PEORIA, IL
THURSDAY
MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 65 NM
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| THIS MORNING'S MOON |
By 7:30 we were heading out of Heritage Harbor Marina and back into the river where we were greeted by the Jason Belcher tug and its heavy load. Nice to be traveling again!
At our only lock today, the Starved Rock Lock and Dam (MM 231), we locked down after only a short wait and then made an effort to cover the distance to Peoria.  |
| JASON BLUCHER TUG AT EXIT TO HERITAGE HARBOR MARINA |
Image via Wikipedia STARVED ROCK DAM
STARVED ROCK LOCK
We saw our first American White Pelicans while waiting to enter the lock and spotted more throughout the day. These plump birds can be 50 to 67” long, including their massive 12 to 14” beaks. Their wingspans can reach 95 to 120” and they weigh in between 11 to 20 lbs. They may winter as far north as St. Louis, Missouri. I had never seen or heard of these avian creatures before.
AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS
JUST HANGING WITH THE GANG
Dan discovered these beautiful Snow Geese on the banks of the river. I have never been lucky enough to seen these lovely creatures so this too was a treat.
SNOW GEESE
Around MM 224 we were delighted to spy a soaring American Bald Eagle. What a spectacular sight, it just takes your breath away. Later in the day we actually saw another one. On June 20, 1782 these guys were chosen as the emblem of the United States of America for their long life, great strength and majestic looks. This has been a great day for spotting birds along the river.
AMERICAN BALD EAGLE
It was cool to see this Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe RXR Bridge connecting the sides of the Illinois River before we slid underneath its massive span. All you “oldies” remember the song?
THE ATCHISON-TOPEKA-AND THE SANTA FE RXR BRIDGE
Since the water level is so low, we were not able to pull into the IVY Club where we had thought to stay while picking up a package of maps shipped to us. They advised us it was just too low but they would boat out to us and hand deliver our maps. Just another tale of kind and generous “boat” folks. Thanks again.
We proceeded on into Peoria proper and docked on the town wall, with the assistance of two other boaters. Our nights abode was just below “Eat at Joe’s Crab Shack”, so that is just what we did.
EAT AT JOE'S CRAB SHACK
'RITAS AT JOE'S
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