WHAT WE DO WHEN WE’RE NOT CRUISING

5 OCTOBER 2021

We’ve spent an extra few days in marinas at Grafton and Alton, Illinois, for a variety of reasons. We’re resting a bit after cruising the entire Illinois River from Chicago (about 200 miles) and are now just south of its confluence with the Mississippi River. Tomorrow we’ll start our journey of about 200 miles down the Mississippi until we turn east on the Ohio River as we head to Paducah, Kentucky.

Looking back on the last several days, it’s occurred to me that some of you may wonder what we do when we’re not cruising. We do lots of the things we might be doing at home…reading, napping, cuddling, sleeping, grocery shopping, cleaning, paying bills, contacting family and friends, checking emails, etc.  But there are quite a few things that are a bit different traveling by boat.

There’s a lot that goes into planning the next few stops along the way—at marinas and/or finding a safe place to anchor. Checking the weather is something we do often as we anticipate what lies ahead and make decisions about right timing. We are also looking at both electronic and paper charts and guides, frequently consulting with fellow “Loopers” and sometimes attending briefings by harbormasters to get tips, suggestions and advice about various stops and options coming up. At the last two marinas (in Grafton and here in Alton), there’s been a “docktail party” every night at 5:30 where Loopers socialize and map out the next few days. Those leaving the next morning coordinate who is contacting the lockmaster (if there’s a lock coming up to arrange locking) and relaying that to others (via VHF radio).

 

There is also a lot of maintenance and minor (sometimes major) repairs that are done while in port. We need to check the oil and coolant levels frequently (which I got to do this morning—see photo above—note dipstick in hand!), wash the decks and outside steps with a special cleaner that is skid-proof, and wash the transom (back of the boat where the name is) where soot from the diesel engines gathers. This morning I practiced using a special hook that might be needed at future dockings when there isn’t anyone to help us. It’s the First Mate’s job to get the line around a cleat or piling so the Captain can bring the boat up alongside the wall, pier or slip more easily.

We both enjoy being creative and while stopped we often get out our camera (G) or iPhone (A), especially when there’s a sunset or a special architectural feature like the New Clark Highway Bridge (below) that we see from the Alton Marina. It crosses the Mississippi River and connects Illinois with Missouri and nearby St. Louis.

When we’re docked, I love to cut out images and words (from travel brochures, magazines, etc.)  and incorporate them into my “art journaling.” This is my way of capturing the highlights and special moments we want to remember about our adventures. The art journals I’ve done for our 3 Sprinter Van camping trips continue to bring joy every time we look at them. It’s like reliving each trip all over again.

When I asked Gary if he could think of anything else we might mention in this blog, he said, “Don’t forget Boat Yoga!”  It’s amazing how many activities on a boat require twisting, bending and turning from standing, sitting or laying down (and then getting back up again!). Everyone summarizes all the contortions necessary when working on a boat by calling it “Boat Yoga!” Here’s an example, as I got back out of the engine compartment and rolled on my back so Gary could put the hinged door back down. [Note: In order to lift this hatch, we have to put the coffee table up on the sofa and the stools up on the eating bar above the galley (kitchen).]

AND, all of this is part of “the dance” as we continue to enjoy this amazing adventure with lots of amazing people. Our next report will probably come from Paducah, KY where we’ll spend a couple of nights taking a few deep breaths after making the run down the Mississippi and up the Ohio. Meanwhile, we’ll keep dancing and hope you will too!