Nights 10, 11, and 12 were spent in Alton, Illinois. Yes, Alton is just a couple hours down river from Grafton, but for most loopers it is a “must do” stop. For one, it is the last real marina we will see in days. It is also a major fuel stop for those needing to top off before making the next long haul. Luckily we are still sitting fine with the 300 gallons of diesel we took on in Milwaukee. Thanks you, Arthur DeFever for giving us such large fuel tanks. And lastly, we need every minute of daylight we can eek out of these end of summer days to get to our next stop.
We spent most of our time in Alton taking care of minor boat chores, relaxing, and eating and drinking with new friends. The rest of the time was spent talking with our new friends about the adventures ahead of us. What time do you plan to leave in the morning? Where are you stopping the first night? the second night? Where will you anchor if we get caught at a lock?
We had to go to the iconic Fast Eddie’s for lunch and a brew. 
On our morning of departure, Tim and I were up at 5. I called the Mel Price lock, that is just a couple miles down river, at 5:30 to be sure the group of us could get right through. “Come on down”, I was told. Our group of 9 boats headed out in the dawn light.
Once through the Mel Price lock, we focused our attention on the Chain of Rocks lock that was 15 miles down river. A major sense of unease hit us when that lockmaster said, “ I wish you called me before you left the dock.” While he was empty, he told us that planned dredging just beyond the lock was going to be blocking the channel and we may not be able to proceed for a few hours. While I waited on the phone, he called the dredge for details. The decision was made that they’d delay beginning work for us and the for a northbound passenger boat. Whew!
Once in the lock, we “floated”. This means we did not have a bollard or line to hold to. The skipper had to maintain the boat’s position in the lock.
I cannot tell you how great it felt to be through these two locks by 9am. We had watched so many other boaters have major delays here and we were all so grateful to have gotten through so quickly. I also have to say how polite and helpful every lockmaster and lock worker we have encountered has been. These guys were fantastic. The same kudos have to be given to the tow captains. We have been so impressed by their professionalism and willingness to share the waterways with us ‘Pleasure Craft”. They have made a challenging journey so much easier.
Having the locking finished for the day, our next focus was St. Louis, the iconic arch, dodging debris in the water, and the very busy commercial area.
Barges, fuel dock, houses perched on the edge.
Our destination for the night 13 was Kaskaskia lock. We would not actually be locking through here, we would only be tying to the wall along with several other boats. It is known as a safe spot just off the Mississippi on the Kaskaskia River to spend the night. After a wake up call of 5 am, we were ready for it when we pulled in around 3:30. Unfortunately there was very little room at the inn for us. Only one spot was available and it would prove to be too tight of a fit. Assured that there was enough water for us, Tim did his best to get us got the solid concrete wall. There was no way our 5’draft was going to make it. Luckily the river bottom was mud and it sucked us in and held us in place against a much smaller boat that was on the wall. With all the jostling, pushing, yelling, bow and stern thrusting, and heart pounding that was going on, I failed to take any pictures. It was a very stressful ending to a very long day.
The next morning, Tim skillfully maneuvered the boat out after the rafted boats behind us left. With deep breaths and lots of cheering, we were off again by 6:30.
Once back on the Mississippi, we had a beautiful morning on the river awaiting us.
After hearing of a potential delay on the Ohio due to blasting of the old Olmsted lock, we agreed with SCOUT to bypass several anchorages on the Mississippi and head up the Ohio 8 miles to MM 973. Now going against the current on the Ohio instead of with the current on the Mississippi, we dropped from a speed of 10+ mph to a mere 5.5 mph. This made our 8 mile run up the Ohio, a slow, pokey crawl. We arrived at our spot and dropped anchor just as the sun was dropping to our west.
I am leaving you here. Our run on the Mississippi is over! On to the Ohio as we continue our adventure south.
Nights 10, 11 & 12 have left me exhausted … and I’m not even there! I especially like the early morning photos with mist rising off the river.