. They had hoped to go to the Nature Center as well. We wanted to drop our dinghies to visit the Nature Center, but our lowered masts made that very difficult so we all stayed on board.
Pili Lani and Jolly Mon in the early morning mist as we were leaving the anchorage.
Entering back into the Illinois River from our anchorage.
An old silo perhaps? Reminded us of some castle towers in Scotland.
This poor cabin is lucky to still be on its stilts!
A hunting blind that is built on barrels and has lost all its camouflage!
We spent another night at anchor - this time there were 4 Looper boats sharing the anchorage! The next morning we all went through the next lock together and were joined by a small tow boat.
A very odd picture - it shows the "tow" coming out of the lock (15 barges), and the tow boat in front of it that is waiting to go down with us. A "tow" is the combination of the tow boat with the engine and the barges it is pushing or pulling. The boat alone is called a tow boat (never a tug boat or pusher).
This shows how big these locks are - even with 4 trawlers and and a tow boat!
A better picture of the tow boat Pin Oak behind Pili Lani.
More pretty bridges (the first one is still under construction).
Periodically we go through loading areas for the barges. The little fishing boats dart around everywhere. Here is one fishing under the loading area.
The river is wider here but the tows still create a lot of turbulence in the water and make maneuvering through two of them a little nerve wracking. At least the one on the right is beached.
The view from the front of the beached barges.
A whole community on stilts!
This one is especially impressive and tall.
This one has an entire deck under the house. I didn't notice the roof on the house behind it until I uploaded all my pictures on the computer!
The river water is so brown and dense that we cannot bring ourselves to swim in it, but some people do! I prefer to see through the water I'm swimming in.
Here's a different kind of ferry! A barge powered by a tow boat!
I finally caught the crazy jumping carp on video!! It's really short so look quick :)
Pili Lani and Jolly Mon left early, but here is Seacape in front of us and Keokuk was behind. We split up at this point to go to three different marinas but met again a day later.
This is what our transom looks like nearly every morning. These are May Flies that are grounded by the dew. As the sun warms their wings, they fly away!
Good bye Illinois River - 
- Hello Mississippi!!
This is how they spend Labor Day on the Mississippi River - boats everywhere!
Even on the sandbars!
We are definitely back in civilization! A HUGE marina!
We spent the night at a small marina that has a certified technician that could would on our toilets. It was a little shallow but we managed to squeeze in. They had free laundry so I did a load and took a nice long shower. We got the problem fixed and left the next morning to Alton Marina which is located just outside St. Louis, MO.
This lovely eagle is mounted at the mouth of the marina where we spent the night.
The landscape has changed from low lands to cliffs that look like they've been carved!
Houses are built on top
So many styles - from classic -
- to modern
The bridge coming into the suburbs of St. Louis
We arrived at Alton Marina to find 5 other Looper boats, so of course that means - Docktails!! How much fun, comparing stories, welcoming new Loopers, and sharing appetizers. The marina is one of the nicest we've been in. They spoil their boaters here. There is a swimming pool, 2 hot tubs, private bath/shower rooms, and trash pick up! Everything is well kept and manicured. There is a nice covered area where we had docktails. The courtesy here even spreads to town where there is a grocery store that picks you up and delivers you back to your boat with your groceries! To top it all - we are under cover for the first time.
We will stay here for 6 days (pay for 3 and get 3 free!), do some shopping, touring, swimming, and visiting. I made oatmeal cookies this morning and passed them around to the other Loopers. We are watching the weather and praying for the people affected by Hurricane Irma. Lots of Loopers have homes in Florida. As she moves north, we'll need to keep a close eye on how she will affect our travels.
Between the fires and hurricanes, our prayers go out to all!
Anchored at Quiver Island 9/1
Anchored at Bar Island 9/2
Anchored at Willow Island 9/3
Docked at Polestar Marina 9/4
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