Early Morning on the Illinois
After setting the hook last night the steady current kept Nellie pretty much in one place. I know the current was less than 2 mph because at 2 mph Nellie's prop starts windmilling. Except for the occasional thump of flotsam against the hull it was a nice, quiet night.
ADM Barge Terminal at Beardstown
There are many industrial sites along the Illinois. In fact, they easily outnumber the private homes. Coal and grain predominates.
Pekin RR Bridge Circa 1912
Ok, this doesn't happen everyday. The Pekin RR Bridge tender called us to chat. Bob is 46 and has worked for Union Pacific for 27 years. In that time he's operated bridges in California, Iowa and Illinois but his 7 years on the Pekin have been his favorite. The Pekin RR bridge was built in 1912. The bridge's lifting mechanism was originally stream operated but it now runs on electricity. Bridges are supposed to give priority to boats (including pleasure boats) over trains, except when the train is carrying passengers or U.S. mail. Bob said it has been a year since a passenger train crossed his bridge and 55 years since a mail train did. Since the river's level is always changing, bridge tenders lower a ball, attached to a metered string, to determine the clear height. Union Pacific does not allow bridge tenders to use their personal cell phones on company time. This is strictly enforced and is one-strike policy. Bob's on his second marriage, the first one having ended in divorce. He and his current wife met in high school. Bob hopes to go cruising when he retries.
The Height of this Tug's Wheelhouse is Adjustable so it can get Under Chicago's Low, Fixed Bridges
ADM Barge Terminal at Peoria
Beardstown to Peoria
It's 78 miles from Beardstown to Peoria. The total for the trip is now 729 miles. Nellie's back to her profligate ways, staying in a marina. Tonight she's at the Peoria Boat Club, mile marker 164. All is well. DBH
