One thing I
really like about the rivers is the predictability of the water, no wondering
if the forecast is correct for 1-3 foot waves or if we will find ourselves in
considerably heavier seas, it is always pretty flat! So it is surprising that I actually feel safer on the Great Lakes. Probably my comfort zone. It is certainly a different type of boating
than we are used to with all the barges going by and watching for the
flotsam. We don’t want to be caught
unaware again and have trouble with the intake and an overheating engine. We also have to be at the wheel constantly,
no autopilot on the river. I suppose a
really determined person might spend hours putting in waypoints, or maybe
not! Another thing I have noticed it's not as busy as I thought it would be, at least not the Illinois River, there
have been plenty of stretches where we have been the only boat for miles. We have also found these barges manageable using common sense and calling the tow captains if we have any doubts about passing. Sometimes we are not going much faster than the tows. One tow captain told us to go ahead and pass on his two (his port) which we did. We were just about to the end when it became evident we couldn't go fast enough to complete the passing before the bend. Bruce called the captain to tell him and thank him, the captain responded, `Go ahead cap, you are almost there' and he slowed down. The tow captains are great! We always respect their presence on the river and they have been unfailingly helpful and pleasant.
Now, a few words about Grafton. The Grafton Marina is great, with full services, including a pool.
They are within walking distance of town and also offer a courtesy car for further excursions. We used the car to go into Jersey to provision. This is a very busy touristy town with lots of eatery choices. The restaurant and bar at the marina are great. We had Blackened Shrimp Tacos at the the Oyster Bar on site and they were the best we have ever had.
Grafton Lighthouse
On to the Mississippi ~~~~~~~→
Now, a few words about Grafton. The Grafton Marina is great, with full services, including a pool.
They are within walking distance of town and also offer a courtesy car for further excursions. We used the car to go into Jersey to provision. This is a very busy touristy town with lots of eatery choices. The restaurant and bar at the marina are great. We had Blackened Shrimp Tacos at the the Oyster Bar on site and they were the best we have ever had.
Grafton Lighthouse
On to the Mississippi ~~~~~~~→
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