Today, we find ourselves at the confluence of the Illinois & Mississippi Rivers (Grafton IL). The trip down the Illinois River has been pretty mundane, with very few other boaters in sight, except for the large river barges. Over the past few weeks, we have put in some long days on the water (9 hours of motoring). With the dreaded Lake Michigan and boring Illinois River behind us, our patience and perseverence has paid off and we look forward to the historic section of the Mississippi ahead of us.
Aside from the commercial traffic, most of the riverbank is natural vegetation with very few homes. The few cottages or houses that we do pass are uniquely positioned very high up on stilts. We have come to learn that the Illinois River floods regularly, somtimes by 20 feet or more. Hence the houses built on stilts and the less than attractive location to build along the river.
We have pondered the possibility of tying up to one of the many barges along the river (only if we were in a bind), but have also learned that this is a felony offence! A couple of days ago we were able to do this legally, however. A tug boat company rents out their spare barges to transient boaters for a nominal fee. No power, water or internet, but a solid and safe mooring for the night.
Beau is always happy if he can get off Catan for a while each day - even if he has to navigate through a series of barges to get ashore!
