Sept 8, Starved Rock, IL

Today we moved from just before the Brandon Lock about 50 miles to Starved Rock Marina which is just before the Starved Rock Lock and Dam. Air temperature is cool this morning with some fog on the water. It warms up considerably later in the day. A really warm afternoon. Water temp is now 80 degrees.

Lots more industry on this part of the river and more tugs pushing barges as we head south.

BIG industrial complexes including petroleum refineries and chemical plants.

Then the industry runs out and we cruise by rural areas of few structures along the river. We do see lots of corn fields and duck blinds.

Duck blinds are all along this stretch of the river.

We transited 3 large locks (decending 34', 20' and 26') today. The Marseilles Lock, which was our last, took over three hours to get through because the commercial traffic has priority. There were several loopers and other recreational boats waiting so we were not alone.

Tugs pushing barges have priority in the locks.
Here SUGARLAND pushes six barges.

We end up going past Ottawa, our planned destination today as the town wall is full. A few miles further we find the very nice Starved Rock Marina with dual 30 amp and internet. The on site restaurant is closed during the week as the 'summer season' is now over. 'Season' ends after Labor Day.