We Made it to Alton

We left this small town marina early Thursday morning with the goal of reaching North Shore Marina in St. Charles, Mo for dinner with friends.  We realized while travelling that we have reached a few milestones so far as our journey is concerned.  We have now travelled over 500 miles of the Mississippi and we have slept on the boat over 20 nights.  Just about the time I think those are astounding stats, we meet someone who can beat it all to heck.  We are currently at the Alton Marina
where we have met "Loopers".  These are not the Saturday Night Loopers but people travelling up the coast and in the coastal waterways for months at a time.  One couple started last May and are now finishing the route we plan to take.  They have told us we should continue all the way to Florida and we would have no problems.  It is too bad you can't see the excitement on my face as I think about the possibility!!!

Judy met us for a few cocktails at the North Shore Marina on Thursday evening.  We all waited for Tony to arrive from work and then ate at Sharky's and began plans for a day travel together during the week.  If all goes as planned, they will meet up with us south of St. Louis on Tuesday evening and float with us to St. Genevieve.

We have a much better idea of how much time we need to reach certain points.  After this coming Monday, we have no more locks until the Tennessee River.

While at the North Shore Marine, we were parked near this pirate ship.  A young artist purchased a houseboat and then turned it into a pirate ship.  He takes cruises out on the weekend for a variety of groups.  Prior to our departure on Friday morning, a woman asked permission to walk on our dock (Ha).  She wanted to see the pirate ship as her son is getting married on it this Saturday.  It is now Saturday and the weather is great, we wish this couple much happiness and are wondering if the groom will wear an eye patch!

He also created this little boat which confirms our idea that he just might be a Parrothead.  He is looking to sell these boats and move to Florida to do the same thing.  I imagine he would have much more business with the weather down there.  The boats are certainly worth seeing, so check them out if you are in the St. Charles area.

We knew we were close to our destination when we saw this boat.  We have been here a number of times with my parents in the past.

We gave our daughter, Becki, a call and she stopped by to see us on her way home from work.  Our original plan was to go to my parents and start working on our many loads of laundry, but chose instead to venture up the hill to Fast Eddie's for some shrimp and a burger.  If you have never been to Fast Eddie's you need to put it on your list.  We have been there a few times and always enjoy it.  It amazes me the number of people this place can serve.  They keep track of customers each day and display the tally.  While there we met one of our blog followers.

This is a picture of Becki, Pam and Rick.  Pam is a teacher's assistant in Becki's class at school and heard about our trip from Becki. Becki also chose to spend the night with us on the boat.  She said it reminded her of her two month camping trip this summer.  She doesn't plan to stay with us tonight!



Today is a work day.  I'm sitting in my parent's home working on the blog and also doing laundry.  Later today Keith and Jill are to meet us at the boat in the marina and we will take them out for a ride.  Tyler and Travis will spend the night with us on the boat while everyone else with have beds in Florissant.

Hopefully Justin will get back from his football game to join us on an evening cruise.  They will be house hunting tomorrow while we will probably need to do shopping, etc. 

We have made plans to have my dad and brother travel with us on Monday and should spend the night at a dock just below the St.Louis Arch.  We hope everyone has a great weekend and I'll try to post again on Monday.