Sept 20 Beardstown to Grafton

Sept  20

Another long and exhausting day.  There are 12 boats on the barges at Logsdon Tug Service and another 6 anchored downstream waiting to get through LaGrange lock.   The boats anchored got held up the previous day when the lock closed for maintenance in the afternoon.   We were told yesterday the lock would be open in the AM and do the same afternoon closure schedule for repairs but when the group called the lock in the morning things had changed and would be closing at 9 AM until 1 PM.  Originally the lockmaster said he would take a group of 9 loopers at 7:30 and another group at 9AM.   We were lucky and were in the 7:30 group so off barge at 6:15 to get to the lock in time.     But then a waiting tow requested passage before they closed and got priority.    We all hovered around until he got through.   By this time the 8:30 group had also arrived.  Not sure the lockmaster understood we were all used to locking with boats rafted 3 and 4 wide to the wall but once he opened the gates all 18 boats charged in, got tied together and made the passage safely. 

Rafting 3 and 4 wide to the LaGrange Lock wall

We finally got out the lock at 9:30 and had to push it even with the favorable current to keep on schedule for a 5 PM arrival at Grafton Marina.   Again, a pleasant day although a bit hot in the 90’s.  At least we had a decent southerly breeze all day to offer some cooling effect.   More natural scenery, more eagles, more brown silty water, more tows to pass both upbound and down bound, and plenty of floating debris to keep an eye on. Several large logs floating just below the surface which could ruin your day if not paying attention.   A much more fatiguing day then the same amount of time on open water.

Chugging down the river

 One of the milestones today was passing the most western point on the trip just past the Norfolk Southern Railroad bridge at mile 61 on the Illinois River. We have now been as far east, north and west as we can go. 

Only thing left is going around Key West to hit the most southern point.    We are in a covered slip at Grafton Marina which is a first for us.  Perspective when backing in is really different. It just felt like I was too close to everything making me a bit anxious although we guided it in without any real issues.   Grafton bills itself as “The Key West of the Mid West” and is essentially a one street town lined with bars and restaurants.  They got hit pretty hard with the spring flooding but are making a good comeback.  We’re here for several days to recoup from the Illinois River passage and prep for our passage down the Mississippi and up the Ohio.   We also have friends in St. Louis we look forward to visiting.  

As a side note, Verizon service is very spotty here so updates, and especially pictures , may be even more sparse than usual.

Journey for Sept 20