Human Interest Plus

October 11, 2015
       Although this information is a little overdue, I would like to tell you about our experience in Grafton Harbor in Grafton, Illinois.  We arrived at this Marina and were impressed with covered slips.  Because we are transients, we were not put in a fancy covered slip.  The marina also had a pool and restaurant. We wondered what the attraction was to this little community and marina.  No cell phone service and no TV and poor internet service.   There were many boats or like most people call them, yachts, loud music, people driving "go fast" boats with loud inboard -outboard motors (called IO's) - the louder the better.  Favorite activity was to boat on the Illinois River in the dark with no lights!
    We eventually found out that this was a 3 day weekend and quite the hot spot for people coming from Chicago, St. Louis and surrounding Southern Illinois cities.  There was a car ferry bringing dozens of cars from St. Charles area of Missouri to Grafton during the summer months.  Normally the area would be slowing down about now but because of the weekend and the gorgeous weather they were hopping.

    Grafton, Illinois is nestled in the hills overlooking the connection of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.  We took a shuttle to a Wine Restaurant at the top of the highest bluff.  It was crazy busy with many BMW's, Corvettes etc.  We met the owner - a very down to earth former farmer.  He lost everything during the flood of 1993.  So he sold his farmland, invested everything in this land and eventually built up a very thriving wine, hotel, cottage business. 
      Aside from the irritating drunks driving boats at night and not understanding what - No Wake - means, it was one awesome town.
       We have since left Grafton (Monday) and eventually we were finally on the Mississippi.  I am thinking we are finally out of Illinois.  Nope.  Not by a long shot.  I don't know if this is true but Illinois feels a lot longer than Florida or maybe it is because we have averaged 7.7 mph.  Rod and Harley are excited about that because they are using far less fuel than when we travel on Lake Michigan. 
     But to Ann and my amazement we let the engines open on our trip from Grafton to Alton!  Kind of fun to go fast for a change.  Then I DON'T drive!  Another interesting fact is that we are now seeing bluffs just like the Mississippi at home.  We spent 12 years boating on the Mississippi and loved it.  What is interesting is that the Illinois River runs to the Mississippi and the terrain changed so quickly. 

      We are now in Alton, Illinois.  I thought it was Missouri because I want to be in another state.  Not going to happen for awhile.  We are staying at Alton Marina for 6 days right under a huge bridge and Rod and I are in a covered slip.  Ann and Harley are right next to one.  Phones work great but because of the bridge, it blocks reception for TV.  Oh well. 
       We took a cab to a Nail Salon - boys went to Lowe's while Ann and I each had a mani - pedi.  Reason:  when we leave here, we are anchoring out for at least 5 days. Few showers, sponge baths, no ammenities. 
       While here, Rod and I are renting a car and driving to Kansas City, Overland Park, to be exact to spend a couple days with my sister, Kathe, brother in law, Mike, and family.  My brother, Tom, and his daughter, Klara will be there too.