9/22-23/2016
We woke up to the news that the wicket damn just down stream was about to be opened. With our 5.5′ draft, that meant we had to leave soon, or it might be a while before we could.
We had planned a stop at Peoria’s town docks, but some of the locals were saying there wasn’t room for a boat our size. After consulting Active Captain data and reading a very detailed review, we used Google Earth to see that the docks were exactly as described. You gotta love technology, at least when it works!
Using dock lines to give fine control, we backed Pearl Lee out of the small slip and fueled up at the fuel dock. Then, using a combination of bow thruster* and prop walk** we pivoted out of the tight marina as if we knew what we were doing.
With the current pushing us along, and no lock to go through, it only took about an hour to get to Peoria. As we tied up at the excellent, but seagull poo encrusted dock, a fellow approached down the dock. It turned out that Mike and his wife Karen, who was just behind, were out for a walk and saw us pass by.
They came down to hear our story. After a little conversation they offered to take us to lunch, and since they weren’t giving off any serial killer vibes we took them up on it. We had a nice lunch with wonderful conversation, followed a short car tour of downtown Peoria. Mike was justifiably proud of the strides his city has made in recent years.
Peoria has a very vibrant riverfront district with more shops, bars and restaurants than we could possibly visit. Since Peoria is Caterpillar world headquarters there is also a large Caterpillar museum. If you’re in the area, you won’t regret spending some time at this amazing museum. It starts with a short film in a theater, but the theater is built in the bed of the worlds largest truck! These trucks are shipped to mining sites as a “kit” and then assembled on site. There are all kinds of Caterpillar equipment to climb on, simulators to try out, and the entire place is staffed by proud Caterpillar retirees.
The town docks are in the heart of the riverfront district, and Walmart is just a short dinghy ride across the river. There is plenty to do and see within a short walk from the docks. What more could a cruising boater want? The only real downside, besides the seagull guano, is train and traffic noise, but being city folks we could deal with it. We stayed an extra day, and never saw another cruising boat stop. It’s a pity, they don’t know what they’re missing.
We decided to try Kellaher’s Irish Pub for dinner, and it was incredible. Returning from dinner we found a free concert was being held in the square just off Pearl Lee’s stern. An excellent Zac Brown tribute band was followed by a great funk band. What a night, watching a concert from the comfort of Pearl Lee’s aft deck.
The tows run all night long. Moving slow they generally don’t create a huge wake. Sorry, I don’t know why a boat that pushes its load is called a “tow”, just don’t call them tugboats.
The following day, we mostly… uh… just recovered. Resting up from a late night, and for the journey ahead.
- * Bow thruster: a sideways propeller for pushing the bow around
- ** Prop Walk: the tendency for an inboard power boat’s propeller to “walk” sideways
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