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From the Harbor Master

Tracy's Boat House

Starved Rock Country

Quest Watersports

Letter from Dennis

Weekend Weather

On the Horizon

 

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harbormaster Well, everyone is talking about the weather and what a mild winter it has been. I hope it continues that way. The harbor has frozen over twice and now as the ice melts there is less and less space for our eagles to land. It has been great watching them come and go. I have tried to take some photos but they are more wary than I have time (they see every move you make). I have however made a few lucky shot as seen above.

We had a very successful Chicago Boat Show, which has created an increase in traffic. The mood and outlook look very promising for 2012. It was great to see our boaters and get caught up! Also, a special thank you to everyone that helped make our first Penguin Plunge a success, we raised close to $16,000 for Make-A-Wish and fun was had by all.

It is great to see the progress at the resort: two new cottages on the east end of Herons Landing, the new signage, and new homes going up on the west peninsula. The west end docks have been moved and are now permanently and professionally installed with a header and ramp at the seawall.

We will continue to progress, and make additional improvements to the resort in the next few months--we are all excited that spring is just around the corner!

Mark Pentecost                    
Harbor Master                    

 

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Tracy's Boat House

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As part of the Adventure Lifestyle available at Heritage Harbor Ottawa we strive to connect our homeowners, boaters, and guests with some unique experiences that are exclusive to our area here in "Starved Rock Country".

IRR PADDLE BOARDING COMES TO STARVED ROCK COUNTRY!

The fast-growing sport of stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is a fun, easy way to go play on the water. River SUP'ing is gaining popularity in the boating community due to the skill and agility required to navigate rapids and obstacles.

Paddle boarding offers an amazing full body workout and is becoming a favorite cross-training activity for skiers, snowboarders and other athletes. And since you're standing at your full height, you'll enjoy excellent views of everything from wildlife to what's on the horizon. It's almost like walking on water! The Illinois, Vermillion and Fox River offer a perfect setting to SUP!

With a minimum of equipment, you can paddle anywhere from lakes and rivers-no waves required.

You need just a few key pieces of equipment to enjoy this sport:

  • Stand up paddleboard: This is by far your most significant gear investment. Sizes are based on the paddler's weight and experience. More experienced and lighter paddlers can choose narrower boards. Novice paddlers should choose wider, flatter boards, which offer more stability. Quest Watersports is now a dealer of paddle boards and can help you with the board that would work best for you.
  • Paddle: Stand up paddles have an angle or "elbow" in the shaft for maximum efficiency. Choose a paddle that's roughly 6" to 8" taller than you are (though some manufacturers recommend an 8" to 10" differential). With the purchase of a paddle board from Quest, the paddles are included with most packages.
  • PFD (Personal Flotation Device): The U.S. Coast Guard classifies stand up paddleboards as vessels, so always wear a PFD whenever you're paddling navigable water.
  • Proper clothing: For cold conditions where hypothermia is a concern, wear a wetsuit or dry suit. In milder conditions, wear shorts and a T-shirt or bathing suit-something that moves with you and can get wet.
  • Sun protection: Wear sunscreen and sunglasses.

Our friends at Quest will be your one stop shop for this newest sport to enjoy, call (815) 433-2200 to get more information on paddle boards and more.

For more information about area activities and services check out the Heritage Harbor Ottawa blog.

"Life is an Adventure...Live it Here!"

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WANT TO FIND OUT HOW TO BE A BOATER AT HERITAGE HARBOR WITHOUT OWNING A BOAT?

Join us at
Quest Watersports
February 18th
1p.m. to 3p.m.

Where you can climb aboard and discover for yourself how Quest Express Boat Club is an affordable, convenient boat "Ownership Alternative" that is hassle free! We are scheduling orientations now for April splash dates.

Limited Availability!

For more information email Linda@questwatersports.com or call 815-433-2200

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Its almost boating season! Close enough to start thinking hard about your boat again. We will be having an Open House Saturday February 18th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at Quest and Heritage Harbor Marina. Please come out and see us. We can answer any questions you have about servicing your boat, our Valet service, Parts Department, and any add-ons you may want on your boat. Then you can see Mark and his crew and talk about slips and all the Marina has to offer you!! Don't forget that Heritage Harbor is installing Cable T.V. this spring. We have been hard at work installing cable hook ups and flat screens for everyone. If there is anything we need to do on your boat to get it "cable" ready, please don't hesitate to contact us. I also wanted to remind everyone that H2O Boat Club is off to a great start with lots of interaction with the boaters. The official first event, "I Miss My Boat Party" will be at Tracy's Boat House on February 18th from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. This membership drive party is exclusive for HHO Boaters and Residents. We will be announcing the winners of the Burgee contest, so if you haven't entered yet, you still have time! We hope to see everyone February 18th!

Dennis A. Cruise Jr                    
Service Manager                    

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Feb. 3rd-5th -- HHO/Quest at Great Outdoors Show in Sandwich

BEST WESTERN PLUS Timber Creek Inn & Suites and Convention Center in Sandwich, IL are proud to announce it will host The 2ND Annual Great Outdoors Fishing, Hunting, Boat, and RV Expo. Along with vendor booths, the show will again feature some of the finest local fishing and hunting professionals. From pan fish to smallmouth and musky, these area professionals will have you itching to get out and hit the water. Watch in amazement as fishing professionals demo their newest tricks of the trade from atop the 4,000 gallon feature fish tank. Observe demonstrations of your favorite lure from the fishes' point of view and right in front of your own eyes. Hunters eager for upcoming turkey season will want to check out tactics and premier gear & gadgets for spring 2012. A special turkey hunting seminar will feature a live demonstration on field dressing a turkey as well as cooking techniques. Waterfowl and deer hunters can attend informative seminars designed specifically for them. Be sure to bring the kids! Timber Creek will host a kids calling contest with prizes for our participants and winners! $5 for adults and children under 13 are FREE!

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Feb. 4th -- Pre-Season Farmer's Market | 8-12:30 pm

We are excited to announce our pre-season Farmer's Market! With the motto we bake it, we grow it, and we sell it fresh, you're sure to find something fantastic. Located at Jeremiah Joe's located at 807 LaSalle Street in Ottawa.

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Feb. 1 to Feb. 29 -- Bald Eagle Trolley Tours | Saturday & Sundays

Call 1-800-868-7625. The tour departs at 9 am and returns for lunch at 11:30 am. Be mesmerized by the beautiful bald eagles in Starved Rock Country. Ride the trolley to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center for eagle viewing and educational program. Bring cameras, binoculars and dress warm. $25 for adults/$20 for children.
Other events at Starved Rock can be found by visiting www.starvedrocklodge.com

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Feb. 5th -- Super Bowl Sunday at Tracy's Boat House

All day beer buckets 5 for $10. Free appetizers during pre-game and half time. Chances to win jerseys and other fun give aways. The party takes place all day long. Call (815) 434-0300.

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Feb. 14th -- Valentine's Day at Tracy's Boat House

Call for reservations at (815) 434-0300

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Feb. 18th -- HHO/Quest Open House | 11-3:00 p.m.

Join the team at Heritage Harbor & Quest Watersports for an open house to view the homes, marina, boats, service department and to see how we can help make your 2012 Summer a memorable one for the whole family. Not to mention you will get a glimpse of the bald eagles that have adopted our marina as one of their favorite wintering spots. Call (815) 433-5000 or e-mail hho@heritageharborottawa.com

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Feb. 18th -- H2O's "I Miss My Boat Baby" Membership Drive Party | 3-7:00 pm

Free appetizer pizza, drink specials and 50/50. A great time to catch up with fellow boaters and find out all about H2O Boat Club. RSVP to secretary@h2oboatclub.com

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Feb. 21st -- Fat Tuesday at Tracy's Boat House

Call for reservations at (815) 434-0300

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Feb. 24th-26th -- HHO at Peoria Home Show

A Central Illinois exclusive ... walk through a display home built by Homeway Homes inside the Peoria Civic Center! This year's home is a ranch style plan, specially-designed for the show, and offers visitors the chance to walk through the home, gather information, and ask questions of the builder representatives. Show visitors have enjoyed the modular home display at the Official Spring Home Show for over a decade, and won't be disappointed this year! For more show information visit http://www.peoriahomeshow.com

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March 3rd 4th -- Pre-Season Farmer's Market | 8-12:30 pm

We are excited to announce our pre-season Farmer's Market! With the motto we bake it, we grow it, and we sell it fresh, you're sure to find something fantastic. Located at Jeremiah Joe's located at 807 LaSalle Street in Ottawa.

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March 10th -- Art & Wine Dinner at Tracy's Boat House

This wine dinner features wines from August Hill Winery and Illinois Sparkling Company paired with organic food from Utica's Foothill's Organic Store. From 4-6:30 pm, enjoy a sparkling wine reception and passed appetizers while listening to live music by Butler Brothers and browsing the artwork from local artists, Laura Johnson and Jeremy Johnson. From 6:30-9:00 pm., feast on an incredible five-course wine dinner. Cost is $75 per person. Reserve your spot today by calling (815) 434-0030.

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March 16th-18th -- HHO at Lake, Home & Cabin Show in Schaumburg

We may work and live in Chicagoland, but our getaway second homes are where we like to play. Whether it's Wisconsin, Michigan or Minnesota, we love our lake homes, cottages and cabins! Now in its 8th year, the Lake Home & Cabin Show is Illinois' ONLY show that specializes in vacation homes and the second home lifestyle. If you own a lake home, cottage or cabin or you want to own one this is a truly unique and focused event you'll want to experience. We'll see you in Schaumburg! For times and more information on the show visit http://www.lakehomeandcabinshow.com/chicago/

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March 17th -- St. Patrick's Day at Tracy's Boat House

Call (815) 434-0300 for details and reservations

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March 24th -- Starved Rock Country Progressive Dinner

You are invited to our Cork to Fork Progressive Dinner throughout Starved Rock Country. We will depart Heritage Harbor at 4:00 and will return around 9 pm after we have tasted our way through over 5 area restaurants. Cost is $75 per person (includes transportation, tax, tip and one drink per location. Call (815) 433-5000 for reservations.

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March 24th -- Something Old-Something New A Cascade of Quilts | 10-5 pm

The show will feature a display of quilts on loan from the National Quilt Museum. This exhibit, The Pilgrim Roy Invitational Challenge, features 16 quilts made by new and nationally known quilt makers from around the world. Over 200 quilts will be displayed. $5 entrance fee and will be held at Knights of Columbus in Ottawa at 401 W. Main Street.

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March 30th -- Marina Opens

Summer is here and time to think about getting your boat in the water. Our team will be here to assist you with all your needs. Call (815) 433-5000 to schedule your launch for a great 2012 season at Heritage Harbor.

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© 2011 Heritage Harbor LLC. All Rights Reserved.
1988 N. 2753rd Road | Ottawa | IL 61350 | hho@heritageharborottawa.com

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