Grafton Harbor to Alton Marina

As we awoke the boat was covered with small May Flies, they could be moved lightly with a broom but would only move a few feet. At one point there were 200 on the stern of the boat. A short cruise planned for today just 16 miles, we fueled with 165 gallons of diesel fuel, I am very pleased with the fuel consumption at this point. This was our first fueling since Racine, 390 statute miles or 340 nautical miles.

Bluffs in Illinois

The information about the Mississippi makes this part of the trip to seem quite dangerous. Strong currents, lots of traffic and few places to stop with only a few fuel stops and no repair facilities. 

The cruise today was great, sunny, 75 degrees with northeast winds 7-10 knots. 

Beautiful bluffs along this portion of the river with islands and good depth small current about .7 mph. A very enjoyable day. 

The Alton Marina is covered and under a large highway bridge

Tonight the harbor host here at Alton will present some information about the river conditions. Looper harbor hosts provide a valuable service with local knowledge.

Addendum: Bob and Patty were great and provided much information about the river and what to expect. Then they took us to this great restaurant called Mac’s for our “last supper” in a restaurant for a while. Ribs, prime rib, steaks, good company and great stories, Mac the owner bought us all a round of drinks, amazing.

Bob and Patty far right, potential harbor hosts of the year.

Great house on top of this bluff