A River Break

Yesterday we were able to pass through 3 locks, but once again we were forced to stop due flooding on the river by mid afternoon. The Starved Rock lock is closed for an undetermined lenght of time. We were fortunate to get one of the last docks available for sailboats at Heritage Harbor Marina in Ottawa IL. We are here with around 15 other loopers waiting to head dowriver. The marina that just opened this season, couldn't be more accommodating for us all. The water level here is now about 6 feet above normal, a couple of days ago they were 15 feet above normal. Needless to say they have a lot of cleanup to deal with. We've started to realize that we need to let some time pass before we proceed downriver, even if we could . Each day that we are able to travel we arrive somewhere that is just starting to clean up from the flood waters. It's amazing how long the water remains a problem for people along the rivers. The rains were over a week ago yet some areas are just now seeing the crest of the flood waters. They announced on the local news today that the Des Plaines and Mississippi Rivers are closed and " any recreational boats on the rivers will be ticketed and their trip terminated" .

So with that news we've decided to rent a car and drive home for a week. Hopefully that will be enough time for things to get back to normal on the River.

On a positive note ,I must say that with all this down time we have been able to develop some new skills. Meals are the highlight of the day and an opportunity for each of us to display his culinary skills, or lack thereof. Not to worry Susan, Linda and Mary we are not losing our appreciation for your home cooking.

We'll post again when we get back on the boat, our best to all.