9/17/2017

We left Heritage Harbor on Friday 9/15 @ 8:30 AM.  Little early for us.  Arrived @ Starved Rock Lock @ 10:00 AM.  It was about 2 hours getting thru with wait & locking.  We were checking out anchorages as we went, as it was our plan to anchor. When we tried to access any of the anchorages, our depth finder quickly registered 0.  Unable to use any of them as it has been a dry summer & all the water is skinny.  It appeared our only option was IVY Club at mile 167.9.  We had made reservations for the next day, so we called to make sure there was room today.  That meant 74.4 miles today.  At our current speed, we would arrive after dark.  Not good.  The decision was made to open her up & we could make it well before dark.  Tim watched the channel markers & I was glued to the depth finder.  Calling out depth as we went.  We made it at 5:45 PM to our relief.  Riley was also relieved.  In more ways than one!!  It was a long exhausting day & an early night.

Saturday dawned warm & sunny.  It got to 87.  The IVY Club is on a 4 lane highway, so difficult to find a good walk.  There is a small beach, so we tried that.  Riley doesn't understand swimming.  He just stands in the water & drinks.  That has led to vet trips & medication in the past, so we pulled him out & looked again to walk.  Eureka.  We found a long & winding road with shade.  Tim's phone app said we went up 23 flights.  On this walk it was evident the season is changing.  When looking at the trees, there is a subtle color change & the ground is littered with leaves.

LONG & WINDING ROAD

On the way up we passed a house with giant pumpkins growing in the yard.  I stopped to ask what his secret was.  Said this was the first time he grew them & he just threw in the seeds!  He also had a bumper crop of tomatoes.  He gave us a couple of tomatoes.

PUMPKIN HOUSE

When finally got to the top, we found a Country Club, a park & mansions.

MANSION

VIEW FROM PARK

Today (Sunday) dawned cloudy & a little cooler.  It is only forecast to reach 79.  The plan was to leave for Tall Timber Marina.  Unfortunately, the Peoria Lock is backed up at least 4 hours.  It was down & the barges are lined up.  We will stay here today & try for tomorrow.