Our Good Luck Continues!

We left Starved Rock Marina this morning at 7:00 a.m. when the sun was just coming up.  After a short cruise to Starved Rock Lock and we were able to lock right through without waiting.  We have been extremely lucky with the locks so far!  It was fun to experience the lock while on a boat.  Many times when our sons were young, we visited the Starved Rock Lock Visitor Center and watched the barges being locked through.  Now we were able to experience this lock on our own boat!

Today's cruise on the Illinois River was beautiful.  We saw lots of white pelicans, 2 bald eagles and again, numerous blue herons along the river.  We are so used to the ever changing conditions on Lake Michigan that the river seems so peaceful in comparison.  Of course, we have had beautiful, calm weather since we've been on the river.  We also passed many tows and barges, but they aren't nearly as intimidating as they were a couple of days ago!

After about 7 hours on the river, we stopped at Ivy Yacht Club in North Peoria.  This marina had been recommended by some fellow Loopers and it has indeed lived up to that recommendation.  Wonderful, clean bathrooms and very friendly people.  There are 2 other Looper boats at this marina.  We will spend one night here.  Tomorrow plan to get back on the river and travel to Beardstown, Illinois.  We thought about anchoring out for the night, but may instead tie to a barge for the night.  On Thursday we will travel to Grafton, Illinois at mile 0.00 on the Illinois River.  We will lay over there for a day or so and then tackle the mighty Mississippi River.