While Illinois River does not have much of a current, I got lucky and had decent wind today, pushing me towards the park. Even better the wind stopped when I was trying to head back upstream making the return trip a bit easier too. Do note, there are some shallow sandbars on the south side of the river as you approach starved rock. I never would have guessed that it could be so shallow. I actually got out and pulled 3 or 4 times.
Right now I'm on Sheehan Island making camp after doing 13 miles today I'm going to do three more tomorrow to get back. It's turning into a pretty good trip. The weather was absolutely perfect for paddling: no clouds, 60° temperatures, and the water was reasonably warm too.
This trip was great. Starved rock is awesome from the river. Buffalo Rock state park is a close competitor for beauty. While the paddling wasn't the easiest, it's worthwhile in times of low speedboat traffic.