Ocean Breeze: Port #23: Dinner at Mel's (and Breakfast Too!)

Great Loop II Date: 9/16/2014

Day #47 (Tuesday): 99 miles (1332 total miles)

Locks: 0 (8 total locks) wickets down in 1 lock

Port #23: Hardin, IL

OB and crew were in for a very long day on the water. The distance from Havana to Hardin, IL would be nearly 100 miles. We had talked about anchoring in order to make our travel day a little shorter. There were a large number of Loopers southbound. Those of us in contact with each other were trying to make plans as well as alternate plans so no one would be left without a place to stay on the river. Roundabout and Andante were about 20 miles ahead of us. We knew their plan was to go to Mel’s River Restaurant and stay on the barge. The Loopers in Havana were planning to anchor up river from Mel’s for a shorter day on the water.

The day dawned beautiful with clear skies and cool, crisp temperatures. It was so nice to see the sun for a change. We were seeing sights from our first Loop with more regularity. We still had to dodge large debris fields in the water.

Sunrise with the light reflecting on steam rising from the power plant in Havana, IL.

Such a pretty morning on the Illinois River.

Many little cottages like this on the river bank.

We passed this same convenience store in 2010.

Loading dock for a flour plant.

When we came to the LaGrange Lock and Dam, it was so flooded the gates were not visible at all. The approach wall was totally submerged and only the pilings where the barges tie up were visible. Once again we were able to motor over the wicket dam saving us a great deal of time.

The flooded LaGrange Lock.

The wicket dam would be on the far left in this picture however it is down.

More debris showing up in the lower part of the Illinois River.

An oncoming barge and tow.

I love the names of the tows...try saying Pat Pickett really fast! The tows are named after real people. I saw a tow named after Brent Ice on the Ohio River. Todd worked with Brent at Marathon before he went to work for a tow company.

We saw this old derlict riverboat in the same spot on our trip in 2010.

Starting to see more limestone bluffs.

We arrived at Mel’s Riverdock in good time and tied up behind Roundabout and Andante. There was plenty of time for a nice walk with Charlie. Todd and I, the crews from Andante and Roundabout had a wonderful dinner at Mel’s Restaurant. Mel is known for his smoked brisket, ribs and chicken. We stayed here and ate at Mel’s in 2010 so we knew we were in for a treat and we were not disappointed. Mel stopped by the table to visit, as he often does.

OB with Andante and Roundabout (hidden by the trees) at Mel's Riverdock.

The night was quiet at the dock with a few tows passing. The next morning Andante received a call from Sweetwater. The three boats that had anchored had a frightening experience during the night with all the debris coming through their anchorage and not only disrupting their sleep but actually causing their boats to become unanchored. All aboard the three boats were safe but tired and hungry. They came to the riverdock, rafted off our boats and went to breakfast with us.