Friday, August 24, 2012

Today began as so many before have begun.  We were up and ready to leave at 6:00 A.M.  We left Starved Rock Marina with a little less money, but glad that the propellers have been swapped and the ride is smooth.  After only a couple of miles, we came to a lock called Starved Rock Lock and Dam.  There were barges in the chamber when we arrived, being locked up.  The tow and the rest of the barges were still on the low side, waiting for another cycle to get the rest of the barges and tow through.  The lock master said that we could slip in and lock down in between.  There wasn't a lot of room going into the lock or out of the lock.  Captain John had no problem maneuvering around the obstacles.

At one point, we were passing an island called Upper Twin Sisters Island.  It made us think of our twin granddaughters.  As we were passing this island, however, we noticed a bad fish smell.  It kept getting stronger and stronger.  Then we saw hundreds of dead fish floating in the water.  We have no idea why they died, but it sure was nasty.

We were about ten miles away from our chosen destination for the day when we lost our port propulsion.  The engine is fine, but it won't go into gear.  John investigated in the engine room and believes that the problem is a pressure plate between the engine and the transmission.  We called Hamm's Holiday Harbor Marina and informed them that we would be arriving on one engine.  Without having the assistance of the port engine, steering in the skinny channel into the marina was all but impossible.  We became grounded and the owner of the marina came out in his work boat and pushed us into deeper water.  We have found a mechanic who is coming down tomorrow morning to work on it.  We are hoping that it is easy and cheap to fix.  Now don't laugh too hard.  We know that nothing is easy and cheap on a boat, but you can't blame a girl for hoping.

The people here are nice though.  We have been offered the use of a car, if we need it.  We visited with the Friday night crowd for awhile and feel very welcomed by them all.

This morning's sunrise.

 

The barge waiting outside of the lock as we emerged.