Pat and Cindy's Great Loop Adventure

Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’ Down the Rivers

Tuesday, October 24

Tuesday, October 24 – to Grafton, Illinois

Located near confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers

“Big wheel keep on turnin’

Ooh, Captain Pat on Sunshine keep on burnin’

And we’re rollin’ (rollin’), rollin’ (rollin’), yeah rollin’

Rollin’ on the river (rollin’ on the river)“

That song by Creedence Clearwater Revival keeps playing in my head.

We leave Logsdon in Beardstown for Grafton Marina. It’s early morning and the sunlit shoreline follows us peacefully down the river.

Looper boats following Sunshine out of Beardstown
Glorious sunrise

First stop is LaGrange Lock. We are getting used to the locks now. Still in a flotilla formation but with different boats. Boats from Flotillas 11, 12, and 13 are in our flock now.

Once in the lock, we raft up to Acadia who was in our Flotilla 12. From the get-go we have admired this boat – a 42- foot Sabre.

Lynn and Jim Crowley aboard their 42′ Sabre, Acadia.

This is the first time we’ve had a lengthy conversation with Acadia’s owners, Lynn and Jim, who live in Manchester, New Hampshire. We learn Jim grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts and knows Julie Couette and her family! Julie and Barry are our good friends from the Lake. Small world! I take a photo of them, text to Julie and Barry, and a reconnection occurs! We all plan to meet on Rattlesnake Island. If we ever end this Loop.  -😊

‘Surfrider’ and ‘Koop’s Loop” behind us in the lock.
Lynn aboard ‘Acadia” speaking with the lockmaster.

We exit the lock and continue our journey to Grafton. The countryside is inviting, with its foliage, homes, and even a herd of black cows!

Mooooooo!
Awww – a lost cow.
‘Koop’s Loop’ owned by Henry and Joanna of Ontario

We arrive Grafton, which is listed as a must-see spot for Loopers. The town has a Key West vibe, with restaurants, shops, and a winery within walking distance.

I knew something was on the Captain’s mind. He was just not in a good mood and we couldn’t get in sync. One of those nights. We go to the Oyster Bar, a restaurant steps from our boat at the marina.

In walks fellow Loopers Brian and Pam, owners of ‘Surfrider.’

‘Surfride’ enroute to Grafton

They ask to join us and we are grateful to have the company. It’s the first time we’ve gotten to spend some time with them. This chance meeting will prove fruitful tomorrow.

Stay tuned for our next blog!

Here are more pics from our journey and stay in Grafton:

Grafton Bridge
Rock cliffs amidst the fall foliage
House on the hill as we enter Grafton
Houses on the shoreline
These frosted trees!
Entering Grafton Marina – Jeremy at Heritage Harbor said to look for the gigantic American flag.
Lighthouse at Grafton Marina harbor
Sunshine docked at Grafton Marina
Beach house for rent
Loopers have sighted many eagles along the rivers.
You can ride gondolas up the mountain.
Town pub – love the Wine Bottle Christmas Tree!
Another beautiful sunrise photo
This Looper boat is called ‘Regular Eggs!’ Having lived on a chicken farm, this name intrigued me.
Good bye, Grafton!

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