Alton, IL - A pitstop of sorts, if you want to call it so

The cold is coming in like a lion. The temperature on the water is about 10º lower than the low for the day. When it's raining on top of that, then it's more like an elements smorgasbord. Plus, the certainty of motor #3 hasn't been fully explored. One day at a time.

Image by Google Earth used under its Creative Commons license.

Hardin, Illinois - Interview for. . .a local paper

Just finished an interview with the Calhoun News-Herald. A picture will follow in the next few days.

Hardin, Illinois - New prop and the Hardin Hotel

So, the propeller on this motor is really worn down. It must be the original one that was with the motor. The propeller will have to be replaced in the next day or so.

In the meantime, the Hardin Hotel is where I will be, chatting with the locals when time allows and resting to stave off the effects from being in this weather.

Florence, Illinois - Farewell

After about 2 weeks of being down because of malfunctioning equipment and a small series of events, a farewell to Florence, Illinois is in order.

Just moving along at about 7 miles per hour and seeing where the next stop will be. Onward and off.

Florence, Illinois - Historic Florence Guest House

During some of the down time here in Florence, Illinois, for a few days, residence was being kept at the Historic Florence Guest House. Lincoln visited there. Cozy and quaint.

Image by Historic Florence Guest House used under its Creative Commons license.

Florence, Illinois - Note to self

Don't mix bleach and hull cleaner. Also pay careful attention to the resulting gases. A lesson was learned. That was rough. Now, to finish with this "flower pot".

Florence, Illinois - Night of the Living Boat Motor

And here we are.

Motor #2 - Needless to say, the 1985 25 hp Mercury boat motor was a dud. Bad carburetor. Dead as a doornail. Traded it back.

Motor #3 - Next up is the 1995 25 hp Evinrude boat motor. It started like a charm. We're back on track. 

Now, to wait for funds to catch up a little, then it's on the move again.

Florence, Illinois - 16 ft Rebel

On to boat #3. Remember that down tree that was hit 8 days ago? After careful inspection, damage was seen on the bottom of the boat that has gone about 270 miles since this journey has begun.

So, boat #3 and motor #3 is where it stands.

It had trees growing in it and gallons of dirt. Luckily a local didn't mind if I took it off of their hands (not freely of course).

It's 16 feet and "Rebel" is on the side. It's the kind of boat. Not me.

Florence, Illinois - A little down time.

The motor fell off of the boat after it hit a down tree. So, there will be a few days used to finish some alterations that were left from Henry, Illinois while looking into getting another motor.

Peoria, Illinois - Pit stop, waiting at the lock.

Thank you Ed (of the Army Corps of Engineers in Peoria) for the coffee, at another lock.

Chillicothe, Illinois - Making a little more headway

A steamboat while leaving Chillicothe, IL and heading to the mouth of the Peoria Dam. 9.7 miles an hour.