Log 21; Day 97; August 26, 2008; Grafton, IL.

Log 21
Day 97
Tuesday, August 26, 2008

6:20 AM CDT
Location: Grafton, IL.
Weather: 67* with 65% humidity; NE winds at 9...predicted to be 84 and sunny today

Lunch at the bar next to the flea market.

The floating pool at Grafton Harbor...nice stop
Sunset last night. Red sky at night...sailors delight.
It is predicted to be sunny today...but lots of clouds right now. I went out side a few minutes ago and it was a little chilly, but felt great. I’ve been watching the weather channel this morning and hurricane Fay is really dumping the rain on Tennessee and Alabama. Good news for us because these water levels were really low and this should help us as we go down the Tombigbee Waterway later this fall. The water levels on the Illinois and Mississippi seem to be stable the last couple of days which is also good for us. The locals at Grafton say they never remember the water being this low, and it is causing several of the tows to have a problem because they are running aground. I have called the next two marinas we are going to and I don’t think low water will be an issue for us.

Yesterday was just one of those lazy days when you’re cruising. In the morning Deb worked on keeping up with our banking and paying the bills. I cleaned all the isinglass and worked on a couple of small projects. I also spent time planning our itinerary for the next month or so, and made some reservations at marinas. At lunch Deb and I walked back to the area where they had the flea market the day before. The good news was (for me) the flea market was not there (must only be there on weekends) but the bar and grill right there on the water was. So we split a cheeseburger and had a beer for lunch (you can see in the picture the smiles on our faces...must be enjoying it). After lunch I went back to the boat to keep working on our cruising plans and also get the marina to pump out the holding tank, and Deb went into town to get some fresh sweet corn...which we had with BLT’s for dinner.

Since we have been in this marina 3 or 4 “loopers” have come in...so folks are starting to head south. Except for one couple (Peaceful Day) in a beautiful 40’ Tiara who are heading north. He found out we were heading south, so he come over to our boat to ask me a few questions about the trip north. I spent about 30 minutes with him explaining about the different things to watch out for and the things not to miss. Really nice guy, but I was surprised that he planned to go all the way to the Trent Severn in Canada yet this summer/fall and then back down through New York and to Florida. He has a fairly fast boat (cruises at 28 mph) but the rule of thumb (as told by seasoned loopers) is to be heading south by early September and many say leave Chicago after Labor Day. He will just get to Chicago by Labor Day...and heading north. I would think it will be pretty cold in Canada and the Northern parts of the East coast before he gets out of there. Heading South sounds better to me at this point.

Today is planned to be an easy cruise. We plan to leave the dock between 9 or 10 and head 15 miles south to the Alton Marina. The only question I am dealing with is where to get fuel. I believe in supporting the marina’s we stay in, but the fuel costs can be very different. Grafton Harbor is $4.37; Alton Marina is $4.30; and Hoppies is $4.76. I think I’ll just get some at Alton...and then top off at Hoppies before heading further south.

BK.