Lincoln and Douglas

Grant, from As the Crow Flies called us and told us about a group of Loopers and a potluck.  He said we should come back. Twenty 'Looper' boats were there, a lovely new marina in Ottawa, IL.  After two days of the free lock wall in Ottawa, we moved the boat back a couple of miles to Heritage Harbor for three nights.

We walked all around Ottawa and enjoyed the park below.  This is the site of the first Lincoln - Douglas debate. In 1858, about 12,000 people came on a hot, dusty, August day, with no chairs or bleachers and listened to a several hour-long debate.  The historic park is very special.

Ottawa has many murals showing the town's history.  

All the Loopers gathered for a potluck dinner, followed with a group photo.

We've had a lot of rain which increased the water levels. Some parts of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers are near flood stage.  It was decided a Captain's meeting was needed to help determine the departure times for the over 20 boats.  Some left today (Sept 11) at 6 a.m., 8 a.m. and we left at 12:30. There is an upcoming lock about 10 miles downstream.  The boats need to be spaced out so we will arrive at the lock at different times.