Anchoring can be fun 40◦41.200 N 08◦935.186 W

   We had a very long run today, from Ottawa to Peoria. The ride was so uneventful that we took no pictures. We set off at 7am and landed here at 4pm and I spent the entire day outside sanding the bow railing while Jim took us safely down river. We only had one lock today and it was a 17 foot drop, otherwise the currents where with us all the way and we topped out at 10.2 miles per hour. This was perfect weather to dry some cloths so before we left I did a load of laundry and hung it out. By the time we arrived it was all dry.

   Peoria has Oktoberfest going on in September (what can I say) and we would have loved to partake in the festivities however there were no slips available to tie up to. You cannot partake in Oktoberfest and still drive your dinghy safely home! We are currently anchored right across from the festivities, so we can hear some of the music playing at least.

   When we arrived here It was windy and there were several boats anchored off in the area. Priorities set their anchor in 8 feet of water and all was well. We did not have enough swing room anywhere, We anchored once and it did not set, We anchored a second time and it set but we were swinging too close to Priorities. Someone called us on the radio and told us there was a dock normally saved for Spirit of St-Louis and it was gone for the week. So hoist up anchor and let's go. Just as we were pulling up, they called us back and said you can tie up there but you cannot get off your boat. Great! so back to the anchorage we go. We drop the anchor we hoist the anchor, SIX times !!! This is a new record for us and will go down in the history books. Twice we touched bottom, twice we where to close. By the time all was said and done it was 6pm and we were starving. So on to the dinghy we go and when we arrived at the dinghy dock, we were greeted by 3 couples who are also doing the loop. Simon and Sylvie are froggies from Montreal, so we started talking French while the other folks talked to Jim. By the time the greetings the chatting and the pictures (they had cameras) where taken it was now 7pm and now I'm getting grumpy. We arrive at the Crab shack and they have a 1hr waiting time. Now I am tired and grumpy, so we keep walking to the next place which was New Amsterdam and they have seating and quick service...they win. We had dinner and Sherrie and Randy joined us for a drink afterwards. So we are now back at the boat, have a lovely view of the Pinta and the Nina (I'll try to get pictures of them before we leave tomorrow) and we are fried. We are also being treated to a light show from the heavans. Lots of lightning but no rain yet. 

    I did include a picture of Jim tying up to a bollard and Randy Jim Sherri and I on the Lido deck for y'all Just so you have something pleasant to look at. Night all.