Le Claire - Home of American Pickers

We have travelled 77.2 miles since I last wrote.  They have been long days and have offered a few new river experiences.  We'll begin back in Bellevue, Iowa.  We had hoped for a nice day on the river when Rick decided that the board supporting our small engine was warped and we could perhaps lose the motor into the water.  Now that was not a pleasant thought!  We did find a small marina in Savanna, Il that allowed us to tie up for most of the afternoon and Rick worked on the boat.  The marina was near a hardware store which was a great help.
Rick was the motor doctor and I was his assistant.  I must tell you that times like these can be very trying on relationships.  Rick doesn't always use his "principal language" when he is upset and faced with this type of challenge.  Luckily, he has the skills to fix most anything and did so on this day.  I later took and walk and went to the local Dollar Store to stock up on needed supplies.

We spent the night at this little Island City.  Needless to say, there was not much to do but it did have a Municipal Courtesy Dock where we could tie up for free.  We did realize from conversations with the locals, that we would need to have the railroad bridge opened for us the following morning as we would not have enough clearance.  This, in addition to meeting many barges, would be firsts for us.

We are getting more comfortable with barge traffic.  Most of the time the river channel is plenty wide and there is no difficulty when one approaches.  We have not ever had one come from behind and we do not travel fast enough to ever pass one.  They do not rock the boat nearly as much as some of the pleasure cruise boats.

While on the river, we did meet the Twilight.  This boat travels between Le Claire and Dubuque.  People get off at night and spend it in a motel in that city.  A group of elderly people are leaving this morning, Rick said.  I am sure that means "older than us."

Yesterday was a long day on the river.  The railroad bridge opened for us at 7:45 in the morning and we arrived at the Le Claire Courtesy Dock at 4:30 in the afternoon.  That time does include a 1 1/2 hour wait to get through Lock and Dam 13 as well as a little stop at the Port Byron Courtesy Dock.  We found nothing on the computer to see in Port Byron, nor did we when we stopped!

Things open here around 10 o'clock.  We have a few places to visit on our list and will then decide what is next.  Rick wants to see the John Deere Pavillion in Moline so that will probably be tomorrow. Take care all.