September 27, 2013 Beardstown at the Logsdon Tow Company barges

We all pulled up anchor at Henry Island and we headed down stream to Peoria where Erin E left us and headed for a marina across Peoria Lake.  We went on to check out the city docks a few miles further down river but decided it was too small for us.  The anchorage across the way was doable but we elected to continue on since it was relatively early.

Helpful lock master at Peoria Lock 

Had to go through the Peoria Lock shortly beyond the city but there was no delay and only an 11 foot drop.  There was an anchorage area adjacent to the lock but the Lock Master suggested we would be better off elsewhere so we took his word and moved on.

Quiver Island anchorage

We decided to continue on to Quiver Island near the Tall Timbers marina where Field Trip elected to stay the night.  We opted for the anchorage at Quiver Island near some coal barges in a quiet little back water off the channel.  It was pretty shallow in and out of there but we anchored in 7 feet and the boat never moved all night.  Another quiet and peaceful anchorage.

Barges at Quiver Island

We met Field Trip out in the channel the next morning but not before we ran aground trying to get into the main channel.  Guess we were too near the river bank.  We backed off and headed a little more towards the main channel and found deeper water right away so no harm done.

Logsdon barges where we tied up

Our planned destination was Beardstown or an anchorage near there.  Alas, the free docks at Beardstown were no longer available.  We did want to get off the boat and take a walk or even do some laundry so the best option was tying up at the Logsdon Tow Company barges for $1 foot.  It’s simply a few barges with no real services like showers, laundry etc.  With both of us tied to the barge there was no room for another boat.   We did get to tie into their shore power (30 amp) and the owner offered the use of the company truck if we needed it.   It’s a busy working tow boat yard offering plenty of things to see and interesting folks to talk too although not everyone cares about such “interesting” topics.

We took a walk into town.  Not much there.  A number of ethnic restaurants and a nice town square filled with numerous people setting up tents to sell all manner of things.  The Fall Fun Festival is this weekend with the flea market, carnival rides and parades. There’s a prevailing festive atmosphere which we won’t be able to experience since we do plan on leaving Saturday morning for an anchorage down river.