Champ III: Going Places

The adventure starts here.

Big Blue Island South of Beards Town IL to Grafton Harbor, Grafton, IL — September 30, 2013

Woke up this morning to heavy river fog.  Temperatures were cool and there was a lot of steam coming off the river.  Candy and I almost had a hard time finding Big Blue Island.

The sun came up and by 8:30 we were making preparations to leave.  By the time we got onto the water the fog was history and the day was warming nicely. Earin E was not quite ready to go when we went by their anchorage but they said they would catch up shortly.

We traveled down the river and did not have any locks between the anchorage and Grafton so there would be no delays.  The Asian carp were still jumping but there were not quite as many today.  We did not get any to jump into the dinghy thankfully.

Once Upon A Time was leading the way today and I followed.  We got a little close once so I backed off the throttle a little and by the time we arrived at Grafton they were about 1+ miles in front of us.  Actually that is not bad because it allows the marina staff to deal with them before we arrive.  We fueled in Grafton like we did last year and the price with discount was $4.07 per gallon.

There were 2 other Looper boats in the harbor, Beach Quest and Field Trip.  Both of those boats were in Heritage Harbor at Ottawa.  I had not talked to them but I saw the boats on adjacent docks.  We did get the courtesy van from the Harbor and drove into the local Walmart for groceries. It was interesting that there were 7 of us in the van and trying to move around Walmart as fast as we could so we could get back.  As it was we got back to the boats at 6:30.

All the Loopers went to dinner at the Piasa Winery just across the parking lot from the marina.  Interesting place in that they advertise that they have no deep fryer.  Lots of food and drink and conversation.  It was good to meet some more Loopers and hear their stories.

Tomorrow 4 of the boats are going to Alton and all 5 will meet at Hoppies on the Mississippi on Wednesday.