Port Byron's Newest Website

There is a new website now online showcasing the Village of Port Byron.  It's located at http://www.port-byron.com and is an independent website intended to promote Port Byron events, attractions and local business.

Visit the site and check it all out.

Welcome To Port Byron

Will B. Rolling in Port Byron

Barges On The Loose

If you look closely at the photo you’ll notice a big gap between the tow boat and the barges.  This happened on the Mississippi River right in front of Port Byron, Illinois on Saturday July 12, 2014 just before 11 am.  Not something you see everyday.  The tow was chasing down the barges after they broke loose during a down-river run from the sand pits up by Cordova to Moline.

Barges on the loose

Photo courtesy Port-Byron.com

High Water in Port Byron

The recent heavy rains have raised the river levels significantly.  Monday June 30th we had a severe storm front roll through dumping over 5 inches of rain and 60-70 mph winds.

With the already high river levels resulting in a fast, heavy current combining with winds blowing in the same direction as the current, several docks along with the attached boats were torn loose from their moorings and sent crashing downstream.  Luckily they didn't get far from the riverbank and eventually got hung up along the banks.  Hopefully the boats didn't suffer any severe damage.

We lost power in Port Byron as did Le Claire, Iowa directly across the river so it was pitch black interspersed with brilliant lightening flashes.  It was during one of these flashes that the dock and 4 boats appeared in front of our house - about 500 yards downstream from where it normally resides.  It made for quite a nervous night with the storm and total darkness, knowing how much damage it was doing.

In the morning it was easier to see just how much damage was done.

Officially Spring?

Okay so it's now officially SPRING.  We've all set our clocks ahead and toyed with the notion of storing the winter coats but wait a second... it's 26 degrees!!!

But enough semi-complaining.  It is Spring and that means it won't be long before our boat is sitting in our slip and we are sitting in it enjoying a relaxing afternoon.

As I'm writing this I'm looking out our front window at the night sky and the amazing view of the Mississippi River.  The water is like glass with an occasional ripple.  The lights from the town across the river are reflected in the shimmering water and it makes for a pretty spectacular view.

So it's cold out.  No big deal, right?  We can put up with it for a few more days.  But hurry up Spring!

Where is SPRING???

I'm sure I'm not the only one getting fed way up with Old Man Winter.  It just keeps hanging on and refusing to let go.  The weatherman is sounding encouraging but I am waiting to see if the proof is in the pudding as the old saying goes.

Looking out the window this morning, the river appears to feel the same way I do.  It's covered with patchy islands of ice.  There are 2 bald eagles sitting in a tree resting before doing some fishing.  The eagle population is very healthy if the numbers we have seen this season are any indication.  At one of the lock & dams the DNR estimated 1200 eagles were gathered.  They are a magnificent site to see and we're lucky to have a perfect spot to watch them.

Now mother nature needs to get the show on the road and give us all a little taste of Spring!  We're waiting...