Heritage Harbor, IL to Henry, IL

Our journey today is 42 miles, with one lock passage. We leave around 9 AM and arrive to Henry around 3PM.

The weather today is not the prettiest.

Thankfully, the showers are seen but not felt!

We arrive to our only lock of the day, Starved Rock, in North Utica, IL. The drop is 19 feet.

As we near the lock, there is one barge currently in the chamber. This lock is unique in that it is the only one on the Illinois River that has a viewing platform. Anyone can come to view the barges and towboats lock through. It is also a good place, they boast, to view birds, especially the patriotic bald eagle.

There is also another barge present, Miss Jackie Brown, who is also requesting southbound lockage. As we are the lowest priority vessel, we realize our wait may be long. Therefore we drop anchor and wait our turn.

While waiting, we are treated with a sighting of a bald eagle perched high on a tree near the shore.

The picture is not the best, but what can you expect from a phone?

As Miss Jackie Brown enters the chamber, the barge captain relays to the lockmaster that we are welcomed to lock with them. This is a great time saver for us and we appreciate the courtesy extended to us. (The niceness should not be a surprise with the name of Jackie, right?) We pull anchor and enter the chamber as soon as our lockmate, Jackie, is tied up and secure.

We are instructed to the front of the chamber near the doors. With the engines still running on Miss Jackie Brown, maneuvering Prime 11, within the chamber walls, gets tricky as the turbulent water wants to toss her around. The Captain keeps her under control and Prime 11 arrives to our spot without mishap.😊

There are no bollards, just lines tied to the chamber’s handrails. Tom grabs one line to hold the stern and I grab another to control the bow.

Upon completion of our descent, we are hyper aware of our bow in relation to the opening door. We definitely don’t want “the door to hit us on our way out”!

Once through the lock, our journey to Henry is uneventful until we near DePue, Illinois.

The reason this area was remarkable was this horrible putrid smell lasting for several miles. It actually made us feel putrid ourselves. Investigating as to the source of this offensive odor, I looked to Google Maps, as Google knows all!

Washington Mills pops up. Washington Mills is one of the largest manufacturers of abrasive grain and fused mineral products in the world. This particular plant produces silicon carbide. According to their website they have installed a sophisticated Dow Sulferox Process which collects the noxious sulfur gas byproduct and incinerates it in an advanced process that leaves the air clean of sulfur dioxide. So…I guess it’s not them. 🤔

Thankfully the smell dissipates as we near Henry and we arrive odor free to our destination.

Henry is a very small town, population 2,300. It has the clever slogan of “Best Dam Town in Illinois by a Dam Site”. The catchy slogan plays reference to the city’s distinction of having the first lock and dam on the Illinois River. Henry Lock was built in 1870 for $400,000. The lock was last used commercially in 1927. But today, WE are using the lock. Our slip for the night is a tie up to the old lock wall.

As we arrive, we are immediately met by Fran who ties up our lines and helps place our fenders. She is super friendly and extremely welcoming. Fran, with her husband David, bought the marina several years ago. Avid boaters themselves, who called Henry their port for years, Fran and David wanted to continue the existence of the marina in Henry. So, they bought the marina and now are one busy couple! Besides operating and improving the marina, Fran is a cabinet maker but currently is also learning the trade of installing canvas on boats. David is busy with his own business in the plumbing trade. They are two hard working people that are pleasure to meet. We wish them both much success in their varied ventures!

While it is only the Tuesday before the busy upcoming Fourth of July holiday, Fran informs us that a carnival has arrived to Henry. We walk into the town, about a 1/2 mile away, to check out the “going ons”.

Henry is a tiny town, but tonight, this tiny town is alive with the lights, sounds and smells of carnival!

As we are “old”, we pass on the “all you can ride” wristband for $30 and since our meal plan does not allow corn dogs and elephant ears for dinner, we cross the street and order a pizza to go. As we wait for the pizza, we head next door to Grandmas. Here we order some Miller Lites and chat with the locals. As we prepare to leave Grandma’s and collect our pizza to bring back to the boat, the bartender runs into the back room to retrieve our surprise looper gift. We are guessing it will be a koozie, perhaps a sticker, or maybe even a hat? It truly was a surprise when we are presented with a signed authentic Illinois license plate!

We also shop in the local grocery store, called Henry Foods. Logical names are always the best!

Henry’s Food is similar to our smaller IGA’s back home in Cincinnati, but with one major exception.

We had a “dam” good one night stand in Henry!

Next stop: Eastport, East Peoria, IL.

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