Day 96: Through Starved Rock to Kuchie's on the Water

Day 96: October 22: Beautiful day: chilly but bright sun throughout most of the day! Flotilla members received a text from our leader who had contacted the Starved Rock lockmaster earlier in the morning. We were advised that all looked clear for us for a 9:00 opening. To make that time we would be leaving the dock at 7:30am. A few boats decided to stay behind; one requiring some repairs and the others wanted to come along later in the day. 

Once again all flotilla members communicated well throughout the trip, sharing safety information about oncoming tugs or deadheads in the water. Folks also announced sighting of a doe and 2 yearlings, eagles and wild turkeys (we see enough of these at home). 

We arrived at Starved Rock Lock and Dam right around 9am and proceeded in under the direction of the lockmaster. Once through the lock, our flotilla leader announced that the official flotilla was now ended and folks could feel free to travel as desired. In no time boats began pulling away from the group, some dropping off at marinas and others racing ahead. Before long it was Zendeavor and us traveling alone.

From mile marker 179 to 162 we traveled on Peoria Lake. As tempting as it might seem to cruise anywhere along this larger body of water, we had been told to absolutely stay in the channel as the lake can become quite shallow. In fact, the lake has lost approximately 68% of its original volume and the average depth has been reduced from 8.1 to 2.6 feet since 1903. 

At one point we passed an abandoned tug located on the shore. It was obviously in disrepair; it had a sign posted on it that read Bar and Grill Restaurant. Whether it had once served as a restaurant or the sign was someone's idea of a joke we will never know. 

Here is a picture of Sandra on top of Zendeavor; checking for clearance as they made their way under a bridge in Peoria. From all accounts they made it with about 2 inches to spare. 

We pulled into Kuchie's on the Water. There is a small dock out front that can accomodate 2 or 3 larger boats and about 5 or 6 20 footers. There is no charge or facilites but it is appreciated if boaters patronize the restaurante. Our friends Mona and Frank on Summer Fling were already tied there so we decided to join them. Zendeavor tied to the longer dock and we rafted with Summer Fling.