Hello Sunshine

Departure from Logsdon's Tug Marina was a fresh, new challenge.  The current was ripping down the river.  We were parallel parked between Gypsy Spirit, in front, and a tug in the rear.  We rigged the lines so that the firstmate didn't have to be standing on the "dock" to untie and then jump back into the boat.  Once free, we had to translate sideways to get away, but the current was keeping us against the barge.  More power!  Applying some tricks learned along the way, we were able to get the nose of Viridian into the current.  Once that happened, we started turning to port very quickly and washing downstream.  Some throttle kept us from going backward, and we exited the makeshift dock and were finally free and clear as we made our turn south.

The sun was showing itself for the first time in a while, and blue skies are good for the mood.  We had a 2+knot tail current and the wind was at our back.  Making about 10.5 mph, we charted an 88-mile course south to Grafton, IL.  It was a long day but the scenery was wonderful.  Lots of remote areas with industry dotted in along the way.  Tows were thick but the river is wide and we met and passed some of the same tows we passed the day before (they don't sleep).

Grafton was a welcome sight with "normal" docks and staff.  A meal with friends at the local grill was a good way to end our last day on the Illinois River.  Tomorrow we will be in the Mississippi River for a little while as we make our way to Alton, IL.

That's the news and here's some views:

We are here

Today's route from Beardstown, IL to Grafton, IL

A welcomed sunrise with Beardstown, IL in the rearview mirror

Barge feeders

Meeting tows coming and going in the muddy waters

Waiting for tow to clear bridge before going under

Into the Mississippi River

Literally hanging out in Grafton Harbor, IL