OTTAWA, IL TO PEORIA, IL

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

Day 408-409
Miles Traveled on Thursday: 74
Total Miles Traveled6360


  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.    

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