Day on the Cruise: 150
From: Grafton Harbor, Grafton, IL
To: Alton Marina, Alton, IL
Statute Miles: 16.0 SM
Time: 1.45 Hrs
Cumulative Miles: 3,680.9 SM
On Board: Susan, Chuck, Maggie, Trooper, Peanut
Today we had a short cruise. Just 16 miles South to Alton, IL.
Leisurely departure this morning due to the short ride to Alton. Susan rinsed "Flying Monkey" bugs off the boat. Some remained for the trip today. Filled the water tank and got a pump out and departed at 11:00. Only 3 boats in our flotilla today. Blue Moon, Always 5 O'Clock, and Entree'. Reunion stayed back to get treatment for Carol for a medical problem.
We were in the Mississippi 10 minutes after clearing Grafton Harbor. There was no current that we could discern for the entire trip. No push today. Hmmmm. Where is the famous Mississippi current? It was so calm that we saw two sailboats sailing in the Mississippi. We saw no tows today. Are we really in the Mississippi River? Did we detour onto some big lake?
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| Leaving Grafton Harbor |
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| Leaving the marina at Grafton |
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| Condos on the River at Grafton |
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| Merging with the Mississippi at the Confluence |
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| Into the Mississippi at Grafton |
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| Sailing (Upstream) on the Mississippi? Yep! |
Coming into Alton, we saw the big Casino Boat and a beautiful new bridge across the River. The marina entrance was just under the bridge. We arrived at Alton Marina and got an uncovered slip so we did not have to lower our radar mast. The other boats got covered slips. Reunion arrived at mid afternoon. Carol is OK, which is good news.
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| Coming into Alton |
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| Approaching Alton, IL |
Great marina! It has a nice pool and a big covered area. Susan went to a grocery store that picks you up and brings you back. She went with several others from our Looper flotilla.
We had docktails this evening with Robert and Patty Mitchell in the covered pavillion. Robert and Patty are the AGLCA Harbor Hosts at Alton and live aboard their boat "Orinoco" at the marina. Robert (Bob) gave a very detailed briefing on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. He told us about the wing dams on the Mississippi and some of the obstacles that we will be facing on the Rivers. We learned that we will likely not be able to use places like Little Diversion Channel and Angelo's Towhead because of silting and shallow water.
After the briefing, we all went to dinner in downtown Alton at a great place called Mac's. Bob and Patty drove us to the restaurant and joined us for dinner. It was a great meal. Bob and Patty are retired pilots. Patty retired from United Airlines where she flew 747's and later 737's.
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| Left to Right: Bill and Lori ("Entree' "); Al ("Always Five O'Clock"); Patty and Bob (Harbor Hosts - "Orinoco"); Chuck and Susan ("Blue Moon"); Charlie ("Always Five O'Clock"); and Carol and Dennis ("Reunion") |
It was a fun evening. Tom and Meliessa and her Dad from "Journey" were at the Briefing given by Bob, but did not join us for dinner. Tomorrow we continue down the Mississippi to Kimmswick, MO and Hoppies Marina.
Thanks for Reading!
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