Henry IL, what a great stop. The Marina has been bought by a local family after learning the marina would close. In April, 2021 the Passini family decided to buy out the former owner. They have dreams of making it bigger, better, stronger for Loopers. Although at first glance one might think that the situation isn’t the best. An old lock wall, a marina with about 5 feet of depth. However, overall this is river life. There is a free pump out at the dock on the river, fuel, both gas and diesel 30 amp power, but no water on the lock wall. The marina does have water. The luxury of having a safe place to hang out, enjoy the journey and meet really sweet hometown folk will not be in the cards as we travel south on these rivers. Henry’s marina is a comfortable place if you look beyond your city ideals. This is small town America. The Mayor stopped by and was thrilled to see the marina being used by Loopers. The owners are the kindest you will ever meet. These rivers will be a test for those with expections. These little reprieves will not be there for you as your journey on the Mississippi and beyond will challenge you.
We are in a holding pattern as we figure out the insurance issues we are having with traveling on a boat. Again we did not expect to have the ability to travel. Our focus was getting HP to Springbrook Marina. We still pinch ourselves and thank goodness we have the cruising permit.
On a walking trip into town where there is a grocery store, hardware store, Dairy Queen, a few restaurants we find a sleepy town where everyone who passes you waves. From their car or just passing by on the sidewalk a hello from the friendly locals is welcoming. We did stop in at Henry Foods with “Carrie” our grocery cart and picked up a few items. We are coming up to a stretch where groceries close to the marinas or anchorages will likey be a trek or not available.
There is a park in the centre of town “Central Park” as it is known, where a war memorial is set up for the local folks who gave their lives in the many wars of the 20th Century. A small tribute for all the Veterans is at a downtown corner made by the local town folk. Some buildings have stood the test of time and look to be from the 1800’s but it’s a guess as to how old they are. The old wooden handmade corbiels and cornices painted with layers and layers of paint over the years tell us a hidden tale.
Being here makes you appreciate what you have completed on your journey this far and look forward to what the next few hundred miles will bring. So treat the folks with kindness in your heart and may your journey down the rivers make you a stronger person.
