Grafton - Alton Illinois

Grafton and Alton Il.
 
We are here

As the debris in the river settles down we are forced to spend six days in Grafton Illinois.  The debris is of mostly tree limbs, sticks, dead tree sections and of course trees themselves.  The debris accumulates in pools and then floats down the river.  Debris also gets caught up on bridge supports, along the side of the rivers, and at lock areas, including the entrance area.  The locks then accept the debris along side vessels that are in the lock and it creates problems.








Grafton Illinois

I Loved this building,
 if you study it is is very unique

Grafton is a nice tourist area.  The architecture of some older buildings is quite attractive.  Like so many communities there is a processes to rebuild the waterfront with newer tourist type of businesses, condos etc.  Grafton is at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, and not too far down is the Missouri River.  There are rather tall and steep granite formations lining the north rim of the area. The marina is very modern, clean and has a pool and hot tub.

Not a good picture of the view, it was superb.

At the top of one of the areas surrounding Grafton is a very cool bar restaurant called, Aeries Winery and Restaurant with an awesome 170 degree view of the Illinois, and Mississippi river confluence. Vicki and I both  had Comorran Pizza...WOW it was awesome, Goats Cheese, raisins, nuts, and spinach.

While at Aeries we met a group of skull rowers from England (Where my mom is from).  They plan to row the entire Mississippi River.  They are doing this as a charity event, and raising monies via donations, and selling tee shirts (got one).  Great group of folks.  I made the 'My mother if from....'  connection, and it was great making conversation..

First set of steps to 'Monks Mound", there is another set half this tall.on the next plateau
At the top was a simple flat surface for the Leaders home and servants,

We went to the Cahokia Mounds. There lies the remains of the most sophisticated Native American Civilization north of Mexico. Managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, this 2,200 acre site has been designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization for its importance in understanding the cultural heritage of the native civilizations in North America. We were impressed with the entire museum, but we also walked up to the 'Monks Mound'  nice view, all the way to St Louis.
  

This is the spirit of Fast Eddies

Cold Beer, 

We also went to Fast Eddies Bon Air bar (three different times) for something to eat and drink.  This is a very well known bar for its uniqueness.  We had a great time there.  $2 , 1/2 pound burgers, Peel and eat shrimp, Steak Kabobs and $3.25 22oz  Draft Heinekens.  Great music playing, and everybody was having a great contagious time.

We attended a 'Cross Your Wake'  celebration for Captain John of Satisifaction, who completed the Loop at Grafton (his home port).  It was a 'Bring a covered Dish to pass' and there was,  Champagne, Fajitas, and desert provided, awesome time by all.

Vicki took the ferry to St Charles Mo. for shopping etc  I worked on the boat.

We had breakfast at the Lodge at a Illinios state park with 28 other loopers.  Great food, great people.

We went to Elsa, a local historical village.  Real cool older architecture and every home had a series unique attributes. The homes were rather close together, but really unique.  We drove very slow to take in all the details in the homes.  I wondered what it looked like at Christmastime.

We spent some time in the pool and hot tub, relaxing.

The day before we departed we picked up a hot apple pie that we ordered.  I told the lady about my moms ability to make superb apple pies (almost every weekend during the fall and winter months),  she proceeded to make an extra tall pie, and she was so proud.  I had a piece when I returned to the boat......  yum.









While in Grafton, we met a very unique couple from Quebec.  I will post a separate  blog page about them.