Ottawa to Grafton

Sunday we were up at dawn to start the next leg to the Peoria Town Docks.  We only had one lock and covered 68 miles.  Most of our flotilla stayed in the IVY Club, the harbor entrance was too shallow for us so we had to keep going to Peoria.  We got in about 4:30, had dinner on the boat and was in bed by 7:30.  

Tucked in for the night in Peoria

Monday morning we were up again at dawn for the next leg.  Logsdon Tug Service in Beardstown, IL.  Again, only one lock and 64 miles to go.  Logsdon Tug Service allows loopers to tie up to their barges for a small fee.  This allowed us to get Roxie to some grass.....but she would not go up or down the metal grate stairs, so Bill had to carry her!  LOL!

Leaving Peoria Town Docks at daybreak.

Bill carrying Roxie to the potty after getting settled in on the barge

Sunset over the flotilla tied to the Logsdon barge 

Dinner with our fellow loopers at Little Mexico

Tuesday morning we were up again before dawn for the next leg to Grafton.  Again, one lock and 76 miles to go.  The first 8 miles were foggy but once through the lock the sky cleared and we had a nice ride to Grafton.

Coming into Grafton

Another wonderful sunset

Dinner at the Oyster Bar located in the Grafton Harbor marina with fellow loopers!

We stayed in Grafton for two nights.  Wednesday was a nice sunny and warm and we took the opportunity to set up the mast and give Cheers a much needed bath!  We treated ourselves to a couple of drinks and wings at 3rd Shoot Bar.  Yummy!

Thursday morning sunrise from Grafton