Miss Riverbottom

Submitted by Jack Dare
on Wed, 05/16/2012 - 12:57

The Miss Riverbottom 2012 details have been announced. The event will be held at the Henry Yacht Club in Henry, Illinois. The flyer showing the full schedule is attached below. Commodore Dan Thompson of the Henry Yacht Club has announced that slip rentals and camper spaces are available at no charge for the entire weekend! More details about WWYC's involvement are coming soon.

Information Packet [pdf] - includes content rules, full schedule, boat slip and camper site reservation forrms

Riverbottom weekend schedule [pdf] flyer only

Buffalo Rock Gun Range - Open or Closed?

Submitted by Jack Dare
on Fri, 05/11/2012 - 20:33

More than two years ago, a section of the popular tow path hiking and biking trail running just west of Buffalo Rock State Park was closed. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources closed a five mile section of the I&M Canal towpath trail as a precaution, because of complaints about stray bullets coming from the nearby Buffalo Range Shooting Park. By court order, the shooting range was closed in mid March and the towpath reopened.

River Rising 3 Feet

Submitted by Jack Dare
on Mon, 05/07/2012 - 14:50

The Illinois River is expected to rise from its average 460 ft to nearly 463 ft at Ottawa by late Tuesday or early Wednesday May 8. The good news is that there has been relatively little flooding along the Illinois this spring. Levels are predicted to return to near normal by the weekend. Downriver at LaSalle the levels are expected to rise about 8 feet, taking a few days longer to return to normal pool stage.

Kayaking video: high water on the Vermillion near Lowell:

http://youtu.be/tgAkRrrwbjE

Blessing of the Fleet

Submitted by Jack Dare
on Fri, 05/04/2012 - 02:00

This special event is held every year on the water at Buffalo Rock. Cruise up river (or down river from Heritage Harbor) and take the side channel around Sheehan Island (mile marker 235 or so) to scenic Buffalo Rock. There is plenty of room for boats to anchor with a view of the observation platform high on the beautiful sandstone bluffs. From the platform, clergy will give the blessing. Listen in via marine radio to hear the blessing.

Be careful of the current when you anchor.

Flag Raising

Submitted by Jack Dare
on Fri, 05/04/2012 - 01:32

This is a traditional event which starts off the boating season by raising the American Flag and our Club flag and honoring deceased members. We hope you will join us for a morning beverage (Bloody Mary or Mimosa) as we fire off the canon and hoist Old Glory!  The event begins at 10:00AM at the flag pole in front of the Captain's Cove restaurant, Starved Rock Marina. 

Launch Party

Submitted by Jack Dare
on Wed, 05/02/2012 - 15:41

Join us for this annual event at the Captain's Cove. Admission is $10 per person, to help cover the cost of the appetizers. There will also be a DJ, dancing and cash bar. The event is open to all members new and old, guests and future members. It's an especially good time to meet and greet our new members and catch up with old friends. 

May Bridge and Board Meeting

Submitted by Jack Dare
on Mon, 04/30/2012 - 00:01

All are welcome to attend the May Bridge and Board meeting, held at Captain's Cove restaurant, Starved Rock Marina on Saturday, May 19. Gather at 2:30. Meeting begins at 3.

Cleaner River Water One Day?

Submitted by Jack Dare
on Tue, 04/24/2012 - 13:46

Everybody knows "it" rolls downhill. Likewise, whatever goes in the river upstream flows down. Chicago is the ony major city in the country that doesn't disinfect its treated waste water, and that waste water eventually flows into the Illinois. In the next few years, that could change, improving water quality downriver. Mayor Emanuel wants Chicagoans to be able to swim in the Chicago River in the next few years.

According to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, the plan is to kill germs in the water using powerful UV light rather than chemical treatment.

Derby Day

Submitted by Jack Dare
on Wed, 04/11/2012 - 21:18

Please Join us for this year's Derby Day festivities on May 5th, 2012, beginning at 2:00 PM. The party will be held at the Beach Club Pavillion at Starved Rock Marina, weather permiting -- otherwise, we'll move indoors.