Our last lock of the Illinois River was about 5 miles south of our anchorage. We got up early this morning to call the lock to check on tows. The lock was clear, so we pulled our anchor at 7 and were through the lock by 8. There was only a 6’ drop at this lock. Only 80 more miles until we get to the Mississippi River. 
The day started out overcast and quite chilly. It was a long day with not much to see. There were barges on the side of the river, waiting for towboats. There were occasional homes right on the bank of the river, built on stilts to protect them from high water. We were pretty much in the middle of nowhere, with no phone coverage for most of the day. We also saw many duck blinds along the way. Duck hunting must be big around here. 
We ran across some buoys that had obviously been moved – we don’t think we could get between these.
Tied up at the dock at Grafton at 4:15. 9 hr 15 minutes of travel and 85.6 miles today, a long day. Passport and Footloose are staying here also and we are all going out for dinner together.
1 lock – total 83
