Two more "H"s

Friday, September 21, 2012

Today we head to Henry Harbor Marina, mm 196.1 RDB on the Illinois River. The scenery is changing now. Less urban and more rural.

We have seen only birds. No other wildlife. Our friend, Janie, has always pointed out the Blue Heron's along the Saginaw River, so now every day when we see one we say, "There's Janie!" She has followed us throughout our trip so far. (Wishing the real Janie (and yes, even Bud!) was with us!)

Near Starved Rock, flocks of Wood Storks were gathering along the river. What graceful birds. They follow each other in flight but it looks more like a crowd doing the 'wave' at a football game. Up and down but synchronized, unlike Canadian Geese that fly with military precision.  My stills do not convey the true beauty that we witnessed. The gray skies did not help.



Take off in 'wave' formation

 

Close up of a Wood Stork
(photography-on-the.net)

At Henry Harbor, transients tie up on an old lock wall from 1870's. It's not much to look at but we have electricity! Thank goodness for our mooring balls. We ate on site with Anita and Don from Limelight.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Today is mail day! Our mail has been forwarded to Peoria (162.5) and we stopped just long enough to retrieve it. Docking at the town dock was not easy as the large slips were filled due to an Oktoberfest celebration. Mike stayed with the boat and I walked the few blocks to the post office. To bad we could not stay and explore but we wanted to get a few more miles in today. (Considering it takes us 1 hr. to go 8 miles!)

We pushed off and headed Tall Timbers Marina, 120.3 LDB, near (#3, Havana. Three consecutive stops beginning with H. My head is having a hard time handling it here....! )
Great Laker and Limelight guided us in the narrow channel and helped us tie up. We had dinner in town with Limelight. Anne and Larry stayed behind to listen to the U of M vs. Notre Dame game. (Mich. had no more luck then MSU did the week prior.) A raccoon stepped on our swim platform while we slept. His paw prints gave him away! His sensitive nose must have detected the Asian Carp the was in the dinghy. (FYI, Mike had already cleaned it up!) Havana is small but it had all we required; hardware, groceries, gas and a friendly marina.