Great Loop: Illinois River - Part 2

 Early morning convection fog on the Illinois River

We departed Hennepin free docks at 10am to continue our trip south on the Illinois.  The late departure was due to fog.  We encountered a lingering patch of convection fog and quickly popped out the other side.  Travel conditions were good so we settled into cruising at 7.5 knots.  This is an economical speed for travelling as it is max hull speed for our boat.  We can go faster if we try to plane, but doubling the speed increases dramatically decreases fuel milage.  We like to save money when we can.  After all it is about the journey.

Grain and corn is loaded on barges from surrounding farms.

Many of the tows we encounter are taking grain or corn to market

The Illinois River has a very large concentration of Bald Eagles.

You can see adult birds teaching juveniles how to hunt.

We saw dozens of these birds each day.

Beardstown Illinois

Beardstown was our next overnight stop. We found many great looking Mexican Restaurants and a Mexican Bakery in town. When we asked locals about the high concentration, they indicated that the local meat packing plant and farm work had attracted a large Hispanic population.  We were about to benefit from this fortuitous situation.

The town had indicators of earlier times and also ongoing updates

Little Mexico had a Margarita Special the day we were in port

It was just what we needed after a full day of river travel

Mike and the crew of Currently after quenching our thirst

There are no city docks in Beardstown.  

You tie up on the waterfront with barges and towboats

You do pay a mooring fee at the Logsdon Tug Service office at the top of the wall

First come first serve.

Loopers found shade for docktails in the shadow of a large crane

Beth and Bruce are ready to help a Looper dock to a work barge

Loopers tied up alongside a barge at sunset

Sunset in Beardstown

The next day we saw the Army Corps of Engineers dredge equipment.  The large barge on the right is a dormitory barge.  Dredging continues around the clock so it is shift work.  When off shift, workers can return to their dormitory room.  

Hardin Illinois

We spent the next night at the dock for Mel's Illinois River Dock Restaurant in Hardin Illinois. The dock is just to the right. We had a rather large group the night we were there.

Jim, the good looking skipper on ClassSea, was kind enough to let us raft to the his boat as the dock was full. You have to love Loopers!

We had dinner at the restaurant and were serenaded by the Skipper of Calypso, a professional trumpet player, and a local high school gal who happened to have her trumpet nearby. She heard Steve playing so went and got her horn to join in. Loud applause followed their performance.

Looper "Happy Hour" prior to dinner.

Here is the wonderful local fruit stand where we purchased some terrific fruit. Calhoun County peaches are some of the best I've ever tasted. The stand is located a block or two north of Mel's River Front Restaurant.

Grafton Illinois

The final 20 miles of the Illinois River parallels the course of the Mississippi.  In places, less than 5 miles separates the two.  Finally they merge at Grafton Illinois.  It is quite a sight.  A ski lift takes you to the top of a nearby ridge so you can get a panoramic of the union.  As I looked out I visualized early explorers and settlers poling their boats upstream in search of new opportunities.

Here you can see the Mississippi heading north to Minneapolis and St. Paul

There was a restaurant with a wonderful deck at the top of the lift.

We enjoyed a cold beverage with the crew of Currently while relaxing in the sun.

No trip to Grafton is complete without a stop at Bloody Bucket Saloon

We had Sunday lunch at "The Loading Dock" with the crew of Currently

Here the crews of three different boats are collaborating and combining knowledge to determine our agenda and schedule for getting to Paducah Kentucky and onto the Cumberland River.  Looping is very much a team sport.  This is a year long trip with many challenges.  In essence, it is a moving community, always changing, just like the waters upon which we boat.  We depend upon each other to navigate the waters safely, share information and knowledge about destinations, attractions, and services along the way.  We help each other solve equipment problems and overcome obstacles.  You become close quickly as you all share a common goal.  

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Berthing Information

• Beardstown
• We tied up at the Logsdon Tug Company.  They have a couple of barges to which you can tie.  
• You pay a moorage fee in their office at the top of the wall.
• It is first come, first serve
• Hardin
• We docked at the dock owned by Mel's Illinois River Dock Restaurant.
• You pay your moorage fee at the restaurant.
• Moorage is first come, first serve
• Grafton 
• We berthed at Grafton Harbor.  Great place to stay.  Centrally located.
• Phone: 618-786-7678
• They claim they are the Key West of the Midwest!
• Clean showers and restrooms.
• Great onsite restaurant and bar.  
• Other dining, drinking, shopping, ice cream, etc. places nearby.
• You can get propane tanks filled at:
• Senger's Gas, 426 N. Market St. in Grafton - It is uphill past the Aires Resort tram to the hilltop winery

Track Logs