After spending the night on the anchor behind Bar Island just south of Beardstown, Illinois, we traveled about 85 miles to the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers to Grafton Illinois, just across the Mississippi from Missouri. Once again we passed many huge tugs, and saw numerous bald eagles and white pelicans. It was really a beautiful journey. Connie and I even spent time on the bow enjoying nature as we operated the boat by remote control.
Upon our arrival, we were amazed by the sight of the mighty Mississippi. We never imagined it to be so picturesque with steep rock cliffs and perhaps a mile across. We did find out that the Mississippi River never did officially close, and it has begun to recede substantially. There are perhaps 25 other looper boats here and many of them have been here more than a week waiting for the river to tame a bit. We will be here three nights before heading down the big river. We must get a new battery for the generator and repair our bow thruster that was a casualty of one of taking in some floating garbage in an upstream lock. Some sight seeing is also in order, as well as using the courtesy car to do some replenishing of supplies.
September 17, 2014
We are in an area where there is poor internet access which will not allow us to post pictures from yesterday or today. We hooked up with some of the many loopers who are here and we are all going to dinner tonight. Will have to catch up on the photos later. Spending two more nights at Grafton before heading down the "mighty Mississippi".
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