Sept 19 Peoria to Beardstown (Logsdon Tug Service Barge)

Sept 19


A bit of a late start today,  We were considering  waiting until mid-morning to see if the IVY Club Marina had any cancellations that would allow us to stay an extra day, but after watching other loopers leaving we got the bug and  cast our lines  at 7:30.   We also decided today was a better day to go as the wickets were down at the Peoria lock  allowing unrestricted passage.  Wickets are like a reverse garage door on the riverbed.   When water is high enough they lay flat on the river bottom and allow vessels to pass by unrestricted.  When raised up they create a dam holding back water and require the use of the locks.     Another long day going roughly 80 miles.   Decent current helping our speed and allowing us to ease off on the throttle and still maintain a speed that would get us to our overnight stop in Beardstown. 

Passing some tows

  This is a more natural section of the river – at least it looks that way - as there are trees along the riverbank and up the levees on both sides.   Never really sure what is on the other side of the levees.   Saw a large number of bald eagles.  This is the wintering grounds for them, and they are starting to arrive.   There are no real marinas in this section of the river.  We passed a few anchorages hidden behind some islands that looked peaceful but would have cut our travels short.   We pushed on to Beardstown and one of several unique places we’ll stay overnight on the river.   We tied up to a barge at Logsdon Tug Service along with about a dozen other loopers. It seems to just be our timing but a storm was passing through just as we were ready to dock.  Strong winds rushing up the river while the current was pushing us downstream.  Also had to squeeze into a spot between 2 other boats.   Got lucky in that the rain held off  and wind actually eased up just as we were making our final approach.  Dinner was an experience as we ate with 4 other looper couples in a diner above the closed bowling alley.   Two of the looper wives wound up doing waitress service as the one waitress they have called in sick with a migraine. Definitely a place with unique local color. We tried the local specialty – a pounded tenderloin horseshoe platter was a sight to behold  piled high with fries covered on one half with  white cheese and the other  half  melted chedder cheese.

Tied to the  barge

Journey for Sept 19