We arrived in Grafton, Il on 9/16 and have been here for 10 days. At that time, the river was at flood level. Everything is back to normal and the Texas Boats are heading south tomorrow 9/26. The picture below is at the end of our dock showing normal water level. This shows you how high the water got up as shown in pictures below. We are ready to get moving again and really did enjoy our stay in Grafton. The owners of the marina and their staff were very accommodating. We greatly appreciated their kindness to the AGLCA River Rats.
Michigan Lake and Illinois River...has been a wonderful trip. We didn't go to Chicago but could see her from the boat going into the Illinois River. I took pictures but it was a very hazy day. The rivers are closed to high water and fast currents from the aftermath of Ike. We are hoping to be able to leave here sometime next week. This picture was one of the first harbors we stayed in off Lake Michigan. The house is so neat as well as their yard.
Our own personal Swan Dance at one of the marinas.
The shores of Lake Michigan are beautiful. Many tall sand dunes along the shore.
Labor Day Weekend.....beaches were packed.
Labor Day Weekend on Lake Michigan. We are coming into port and the boat traffic was insane.
As we entered the Illinois River, we had a series of low bridges we went under. We lowered our antennas and made all of them. One bridge in question was 19 ft. We were prepared to take our satellite and anchor light down but the river was low enough we made it with one inch to spare.
We shared a lock with a Tow and six barges. It was scary at first, but once we got in, no big deal.
Here we are going down the lock with the Tow and barges.
Had to show this picture. Capt. Still cleaned the AC strainer and look what he found.
Tall Timbers Marina in Havanna, Il. It is a small marina but gorgeous with all the plants and sitting areas around the docks. Super nice folks and a pleasant stay. We were here when the rains came from Ike.
This is our last lock on the Illinois River. The drop going down is 10ft. As you can see, the lock is completely under water. Next picture will show you how we passed the lock.
Soooooo, My Cin had to go over it! As we went over the dam, the depth was 20 ft. Once we passed over, depth was at 30 ft. That was a first for us.
There are many River Homes along the river banks. The homes are all sitting in water and some areas the roads are blocked due to high water.
A Picnic Cabana under water.
The dock in the picture separates us from the Illinois River and you can see just one of the MANY logs flowing downstream. The current is running about 3-4 miles per hour. The river was up 25 ft. above normal pool.
