Day 8 - September 21: More on the Illinois River

The Illinois River winds through farm lands and rural cities and is controlled by dams and locks every 20 or 30 miles. The locks are gradually lowering us from Lake MI, which is about 580 ft in elevation, to sea level in Mobile, Al. There is not much grandiose scenery nor are there nationally famous parks or cities. Just relatively flat rich soil and farmland. If the Illinois River were in Southern California, there would be homes along every inch of the way!

Tree-lined banks

For my model railroad friends (Alden and Kurt)

The American White Pelicans are currently migrating south from the Great Lakes and Canada. They are one of the world's largest birds, weighing up to 30 lbs and having wingspans that can reach 110 in. Unlike the Brown Pelicans, they have a black-edged wing that is visible in flight.

A pelican convention

Pelicans in flight

Our destination was the Illinois Valley Yacht Club 4 mi north of Peoria, Ill. It is a longtime sailing club and marina with a very stately clubhouse, bar and 4-star restaurant. It was cold, rainy and cloudy but we had a great meal and met club members who have also done the loop.