Days Five-Six

We had to wait an hour and a half for the first of two locks we transited after Peoria. After that--clear sailing! Though we intended to stop after 88 miles, the docking wall at Beardstown where we hoped to stay, had been recently removed. We could had tied up to a rickety barge--for a fee, of course--but decided instead to continue on to Grafton, 75 miles downstream to the end of the Illinois River. We arrived late in the day, with only the low light of a gorgeous sunset. Grafton is a picturesque river town with a main street only a short stroll from its modern marina. Upon seeing the town, we decided to spend an extra day to experience its many shops, restaurants, markets, and historic buildings. Russ and Dave enjoyed a glass of wine at one of the town's wineries, and were entertained by dozens of spirited patrons, dancing to the music of a equally spirited zydeco band.