We are in a lock on the Illinois River with a barge carrying a bunch of containers. This is before the water is let down. The deepest drop was 39 feet and according to the lockman, the drop gets lower as we go downstream.
We thought the scenery was quite pretty going down the Illinois--here is a bunch of white pelicans.
And there were many of these duck blinds.....
And many tows....but the river was wide enough so that it wasn't heart stopping.
It was a pretty day and nice scenery....
These guys needed to cool off..............There were farms along the river and evidence in the trees of how high the water came with the recent flooding.
Another big tow....
This looked like an interesting place.....outdoor seating along the river.
We stopped for the night at the courtesy dock in Ottawa which had had significant flooding. We were welcomed by Captain Mo who had done the loop a couple years ago. This town seems to be developing its waterfront. History wise, this is where a Lincoln-Douglas debate took place. And the Illinois Canal was dug along here in the 1830's to 1840's which provided a means of water transport to Chicago. Parts of this now has been filled in (no longer needed with the dredging of the Illinois River) and the route along the Canal is part of a scenic bike trail.
If we ever come back to to Ottawa, we'll stay longer. There seems a lot to take in but with our lateness, we had to move on. Right now, we're in Starved Rock Marina south of Ottawa having some mechanical adjustments done. Is there always something that needs doing on a boat? !!!! PS the food here at the restaurant is Excellent ! as are all the folks in the marina.
