All Alone… Illinois River to the Mississippi | Sailing Soulianis - Ep. 27

As far as we know, we’re the last sailboat on the river. The only other watercraft are tows with barges, a couple motorboats being delivered for winter storage, and bunch of duck hunters. It’s a bit desolate, but beautiful. It feels like we have the river all to ourselves.
At the city marina in Peoria, Illinois, the docks are completely empty. Shortly after we arrive, an employee walked to the farthest dock and hung a metal sign: MARINA CLOSED. We wondered if they might shut the power off on us, but thankfully it stayed on all night, and so did our electric heater.
Because the temperatures regularly dipped to freezing, and we don’t have a way to heat our boat without shore power, we stayed at free docks and marinas every chance we could get. But, the southern half of the Illinois River is much less developed, and there’s no way around anchoring - unless you travel at night, which is risky business - and we were not about to do that.
We ended up anchoring for a night at Big Blue Island. It took us three times to feel good about our bow and stern anchor setup, as it was our first time ever using two anchors, and our first time anchoring in a current. The night was periodically rolly due to barge traffic, but in the morning we woke to perfect calm water and lovely bird songs. The fall colors were really firing up. This video, featuring music by Common Jack, is a tribute to the beauty of the river.
Hope you enjoy!
Lauren & Kirk
P.S. If you’d like more Sailing Soulianis content or would like to support our video production, consider becoming a patron here: / sailingsoulianis
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[@SailingSoulianis]

For anyone wondering where the mast is, take a look at this episode: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWqWpGh6qLlrfrM

[@Riley_1955]

Just found your channel and couldn't believe it when I seen the pics of the bar Bananas you took just north of Peoria.....I'm from Chillicothe (The town that Bananas is in) and me and my brothers go to Bananas and have some drinks all the time.....Stay safe and you two are going to have the time of your lives when you start sailing the oceans of this world.....Later!

[@scottjones6608]

When you set anchor do you remember the location you are at a friend of mine has property in Naples on the Illinois River

[@michaelbrinks8089]

1:23 Peoria IL my old neck of the woods ....Surprisingly I don't miss it...lol That's what most people who move away from Peoria IL say.

[@Lou_Zasil]

just binged 27 episodes! not stopping yet

[@paulcollins9397]

In my grade school text book, I saw a black & white photograph of a “modern” sailboat, made out of a new-fangled space-age material called... fiberglass? I wanted that boat, but I was just a little kid! Only 440 were made, a rare boat indeed! I’m retired now, and found an unrestored, mint condition, 26 ft. 1965 Pearson Ariel for sale in Michigan. I left Florida by train, & finally bought the boat that I saw in my school book! I’ve sailed most of my life, but it’s in MICHIGAN?? So I did the same trip you’re on now. Thanks for taking me with you on that trip... again!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey Paul, our pleasure! Glad you’re enjoying the videos.

[@petermckinnon7102]

As an ocean sailor myself I hate watching other people’s trips they bore me. You guys have me hooked on your adventures. I can relate to all of your mistakes because we have all made the same mistakes at some time. I love your mild cool manner in delivering your adventure by video. Your honesty in your thoughts without any sign of embarrassment and just such honest commentary. May the winds always be with you.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Appreciate that, Peter, thank you (:

[@goodfriend6428]

A fine comment!

[@thedivide3688]

I ❤️ watching you two. There’s a simplicity and authenticity of what you share in your videos that stirs the soul. It’s not like watching another KZbin channel...it’s more like visiting family weekly on their adventure. Thank you and continue doing what you do.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much, Randy. ☺️

[@goodfriend6428]

Splendid, accurate comment. !

[@matthanson4920]

What a peaceful anchorage! Quiet, calm mornings like that, listening to the birds is what this trip is all about.

[@SailingSoulianis]

It ended up being one of our favorite days on the river :)

[@couchfighter]

I grew up in Alton. It was crazy to click on this video and see familiar stuff. We have friends w boats there..and we sailed a lighting all growing up!

[@TG-cp9jw]

Good luck and thanks for the video.

[@bretth5012]

What an adventure! Great video!

[@Jccj93486]

Binge watching y’all. Love it!

[@MegaBubblezzzz]

Very well done y’all!! Can’t wait for what comes next!!

[@kadven6447]

My favorite video yet! Thank you for taking the time to document your voyage down the rivers. I plan to do the Great Loop one of these days and this is so interesting. Best of luck and I look forward to your next video!

[@johnbolongo9978]

The dog makes me watch your videos in front of the fireplace with an electric blanket.

[@martyvanderhelm7774]

Missed you guys! best of the season to the both of you and lets hope the new year delivers your dream.

[@christiancormier7847]

Awesome stuff as always you two. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

[@derekwilkinson7939]

Great episode. Loved it. Hope you have a fantastic new year. Best wishes.

[@Ruffway64]

some of the most awesome landscapes!! Thanks, take care

[@masonkeller6275]

Incredible drone work. Great episode, as always.

[@zegerwijnands3505]

Great video of an area that isn’t often on sailing vlogs but worth seeing! Beautiful views. Thank you 🙏 Have a great new year and keep up the humour 😉🤪👍

[@drwindsurf]

Fantastic footage and music in this video - Thank you :)

[@clarkeborgeson8131]

Great video. Wishing you continued success in the new year!

[@moosewing1]

Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas and Happy New year!

[@n197272]

Happy motoring..you're doing a fine job. Thanks for sharing the musical artist.

[@jerrymiller276]

Just binge watched all your videos to date. Great work. I love your attitude and the fact that you honestly show your mistakes without getting too upset about them. I'm sure you'll get through your teething pains and do fine. I'm subscribed!

[@danielhoyle3546]

Beautiful video. Thank You.

[@slimjim340]

Love this video.Well done. Music just right.

[@ABeriault]

Lovely video and drone footage...looking forward to all your clips... Retired but missing it a lot! Cheers

[@fowlerflap2443]

WOW! This video took me back and made me home sick. My wife and I 'cut our teeth' on the Mississippi, Illinois and Meramec Rivers. Bought our first boat in '98 and been all over that area, and to be completely honest, cold October boating was actually our most favorite, and this video beautifully captured why. For years my wife and I said it would be awesome to live on the water, and we got our wish. My job brought us to SE FL, and the boating and boaters is completely the opposite, not to mention general living. I now tell people, be careful what you wish for, today I am always saying I'd much rather be back up in the midwest. We are hooked, absolutely love your videos and wish you guys nothing but the best. Safe travels!

[@boatscrypto5856]

You guys are awesome.

[@goodfriend6428]

A magnificent series! Very well done. Yes, as said below, like family. You are wonderful.

[@maxime41418]

The editing and images are great, this is a very nice episode you've made there. The drone footages and the mixe of shootages are making it one of the nicest you gave us the pleasure to watch.. thanks

[@douglasmcmanamy5988]

Love the video. Looking forward to the next one. Good luck and have fun.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Douglas!

[@mohammadal-subaie1840]

Sooo beautiful scenery ✨✨✨

[@CalebLeverett]

Y’all are living my dream and this is my new favorite channel. Greetings from Texas.

[@waltguzman]

You guys always make me smile! Great video.

[@SailingSoulianis]

☺️

[@andrewb4556]

Hi you guys Amazing Motoring ! Love you're work and vlogs Australis watching!

[@suzannekathro4958]

The most beautiful morning ever! Love you guys. You’re authentic and show it all, as it should be.

[@belentom1]

11:13 perfect intro: Very good song choice, You nailed it!

[@demilanoNS]

Love watching you, really you make my days so much better, thanks 👌😊

[@SailingSoulianis]

Aww thank you! ☺️

[@paulczapar9544]

Just found you guys! It was fun to see the area that my duck blind sits in your video. Fair winds!

[@bigrobnz]

very interesting trip--loving it!!

[@bartblack7326]

Absolutely amazing video! I can't believe how beautiful it is down there. I can't wait to set more... Thank you both!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers, Bart!

[@rjlind2807]

Lovin the B roll! Loving the whole episode really.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks RJ ☺️

[@coug96fan]

Wow! Such an adventure.

[@aerospacenews]

The aerials at and just after the Big Blue Island sequence were stunning!

[@brianpetersen3429]

Great video! Excellent cinematography.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Appreciate that, Brian! ☺️

[@jingbar]

Great episode, lovely visuals and music selection

[@trumpetmano]

What an awesome adventure-'couple of sailing studs...

[@tiborkiss9186]

it is great that you have some peaceful time after the starting troubles. Enjoy Missisipi:)

[@JustMe-pp1mp]

You sneak in a lot of special moments, e.g.@8:40, which bring a lot of extra joy while watching your videos. Stay safe and all the best for 2019.

[@dougmc666]

A dream come true boating out of winter😁 looking forward t your 2019!

[@MonkPetite]

Beautiful to be at a silent river spot. Perfect pictures..

[@ernestdougherty3162]

As always a good video glad to see y'all is making a little further south it's warm down here in the South I'm in Florida it's nice hope you had a good Christmas and have a great New year be safe

[@rrrobeltnest7295]

nice footage of everything thanks for the video.

[@DanielTruran]

Thanking you from land locked Madrid, not much warmer here. Loved your anchorage footage in the misty morning and your not too serious and very enjoyable style - Happy New Year to you both!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Daniel! Happy New Year to you!

[@breezinalong4831]

Great job capturing the beauty of the river county in the fall. Happy new year!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much!

[@kennethvannorsdall3123]

Great video, great story and great music. Wow!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Kenneth!

[@brettagostini2732]

This makes me want to start my boat life (some day) starting from the Great Lakes. Such a different adventure to the open ocean. And seems like a great way to learn the ropes of living aboard before venturing too far from land.

[@clambake3293]

Good on ya mates! enjoy watching your 1st rate videos

[@gordongreenwood9491]

Wow I really enjoyed your video ..i am from Chicago so it all looks familiar ..there is more peaceful than a river ...luv the birds .

[@neptunesfancy]

You are such a great couple and your adventure is refreshing.... Thanks for sharing your failures and triumphs strong and healthy egos...thanks for not faking

[@unclebob6728]

Nice to see you clocking some miles!

[@rmccugh61]

Greatly enjoyed the episode. Wishing you all the best in the coming year(s). Happy New Year.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Randy!

[@waynedoeblin6801]

That’s a big river system,and some large craft that move up and down it. I always imagined that the Mississippi was a hot place,but seems I’m wrong again. So glad things are going well for you now,look forward to seeing you soon 😊

[@steveangell4426]

Great video as always. Great job river anchoring. Great drone video too. I love your happy go lucky attitudes. Happy New Years to you both..

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Steve, Happy New Year to you!

[@EbutUoyFAN999]

you two crack me up! you are such geeks (that's a compliment) You appreciate the finer and smaller things in life and put them together so nicely in your videos. Enjoy life and each other while you can, stay safe!

[@SkylinersYeti]

Great rain shoes! Last night it was 14 degree F. Keep warm

[@leslieberryman5716]

Beautiful work Kirk and Lauren!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you! 💜

[@Lanevill]

Great video you two! Love the scenery! I’m up in the Pacific Northwest so it’s not everyday you get to see that part of the country.

[@chknhwkhamr]

Awesome episode... I have been on the rivers in Illinois many many times you captured the beauty of it perfectly! Hope to make this same journey in a few years. Learning a ton from your videos. Thank You for sharing it with us.. Cheers and Happy New Year!!! 🎊🎆⛵️

[@SailingSoulianis]

Our pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@edwardhazelden6424]

What a stunning land to wake up to at your first anchorage. Makes it all worth it

[@deantubeful]

Nice place. Looking forward to seeing more. Happy New Year guys.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Happy New Year, Dean!

[@robp2728]

Capturing your experiences, thoughts, AND the small towns along the way. 1 more subscriber! Great job, guys!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers, thanks Rob!

[@p100d]

Been looking at the Great Loop for a while. We live in TN and take our Hunter 23 to Kentucky lake some and love it there. We want to buy our Forever boat and Dock it on Ky Lake until early Retirement and make the trip South. So this Vlog is great to see. And you guys are great to watch. As a diesel mechanic myself was fun to watch the conclusion of your fuel problem. We all do it at some point in time. No need to feel too silly. You guys are safely concluding your tribulations that's the important part. Subscribed and hooked.

[@claasriese1036]

The Tartan 37 is such a beautiful boat. Love the lines, shape of the hull, gorgeous.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, we think so, too. ;)

[@davidmilitz2275]

Great video! Happy New Year to you both!!

[@chuckborghoff8443]

Sorry I was away from your adventure for awhile. Now catching up and enjoying your trip.

[@ronvandermolen8676]

Keep going,,, love the videos

[@oceandrew]

Something very unnatural looking a sailboat without a mast, not even in a cradle. The journey downriver looks like fun. Wishing you many miles of smiles.

[@ronhecklinger1845]

Music matched the anchorage perfectly, nice vibe.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Excellent, glad to hear it 👍

[@yeelinli1]

What a beautiful video. A Happy New Year to you both

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Howard (:

[@ray-deancanfield1449]

Stumbled upon you channel last night around 23:00 and binge watched all night. Looking forward to your future episodes.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hope you weren't too much of a zombie the day after ;) Thanks for watching -- very glad you enjoy the videos.

[@mr.morgan5643]

Hi guys! Fantastic video! I look forward to following along on your adventures!! Wow, that had to be a hell of an adventure on the great loop., I've always wanted to do that, my mast won't step so it's not possible + it's a 30 footer! Nice sailboat, great music, epic scenery!! Good luck with the adventures....see yah next time! Fair winds! Doug

[@jerryfield5815]

Well nice channel first. You two are absolutely adorable. I'm a Michigander myself grew up in Brighton on Woodland lake. Did a marathon of your channel and I have great admiration for you guys. Man did you luck out on that Tartan 37. I've been in the market for a cat for over a year but after seeing what yachts are going for in the Great lakes region I'm blown away. Thanks so much for giving me the knowledge of just looking in my own backyard.

[@davedespain9101]

That was documentary-level work. And you two are naturals on camera. A wonderful story to live through vicariously.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much for the compliments Dave!

[@asdfdfggfd]

Wow, I watch all the sailing videos on youtube... Easily the best one all month. Well done.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much ☺️

[@vraymond108]

Always wondered what it would be like taking the Illinois and Mississippi rivers down. Your visuals make it look very appealing. Good luck on your adventures.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Victor :)

[@grahammowry1782]

Just started watching your vids and it sounds like you're doing the Loop. Planning on starting myself this September from Holland, MI. I hate to leave Lake Michigan, such a beautiful place but adventures await! Enjoy!

[@mg062263]

My wife and I are following you guys as you cruise down the river system to the Gulf and we sit out a cold winter in Winnipeg waiting for our next sailing season to start up again. It's been very enjoyable to watch and you guys have great chemistry. One anchoring tip we can share if you'll have it; we always make sure that before lights out, we have everything ready to go should we need to hoist anchor in the night due to dragging or some other situation that causes us to have to move. So helm station ready, keys in the ignition, flashlights ready, PFDs nearby etc. This way you are prepared the most you can be. A friend of ours took the same course as you but singled handed and he learned a lot on his trip and had many "adventures" we'll just say, along the way. Looking forward to your next upload and smooth sailing to you guys. Mike and Jan.

[@bayareablues2255]

That was beautiful!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Awh glad to hear it (:

[@ramonsellaresmont3599]

un precioso video, el paisaje es un bálsamo de paz, feliz año nuevo y venga cargado de nuevas aventuras saludos

[@billroberts3864]

Excellent overall video. Loved the drone shots which give a great perspective of the area. You must have a great camera because the definition of your videos is nice and crisp. Happy New Year.

[@rayvonnesr1672]

The quality of the videos keep on improving dramatically! It’s always exciting to witness a journey unfold! Your one of my favorite channels!! Always lookin forward to your videos!,!!😉😃

[@SailingSoulianis]

Aw, thanks Rayvonne!

[@c5dave1999]

I just subscribed!! It's interesting what you see on the river... I had no idea!! I take for granted what I have here living in the Keys... Making the trek from lake Michigan down the Mississippi without a mast and sails makes for a boring trip... I bet you can't wait to get in the Gulf and get that mast up!! Taking in all those shots of the heart land makes it look a little surreal. Nice job on the editing!!

[@oldtimergoalie1]

Great video! The drone shots were awesome!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Thomas!

[@willjam465]

Love watching the content. You stopped in my home town...Havana, IL (Tall Timbers Marina). Spent a fair bit of time in and around that river growing up.

[@paulmcgraw5823]

You guys have the best music around and...thanks for introducing me to the Illinois river. Who knew? Lol

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers, Paul :)

[@stevecrombie5357]

Excellent way to start my day. Totally surreal feel to the morning after you anchored. 3 1/2 hours, yikes. Better safe than sorry. Practice makes perfect. Thanks for your time and trouble with the videos. I think I want to float the Illinois!!

[@SailingSoulianis]

It was a gorgeous trip! I believe we said it took us 3 tries and 1.5 hours 😉 -L

[@kpdowd4221]

The morning & day following the river anchorage = peacefully beautiful. I bet that day alone made this whole adventure worthwhile.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Totally. :)

[@rodneygoubert6281]

Great video happy New Year to you Both see you next Year