Day 23 Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Heritage Harbor Marina to Henry, Illinois
6am Lock que check, looking for a 7am start. Only one lock today, 11 miles away. We left the marina at 7 and called the lock at 8am for approximate wait time. We were told to expect a 2 hour wait. We sighted lots of eagles, herons, sea gulls and PELICANS!
We arrived at the lock at 8:50 There was currently a barge, Leviticus, in the lock down bound (heading south) and another 9 barge tow waiting ahead of us. OH NO! Gratefully the 5 PC waiting were allowed to lock through before the barge. Out at 10:45. This was our first time on the lock wall; I lassoed our line around a floating bollard and we floated while the water was lowered. 
Arion traveled with The Grand Wazoo and Eric's Inheritance
We caught up to Leviticus in a double bend in the river. With permission we passed him on "the one" (his right side -- think clock, 1pm). Communication with the tows is very important. They have multiple blind spots and can take over a mile to stop. Leviticus was pushing 4 double and one single barge. Many barges contain hazardous cargo so they must pass through the lock alone regardless of their size.
Town of Henry. Located in the lawn outside the marina.
Henry Harbor Marina is located at an old lock built in the 1870's. We topped off our diesel fuel ($5.33/gal) and then tied to the original lock wall of stacked stones. Rebar loops are cemented in the wall for boats to secure to. Very rustic stop but neat to be within the walls of the original lock. It's family owned with big plans for improvements. Relatively new owners they are determined to keep a marina open for boaters. Very friendly, their office is on on their boat.
Blocks have been removed for boaters to use as steps.
Jerry surveying the situation.We walked into town and enjoyed Mexican food at Rio Vista Grill (simple, very good, cheap) with Laura and Joe, and Al and Arleen of Arion.
View of our boats walking back from dinner. Good end to our 8 hour day.
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