Friday, August 31, 2012

 

Here are some end of the month statistics:

 

As of this date, we have traveled 2,092 miles in 101 days

Engine hours are 452

Diesel fuel consumed 660 gallons

We have locked through 122 locks

We have spent 32 nights at paid docks

We have spent 38 nights at free docks

We have anchored out 31 nights

We have visited 82 cities, 5 states and 2 countries

 

Today we traveled from Wilmington, IL to Ottawa, IL, 27 miles and locked through 2 locks.  We are staying in Ottawa for the weekend because the weather forecast is for rain every day -- residuals of Hurricane Isaac.

 

We arrived in Ottawa in the early afternoon and tied up at the free municipal dock that has electricity for no charge.  It's conveniently located near the center of town.  We took Striper to Shampooch Dog Grooming a few blocks away and had her bathed and clipped.  Then we returned to the boat and stepped the mast.  It was 92 degrees and we gathered up our three bags of laundry and set out on foot for the laundromat.

 

While we were stepping the mast, a kayaker named Bob came by to chat.  As we were walking up town, Ralph was carrying two of the laundry bags (trash bags) and one slipped out of his arms and of course, the bag broke -- it was doubled-bagged, but he was NOT a happy camper.  The laundromat was .7 miles from the boat, so he was doubly NOT a happy camper.  As we're crossing Main Street, who comes by but Bob the Kayaker!  He stopped and offered us a ride to the laundromat.  Of course we agreed -- then he changed his mind and took us to his office about 2 blocks from the boat.  He owns the building, has his office on the first floor and a beautiful apartment on the second, a roof garden on the top and in the basement -- a washer and dryer.  He gave us use of his appliances all day, then invited us up to the rooftop to have a cold drink and chat with a bird's eye view of the City of Ottawa.  How thoughtful of him.  It took us a couple hours and we bought sandwiches from a little bar next door and had dinner in Bob's basement. 

Today was a busy day, so I have very few photos:

 

Stepping the mast

Hooray!  92 degrees and the mast is up

Striper in Bob's basement after her haircut

Camping out in Bob's basement waiting for the laundry to finish

Our new friend, Bob Paglis, on his rooftop

This tug was made into a bar and dance club