Day 330 – 8/29/24

Starting location: Moored in Peoria Boat Club Marina. Peoria, IL.

Weather: high 70s am, mid 90s pm

Ending location: Tied to barge at Logsdon Tug Service, Beardstown, IL.

Statute miles: 76

General summary: Continued Southward and noted, again, there were not many places to stop. There was one anchorage, but we were tired of hauling the dinghy off and on, plus the potential re-emergence of Mississippi Mud on Cocoa’s paws with shore breaks. A marina and a dock at a nature center did not have enough water for moorage.

So, we contacted the Looper’s guide recommendation for Logsdon Tug Service. This is literally a working tug business that allows boats to side-tie overnight to two barges that are secured to shore. Only $25 and they did have an employee lounge that had air conditioning, an ice machine, a bathroom and a jury-rigged shower.

It was a HOT and muggy night with no breeze whatsoever. This was made worse by the river water temperature over 90 degrees, so no cooling of the hull. Cocoa and I hung out in the cigarette smoke infused lounge until the outdoor temp dropped to low 80s. Our 12 volt fan on the boat ran full blast, but made only a slight difference. The most uncomfortable night yet. We had to leave all the window screens open to facilitate any possible air passage. I paid for it the next few days…