{"id":2249,"date":"2024-07-09T19:51:47","date_gmt":"2024-07-09T23:51:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cincinnatiprime11.com\/?p=2249"},"modified":"2024-07-09T19:51:48","modified_gmt":"2024-07-09T23:51:48","slug":"henry-il-to-eastport-marina-east-peoria-il","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cincinnatiprime11.com\/?p=2249","title":{"rendered":"Henry, IL to Eastport Marina, East Peoria, IL"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Our trip today is 31 miles and we have ZERO locks to pass through.\ud83d\ude01<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Fran, along with her husband David, untie our lines and away we go.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Goodbye dam old Henry!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We pass by the nearby river town of Chillicothe. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Flags are flying at the local river houses, all patriotically dressed for tomorrow’s 4th of July.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We pass by Holiday Harbor, where many old casino boats, paddlewheels, and tows spend their “holiday”, removed from the relentless drudgery of river travel. Perhaps, for some, it is just a short reprieve before the final sunset cruise to a scrap yard, but, for others, it will be an opportunity to refresh, renew, and recharge before reentering the maritime workforce. <\/p>\n\n\n

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From our vantage point however, Holiday Harbor appears to be more of a ship’s graveyard than a ship’s service yard!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

At this point, the Illinois River widens and becomes the Upper Peoria Lake which then flows into the Lower Peoria Lake.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Narrow channel is the location of the McClugage Bridge and is the dividing line between the two lakes. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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The arched bridge is still under construction and is expected to be completed in the fall of this year. This new distinctive arched bridge will feature three lanes of traffic, two wide shoulders, and a multi use path for pedestrians and bicyclists with a viewing area. The path will connect to two trailheads, one on each side of the river.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
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We pass under the bridge slowly as workers are currently present.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Two interesting events occurred during our travels today. One being that we again crossed paths with the barge Miss Jackie Brown. Employing the nicest barge crew we have yet encountered, they snapped an action picture of Prime 11 and sent it to us!\ud83d\ude00<\/p>\n\n\n

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Prime 11 in action!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The other happening is not quite as delightful. While in “action”, we began smelling something burning. This is very concerning as any type of boat fire can quickly turn deadly. Once again, as happened in the Gulf of Mexico, our trim tabs blew a fuse and started burning. The fuse switch was immediately turned off, windows opened, and the emergency was over. However, the trim tabs are now out of commision, requiring a repeat repair in our future. Prime 11, until the trim tabs are replaced, will have a starboard list. There always is a part to be purchased, a fix to be made, or a tank to fill. Such is boating life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We arrive to Eastport Marina and enter the channel to the marina. The marina employees warn us of the shallow water in the channel, and we are glad they did! Thankfully the bottom was muddy, not rocky, thus avoiding what would have been an additional very costly repair!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Yep…its shallow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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We arrive to our slip on F dock without incident and are met by dock hands to catch our lines. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Eastport Marina is a very nice marina run by the state of Illinois. The price is $2.00 a foot but, as loopers, we are given the perk of free access to the pool, which is a members only pool ($500 per family a season). The largest perks, not just to us, however, are free ice and free laundry. With the washer and dryer located in the men’s restroom, the laundry was both free and freeing for me!! \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The marina also has a bar\/restaurant on site called Storm Shelter, perfect for appetizers and cold beers. For a more gourmet experience, Oyster Bar is within walking distance. We visited this restaurant more than once as we loved their fresh seafood options.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Oysters and tuna oh my!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Our Fourth of July stay at Eastport Marina was definitely unique. The Asian Carp are very prevalent in the marina, often jumping and splashing. I tried, in vain, to get a video to share but had no such luck. Finally, one of them was more than cooperative!<\/p>\n\n\n\n