RIVER SYSTEM: DAYS 93-96: Ottawa/Buffalo Rocks Anchorage to South of Henry/Lower Henry Island Anchorage - Peoria

Ottawa to Henry: 8.5 mph; 38 miles; 5:30 hours
Henry to Peoria: 8.8 mph; 25.2 miles; 2:53 hours


Ottawa/Buffalo Rocks to South of Henry/Lower Henry Island


LOCK: Starved Rock Lock 19’
Floating bollards; Easy lock, an additional stern line is available if needed.


Option: Henry Wall

The FREE-ish Wall is structurally a crumbling hot mess. Once upon a time, it was part of a lock built in the 1900’s; I think the cost was $40 with some forma of electric/no water. Don’t let the condition of the wall taint your ideas of the marina behind it. To be fair, the marina was just bought by a young couple with big plans for reconstruction. Their enthusiasm has me wanting to see what they do next.


Optional: Lower Henry Island ANCHORAGE

We read on Waterways.com and Navigational Notes that this was a safe anchorage. We gave the south point of the island a wide berth, then take the channel into safe harbor. We are here during low water levels; so, NOT kidding about the wide berth. When you think you have gone far enough, go a little further - wide berth is essential to staying afloat. The current wasn’t too strong but we set a stern anchor anyways. Lots of good holding mud and very quiet - loved it.


Made reservations for the Illinois Valley Yacht Marina for tomorrow through Saturday. Need to change the oil and provision the boat. 



The wind was howling on our stern when we left Lower Henry Island. Good for us because we made our destination in no time. The river channel is pretty tight and some barges are really wide; but, we haven’t had any problem with them so far.

Illinois Valley Yacht Marina (IVY): 

$2.00/ft with electic/water, showers/bathroom, coin-operated laundry, small restaurant, and a great bar. 


There are 6 Loopers here with us. We met beginning Loopers Slo Dancer and they are excited for the Loop Adventure. Loved their energy.


The club members here are welcoming and make it easy to hold a conversation. The first night we were asked to join a large group of members for dinner. It was fun listening to their stories and fielding questions they have about the Great Loop. The questions I get most are about groceries, laundry, and salons. Jim gets all the detail questions about fuel, placement, and whatever else they come up with. A BIG thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Hicks for being so kind and welcoming. Another shout out to Pam who made me feel at home the second I sat down.


If you are ever here, I hope you get the chance to meet Tirzah the ‘Magician of Bar Spirits’; she has the kindest heart. She helped us out when she knew we were in a jam looking for oil. Just a kind-loving- soul.


Used InstaCart for the first time since 2019. The additional fees equaled a one-way Lyft ride to Walmart; so, it was a win-win. I’ll use it again if I am ever in a jam. 


Under the disguise of a ‘Captain’s Meeting’, we have a designated vessel calling the lock master at 7:00 AM tomorrow morning.

Irish Toast: There are good ships and there are wood ships | Etsy

The Looper's Toast

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