Grafton, Alton and Hoppie's

After the anchoring out, we were very happy to make Grafton. The kind people there let us borrow a truck to go do our grocery shopping. Betty (from The Cooper) went with me and Rusty (her husband) and Steve played in the engine room. A good day all around. We also managed to get Ryder groomed (yay!).

Our next port was Alton, IL. Alton is actually not very far from Grafton, but it is the last stop before St. Louis. We topped off our gas, pumped out the holding tank, and tied up for an early day of it. We had a chance to skype with Sara and Olivia - I guess I am officially "gaga" as far as Olivia's concerned. I'm OK with that. While we were talking, the "harbor host" for Alton came by and had a word with Steve. A harbor host is a resident of a town who is willing to help out or host other loopers. This couple actually lives on their boat at the marina. They go around each afternoon to see if any new loopers have shown up and then offer to take them shopping, etc. They also arrange dinner plans. We had a group of 10 for dinner. The restaurant was great and we had lots of fun.

Near Alton, the Mississippi River joins the Illinois River. Then a little later, the Missouri River joins in. The current picks up and the river becomes wider and much busier. The closer we got to St. Louis, the more tugs and barges we saw. There is really nowhere to stop in St. Louis, which is why we stayed at Alton. The morning was pretty foggy and stayed a little foggy most of the day. We did manage to get some photos of the St. Louis skyline and The Arch.

Beyond St. Louis, the place to stay is Hoppie's Marina. Hoppie's is an institution on the river - her marina is three barges hooked together. She gives a daily briefing of conditions up and down the river. She has probably saved her customers a lot of future grief. We arrived fairly early in the day, so Betty and I walked into the little town of Kimmwick, MO. The town is charming! The small downtown area has been transformed into restaurants and shops. One stop we HAD to make was The Blue Owl - reported to have the best desserts ever. I can't speak for all of them, but I can say that the Chocolate Kahlua Cake was awesome!

Leaving Grafton

High bank on the eastern shore

Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine

This shrine was built after severe flooding left their village unharmed. Each year, they hold a Blessing of the Fleet here.

Now we get back to the industrial scenery.

Coming into Alton.

There are deadheads in the water - this one floated into the marina and into a slip!

Not sure why the blimp is here, but this is Snoopy 2.

I've never seen a calico duck before...

A very sweet but sad story... a well-to-do dad had an architect design and build this playhouse for his five year old daughter. She died at age nine. The parents left their home and this playhouse to the state and it is a designated historic site.

One of the other loopers caught me with my own camera.

We had a blast with the harbor hosts and the other loopers.

Leaving Alton. This doesn't look good....

The Cooper coming out behind us. The marina is just beyond the bridge.

One of two locks today.

Just a bit foggy...

These fishermen don't seem to mind.

We're starting to pick up lots of contacts on our AIS

The St. Louis skyline

We can make out The Arch beyond the two bridges.

LOTS of barge traffic

This one was four barges across!

Finally we get to Hoppie's

The Cooper came in behind us.

Gemini at Hoppie's

We saw this walking into town - not sure what the story is behind it, but it looks cool!

The shops in town are decked out for Halloween.

Guess who else has been to the Blue Owl for dessert?

Best chocolate kahlua cake ever!

This buggy used to deliver sausage

Downtown Kimmswick - there is a six-block or so area of shops and cafes. Each October, they make homemade apple butter - which sells out that very weekend.