METROPOLIS, IL TO GRAND RIVERS, KY - COMPLETION OF OUR GREAT LOOP

Sunday, September 27th, 2015

Day 419

Miles Traveled: 48

Total Miles Traveled: 6836


  At 6:00 am we contacted the lockmaster at Ohio River Lock 52.  We were excited to hear that, despite all the backup of tow boats, he would try and get us locked through first thing in the morning.  True to his word, we were entering the lock at 7:30 am.  There were six boats in total following behind "Seahorse".  

leaving Lock 52

  We were happy and sad to be continuing down the Ohio River.  Just a few miles later we would "cross our wake" which marks the completion of our Great Loop route.  

cruising down the Ohio River

  Just a little over 14 months ago we started on this journey, and, at the junction of the Cumberland River and the Ohio River is where we officially started on the Great Loop route. 

approaching junction of Ohio River and Cumberland River

  We had come full circle.  What a great adventure. 

crossing our wake

  We had decided to end our Great Loop trip at Green Turtle Bay in Grand Rivers, Ky which is located on Lake Barkley on the Cumberland River.  We had stayed there last August.  Upon our arrival, many Loopers who were already there held a gathering to celebrate our completion of The Great Loop.  We were happy to have several of the Loopers we had traveled with frequently there to help us celebrate - Jesse & Linda of "Bama Dream", Wayne & Donadee of "Always Home", and Kay of "Plane 2 Sea".   

"docktails" party to celebrate our completion of the Loop

  Now that we had arrived at our final destination, it was time to retire the white AGLCA burgee and fly the gold.  The gold flag indicates that you are a member who has completed the Great Loop.  

getting ready to replace the white burgee

WE MADE IT !!

officially gold Loopers

  After hanging the gold burgee, we had a celebratory dinner with Dave & Penny of "Penny Pinchin' " at the Yacht Club restaurant.  It was a great ending to a great day and a great journey.  

  Over the past 14 months, we have been fortunate to see lots of amazing things, but, the most amazing part was the people that we met. 

    Tomorrow we will start a new chapter of our lives.  We are not sure how the ending will go, but, we are looking forward to finding out.   We are very grateful to our family and friends who supported us in our dream and helped us to make it a reality.  WE LOVE YOU ALL!!!        

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO TO METROLPOLIS, IL

Saturday, September 26th, 2015

Day 418

Miles Traveled: 91

Total Miles Traveled: 6788


  We had a peaceful night sleep in Little Diversion Channel.  As soon as the sun came up, we headed out of Little Diversion and back out onto the Might Mississippi River.  Today, "Penny Pinchin' " was in the lead as we curved around more bends and passed by tow boats.  

  With much anticipation, we finally reached the mouth of the Ohio River.  There was a change in water color were the Ohio River meets the Mississippi River.  The Mississippi is very brown all the time.  The Ohio was more of a green color.  Although the water was a prettier color, the trade off was that we were now headed upriver and against the current.  Our speed went from about 12 mph to 7 mph.   

turning to enter the Ohio River

  Just shortly after entering the Ohio River, we passed by a very unique "boat".  It appeared to be a truck camper top mounted on a large john boat hull.  Again another representation of "You never know what you are going to see on the river". 

unique houseboat

  The upcoming section of the Ohio River was challenging.  The Corp of Engineers is building a new lock and dam called "Olmstead Lock and Dam".  This project has been going on for many years.  They are far enough along that most of the river is blocked off, except for where the new locks are.  There were several of us traveling together and we had to go the the chamber with both gates open in single file.  The barges are escorted through the area with helper boats. 

Olmstead Lock and Dam construction site

  Just past the soon to be Olmstead Lock is Lock 53.  This lock and the one above, Lock 52, are going to be replaced by this Olmstead Lock.  Lock 53 was only a two foot lift, and, the lockmaster allowed us to just float in the chamber as the water level was lifted instead of tying off to the old metal walls, we floated in the middle of the chamber.  

  As we exited Lock 53 the tow boat/barge traffic increased.  There were tow boats with barges everywhere.  Lock 52 was doing major repair work on the main chamber and all the tow boats were having to break down and go through the smaller chamber.  This makes locking through twice as long.  Lock 52 is one of the busiest on the Ohio River.  As such, the tows are backing up.  One count indicated over seventy tow boats waiting to be locked through.

tow boats with barges lining the banks of the Ohio River waiting to get locked through Lock 52

  We did not have enough daylight to get to Lock 52 and lock through, so, we anchored just below the dam.  We were anchored just shortly before the sun set. 

sun beginning to set over Ohio River just before getting to our anchorage

  There were five Looper boats anchored at this location.  We had traveled over twelve hours today and were exhausted.  After a late dinner of leftovers, we got ready for bed.  

KIMMSWICK, MO TO CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO

Friday, September 25th, 2015

Day 417

Miles Traveled: 109

Total Miles Traveled: 6697



  Again, we left at daybreak with Dave & Penny of "Penny Pinchin' " following behind.  The entire cruising day was on the Mississippi River with its powerful current.  Our speed maxed out at 14 mph where we would usually be going 9 mph.  We were able to cover a lot of ground with this extra speed.  

  Through several sections there was turbulence caused by weirdams.  These are rock sills located in the navigation channel, but, are at a level which allows normal boat traffic to pass over them.  They are designed to control the flow of water around a bend.  In these areas there can be standing waves and eddies (whirlpools). 

standing waves in area of weirdam

eddies over area of weirdam

  Most of the travel today was fairly monotonous with beautiful green foliage and blue skies.

most of our scenery for the day on the Mississippi River

  We had a change in the scenery as we passed by Cape Girardeau, MO.  Along their river front is a nice painted mural.

Cape Girardeau, MO

  Shortly after passing Cape Girardeau, MO we entered our anchorage at Little Diversion Channel.  There are not many anchorages on the Mississippi River in the section we will be traveling.  This one happens to be the best and most protected.  There were already three boats in the anchorage when we arrived and three more came in later.

  Penny & Dave of "Penny Pinchin' " and Chuck & Vicky of "Patriot" joined us on our boat for drinks and appetizers.  As usual we talked about our journey - both past and upcoming.  Dan grilled some burgers while Angie worked on the blog.  Another night of going to bed early in preparation for an early departure the next morning.  

GRAFTON, IL TO KIMMSWICK, MO

Wednesday, September 23rd to Thursday, September 24th, 2015

Day 415-416

Miles Traveled on Thursday: 60

Total Miles Traveled: 6588


  Wednesday we stayed at Grafton Marina and took advantage of the stay three nights and get the fourth one free.  In addition, our next stop (Hoppie's Marina) was booked until the following day.  Dan washed the boat decks down, but, other than that, we did nothing but relax. 


  Thursday we untied the lines early.  A beautiful sunrise made the early awakening worthwhile.  It was a nice welcome to the Mississippi River.  The Mississippi River runs over 1700 miles, however, we are only going to travel 218 miles of its water.  

sunrise while leaving Grafton, IL - just up ahead was Mississippi River

  There were beautiful white bluffs on one section of the river today.  This helped to make up for the not so scenic wingdams.  Wingdams are rock jetties that deflect the river current toward the center of the river to prevent erosion of the river banks and create a self-flushing action that helps keep the channel from shoaling and becoming too shallow for navigation.   

white bluffs on the Mississippi River

wingdams on the Mississippi

  Just past the town Portage des Sioux, MO stands a large statue of the Virgin Mary.  Called, "Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine", it is a fifty foot shrine built after a disastrous flood in 1951 as gratitude for the water stopping just short of flooding this little town.  

Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine

  We had two locks to deal with today.  Fortunately, neither gave us a significant delay in our travels.  Before we knew it, we were cruising by St. Louis, MO and seeing the grand St. Louis Gateway Arch (by water this time).  We were traveling with Dave & Penny of "Penny Pinchin' " and took turns taking pictures of each others boats in front of the Arch. 

"Seahorse" in front of the St. Louis Gateway Arch

  To add to our collection of "You Never Know What You Are Going To See on the River", we spotted an interesting yard art sculpture.  

interesting yard art

  In case you are having difficulty making out what it is, I have included a close-up shot.  I included the previous picture to show the size of the sculpture.  It is almost as tall as a house.  

WOW!!

  We made our final destination without difficulty.  We docked at the famous Hoppie's Marina.  Owned and operated by Charles ("Hoppie") and Fern Hopkins, the marina has been around for about eighty years.  The Hopkins men worked on the river as lamplighters.  

Hoppie's Marina

    Every evening Fern holds a captain's meeting to give advice about boating on the upcoming sections of the Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers.  She is all about keeping us boaters safe on the waterways. 

Angie with Fern at Hoppie's Marina after the captain's meeting

  We grilled some hot dogs for dinner, which we planned to use for upcoming dinners after the long travel days on the Mississippi.  Then, off to bed for a good nights rest.  


   

GRAFTON, IL - VISIT TO ST. LOUIS, MO

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2015

Day 414

Miles Traveled: 0

Total Miles Traveled: 6528


  Today we went on a road trip with Dave & Penny aboard "Penny Pinchin' ".  We rented a car to go a see the St. Louis Gateway Arch.  Completed in October 1965, this stainless steel structure stands 630 feet tall.  

St. Louis Gateway Arch

visiting the St. Louis Gateway Arch

  A unique tram ride takes visitors to the top of the arch for an amazing view.  The engineering for the tram system uses the principles of a conventional elevator, street car, and ferris wheel.  

example of tram car that takes visitors to the top of the Gateway Arch

  The view at the top was spectacular.  We could see for miles.  

part of the view from the top of the St. Louis Gateway Arch

  After leaving the Arch, we found a great BBQ place for a late lunch.  Then, it was back to the marina and off to WalMart for some provisioning.  That evening, Dave & Penny on "Penny Pinchin' " joined us for a relaxing hot tub soak.     

GRAFTON, IL

Monday, September 21st, 2015

Day 413

Miles Traveled: 0

Total Miles Traveled: 6528


  Before lunch, we completed the chore of laundry.  After lunch, we took a tour around the town of Grafton.  Near the river bank was a fake lighthouse that was built as a memorial to a couple.  In the distance was the view of some beautiful white bluffs on the river's edge. 

lighthouse structure

  Several of the buildings along main street were built in the mid to late 1800's.  One building that we found most interesting used to be the Grafton Bank.  It is now a gift shop.  This may be one of the smallest banks we have ever seen. 

Old Grafton Bank

  After our walk, we sat by the pool and continued to enjoy the sunshine.  We walked a short distance to a nearby restaurant for dinner.  We enjoyed the sunset and the fire pit while Dan finished his after dinner cocktail. 

view of sunset from the restaurant

glass fire pit - pretty cool

  Again we returned to the pool area, but, this time to enjoy the hot tub.  We had a great soak while gazing at the stars in the sky.   

BEARDSTOWN, IL TO GRAFTON, IL

Sunday, September 20th, 2015

Day 412

Miles Traveled: 88

Total Miles Traveled: 6528


  We planned to have another long travel day which meant up before dawn for an early departure.  There was some fog which was colored by the sunrise giving it an interesting pink color.

pink fog in the morning

  We arrived at La Grange Lock by about 7:00 am and by 7:30 am we were locking through.  This was our last lock on the Illinois River.  They were releasing a lot of water from the upper pools due to the rain from the previous days.  As you can see, there was a lot of turbulence as we exited the chamber. 

turbulence coming from the dam while leaving La Grange Lock

  We had a very enjoyable cruising day with sunny skies and light winds.  Our scenery was the tree-lined banks of the river with egrets, white pelicans, seagulls, and eagles flying overhead. 

cruising down the Illinois River

  After the long travel day, we were glad to see the town of Grafton, IL showing up in the distance.  Grafton Harbor Marina was our final destination.  We filed up with fuel in preparation for the trip down the Mississippi (which has very limited places to buy diesel fuel) and headed to our slip.  After getting ourselves settled, we went to where other Loopers were gathering for docktails before having dinner.  

  We discovered "Bama Dream" was at the marina on a different dock and were planning to leave in the morning.  We visited with them the rest of the evening.    

PEORIA, IL TO BEARDSTOWN, IL

Friday, September 18th to Saturday, September 19th, 2015

Day 410-411

Miles Traveled on Saturday: 80

Total Miles Traveled: 6440


  Due to predicted thunderstorms, we stayed at the IVY Club Marina on Friday.  It was a nice relaxing day.  Before the rain started, we went to the No Wake Zone for lunch and had a great thin crust pizza.

  Saturday we woke up early at 5:30 am and left just before 7:00 am.  Our only lock for the day was the Peoria Lock.  We made it just in time for lock ahead of a downbound tow boat.  We were surprised when the lockmaster advised that we could just float in the lock as we dropped down the 10 feet.

floating in Peoria Lock

  Just before the water had dropped to its desired level, the lockmaster hailed us on the VHF and advised us that a hydraulic hose that operates the lower gates had just blown.  He was going to try and open the gates far enough so that we could exit the lock.  Luck was in our favor, and, the right gate was able to open all the way giving us plenty of room to exit the chamber. 

  We had a beautiful cruise down the Illinois River.   The day started out cloudy and cool, but, by the end of the day there was sun with white puffy clouds.

blue skies and the Illinois River

  With the current in our favor, we were able to go between 9.5 - 10 mph the entire day.  Usually we are only able to go about 8 mph.  We took advantage of the "push" and covered a lot of miles.  We bypassed our planned stop at Havana, IL and moved on to Beardstown, IL.  There is a tug boat company there called Logsdon Tug Service that allows transient vessels to tie up to the barges that are not needed for the day and evening.  There was not water or electric, but, it was walking distance to the town.  In addition, we didn't have to hassle with finding a good anchorage.  The Illinois River is not very deep and finding an anchorage deep enough out of the channel can be challenging.

"Seahorse" tied up to barge at Logsdon Tug Service

  While relaxing before dinner, the Spirit of Peoria sternwheeler passed by playing its calliope.  We heard it was cruising to St. Louis, MO. 

  We took a walk into Beardstown.  Not much to be found there.  We went in hunt for the Mexican restaurants which we were told were in town.  We found one, only to find it closed.  The second we were unable to locate.  So, we returned to the boat and ate leftovers while gazing upon a beautiful sunset.

OTTAWA, IL TO PEORIA, IL

Wednesday, September 16th to Thursday, September 17th, 2015

Day 408-409

Miles Traveled on Thursday: 74

Total Miles Traveled: 6360


  We woke up early on Wednesday morning planning to head further down the Illinois River.  We checked the weather and some gusty winds were predicted for the day.  In addition, we were enjoying the marina and had some other chores, like laundry and haircuts, that needed to be done. So, we decided to stay at Heritage Harbor another day and went back to bed for some more sleep.
  After waking for the second time, we contacted the marina office and got the courtesy car.  First was laundry and then haircuts.  It's nice to be back at marinas that provide transportation.  We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and doing some trip planning. 



  Like the day prior we awoke early with plans to head south on the Illinois River.  Unlike the day prior, this time we actually left.  It was a beautiful morning.  A nice sunrise sent us on our way. 

sunrise at Heritage Harbor Marina

  Our first and only lock for the day was about 11 miles downriver.  When we arrived, we were advised there would be about a 1.5 hour wait (typical river travel issue).  We spent the time watching some birds nearby.  Many of them were white pelicans - didn't expect to see them on the Illinois River. 

white pelicans hanging out by the lock

  The river today had various topography.  Some areas were narrow, some were wider.  Some areas were mostly flat and others had some large hills.  All were beautiful.  

narrower section with flat shoreline

wider section with some hills in the distance

  It was a long travel day.  We arrived just before dinner at the Illinois Valley Yacht Club Marina - or IVY Club Marina for short.  We had leftovers for dinner and then relaxed from the 10 hour travel day.    

OTTAWA, IL

Tuesday, September 15th, 2015

Day 407

Miles Traveled: 0

Total Miles Traveled: 6286


  We stayed another day at Ottawa, IL and used the marina courtesy car to go for lunch, pick up some groceries, and take a quick tour of the downtown.  

  Throughout downtown Ottawa there are several murals on buildings.  This one was very well done. 

mural on downtown Ottawa, IL

  A nice park was located in the center of downtown.  Within the park was a fountain with sculptures of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas.  This park was the location of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debate of August 1858.  

fountain with sculpture of Lincoln and Douglas

  Because we enjoyed dinner so much the previous night and didn't get to try the skillet brownie dessert, we went back to the Red Dog Grill for dinner this evening.  On the walk back, the dock was lit up like a runway leading to our boat. 

dock lights

JOLIET, IL TO OTTAWA, IL

Monday, September 14th, 2015

Day 406

Miles Traveled: 46

Total Miles Traveled: 6286


  We left the Joliet free city wall at about 7:15 am with six other boats following along.  Dan called the Brandon Road Lock, which was just 2 miles downriver, to get a status on lockage.  The lockmaster advised that the lock could be ready for all of us in a little over an hour.  We untied the lines right away, in order to get the nearby bridge to lift before the restricted openings between 7:30 am and 8:30 am.  We were glad to be getting an early start since we had three locks to deal with on today's travels.  

  Just before entering the second lock for the day, the Des Plaines River junctioned with the Kankakee River and formed the Illinois River.

Des Plaines River on left and Kankakee River on right

now traveling on the Illinois River

  After the second lock, we became the caboose on the Looper flotilla.  In the lead (and not seen in the picture) was Gold Looper "Salty" - a 22' C-Dory who runs just a bit faster than the rest of the group.  Following along was "Patriot", "Coeur Lion II", "Movin' On", "Chimera II", and "Camelot".

Looper Flotilla running down the Illinois River

  The third lock was more challenging for us.  The first two we were able to tie off to a floating bollard that goes up and down with the water.  Because there were so many boats, we did have another boat rafted alongside.  In the third lock, there were not enough floating bollards even with rafting up.  As a result, we had to use lines dropped down from the top of the lock wall to hold the boat in position.  Although this doesn't sound too difficult, the boat does not behave as well with this set up.  Especially in 20 mph winds (which we had).  The boat kept wanting to pull away from the wall and shift back and forth.  Holding an 11 ton vessel in place with a line takes a lot of muscle.  To make matters worse, the line at the bow (front) of the boat where Angie was stationed was almost too short.  Since we were going down, we had to let line play out.  In the end, it was a successful lockage, but not without some explicatives and sore muscles.

  Fortunately, the distance to our final destination was only about three miles away.  We had a slip reservation at Heritage Harbor Marina.  This is a marina that is located in a basin off of the river.  Although there was no current to contend with, we still had wind.  We got plenty of help getting into the slip and were glad to be tied up for the evening.  

  We treated ourselves to dinner at the Red Dog Grill, which is on site.  Dan had a great burger and Angie had a tasty tenderloin.  We spent the rest of the evening (after working on the blog) relaxing.