Sept 11-13, 2017 From the Illinois to the Mississippi

Sept 11: We set out for Grafton, Il which boasts the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. At this point the two rivers are parallel running essentially west to east. The cliffs in the background border the Mississippi River.

Most houses close to the river banks are on stilts. The river height can vary 13 feet or more every year.

The two Rivers come together. Trivia stuff: By completing the Illinois we have completed the western most part of the Loop. From now on, we edge SSE.

Where we are on the map.

The Grafton Marina is composed of several floating boat houses. This may be something our home marina may have to consider if the water level remains high.

So I went to pay for our slip and got involved in wine tasting. Not your average marina activity! Lots of wineries around here. The most ridiculously named wine was “Liquid Panty Remover.” And the wobbly glass was an odd touch – especially for boaters!

We hiked uphill for a half mile to this winery since it boasted “the best view in the midwest.”

View of the rivers to the west.

Just the Mississippi to the east.

And the confluence immediately below us.

Sunset lighting back at the marina.

Sept 12: Interesting cliffs along the Mississippi. Another trivia thought – now that we’re doing so many rivers I looked up how many states are named after rivers. Turns out there are 15. If New York was named after a river it would either be the Mohawk or Mahicantuck – the Native American name for the Hudson. It means “river that goes both ways.”

Nice statue.

Casino (and old factory) at Alton, our next port of call.

Islandia’s home for two weeks while we fly home on the 14th for Clayton and Sam’s wedding (and to visit the kids/grandkids!).

The Alton Marina also has floating boat houses with many personalized “patios” if you will.

Floating pool, hot tubs, shower house, marina office, laundry and small restaurant. Looper rate: 65 cents a foot! Not bad, compared to Chicago which was $2.55 a foot. One span of the New Clark Bridge is in the background.