Closing the Loop

November 2, Thursday – Bonita Springs Florida (Home) (35 miles)

A Little R & R closed the loop this day upon arriving at 3:30 p.m. at its home berth in Island Marina, Naples, Florida. Rhea was on the dock waiting for them along with Tom’s wife, Sharon, and his sister. The wind and tide were fast so the last docking was a challenge, but they made it in. It was Bob and Rhea’s 38th wedding anniversary, so it was a nice celebration to have Bob back home. Now it seems so amazing that the boat covered 6,000 miles around half of our country. The trip was five months long, but after subtracting the three weeks at home in October and two weeks in South Haven, we really traveled in four months.

November 1, Wednesday – Venice, FL – The Crows Nest Marina (40 miles)

They traveled only 40 miles today and docked at 3:30 p.m. The first First Mate Tom Sims drove over from Englewood and had dinner with Captain Bob and First Mate Tom. The three of them had enjoyed an evening together in August in Canada.

October 31, Tuesday – Clearwater Inlet at 2:30 a.m. (180 Miles)

October 30, Monday – Carrabelle, Fl – C Quarters Marina

The longest day! They left at 7:30 a.m. and traveled 180 miles. They crossed choppy waters and traveled in the dark until 2:30 a.m. After 19 hours, they anchored out near the Clearwater inlet. Tom wanted to celebrate with a drink, but the Captain just wanted to “hit the sack”.

October 29, Sunday – Panama City, FL - St. Andrews Marina (115 Miles)

They were up at 6:00 a.m. and covered 115 miles today. The scenery finally changed to civilization with houses on one side of them and the beach on the other side. There were a lot of recreational boats out zipping around.

Oct 21 thru Oct 28 - Home State

October 28, Saturday – Pensacola, Florida – Perdido Bay Marina

They walked to town again and after getting back, they made the decision to untie the lines and take off at 11:30 a.m. The water had calmed down and the ride was safe. They had about 25 seagulls following the boat. They heard that the propeller stirs up the minnows and the seagulls follow to scoop them up.

The restaurant here was next to the marina even though they now had provisions aboard.

October 27, Friday – Fairhope, Alabama – Layover

The weather was predicted rough on the Bay, so they stayed another day. The boat was doing its share of rocking and rolling. The men got a ride to town again and happened to arrive when the town Halloween Parade was starting. They actually had entertainment for the night.

October 26, Thursday – Fairhope, Alabama – Layover

Wind and rain were predicted for Mobile Bay, plus there was a tornado watch in effect. They were given a courtesy car, but it stalled going up a hill. After walking back to let the owner and the police know why the car was there, they then walked five miles to the restaurant. They got there at closing but the owner cooked up a grouper sandwich and then gave them a ride home.

Had the oil changed in the boat. Bob’s eyeglass frame broke along the sidebar, so they found a jeweler to weld it back together. This happened in New York City to the opposite side bar. While in town they grocery shopped and had a nice dinner back on the boat. They discovered a bus that would take them out to the marina finally.

October 25, Wednesday – Fairhope, Alabama – Eastern Shore Marina

This marina didn’t have much to offer and was 5 miles from town. They were offered a ride to a restaurant which was across the river but 5 miles away. The Ten Commandments were also displayed at the cash register again. A fellow at the restaurant offered them a ride home. He was a land developer and mentioned he saw wild hogs on his land. Tom said he had never seen one and the fellow immediately wanted to take them over to the property. They bounced around in the truck for an hour and only saw one boar and a coyote. Bob’s back was killing him. They were sure glad to get back to the boat – in more ways than one.

October 24, Tuesday – Anchorage at Big Lizard – 20 Miles north of Mobile Bay (80 Miles)

The weather was a little warmer. Same scenery although they saw barges coming up river. Sometimes the river was only 300 feet wide.

October 23, Monday – Coffeyville Dam – Bobby’s Fish Camp (90 Miles)

Still seeing unchanging rural countryside. They feel like they are between nowhere and noplace.


October 22, Sunday, Demopolis, Demopolis Yacht Basin

They were on the water at 7:30 a.m. The countryside has been all rural without any houses or buildings to look at. A deer swam across the river in front of them. They did see a “snag boat”, which was a paddle wheeler used to pull military stuff out of the river. ‘There was a beautiful plantation building next to it.

The marina owner gave them his personal car to drive to the restaurant. The barbeque food was undesirable. It was a Bible belt county and the waitresses wore t-shirts with the Ten Commandments written on them. The Capt and First Mate felt that they had to be on their best behavior.

October 21, Saturday, Pickensville, Alabama – Marina Cove

Back on the Water

October 19, Thursday, Fulton, MS – Midway Marina

Capt Bob and First Mate Tom (the second Tom) arrived at the marina at 11:00 p.m. after a couple plane delays. Sherry had to work that night and her husband picked them up at the Tupelo Airport. The weather was cold and the guys were anxious to get the heat turned on in the boat. I must mention that they wore shorts even when their wives mentioned that it was 60 degrees in Fulton. The Captain was happy to report that the boat wasn’t as dirty as he thought it would be. The marina owner was very friendly and helpful and didn’t even want any money until the Captain returned.

October 20, Friday, Aberdeen, MS – Aberdeen Marina (36 Miles)

After a trip to Walmart for provisions, A Little R & R was back on the water after lunch. They went through three locks with no waiting. The Captain had heard that Aberdeen was a cute town to stop and see. So they did – but there wasn’t a town. One liquor store and a roadside convenience store/gas station was the main attraction on Highway 50. The marina was tucked away in a cypress swamp. The channel to the marina was composed of twists and sharp turns. The river was mainly wilderness with hardly any houses on shore, but the scenery was beautiful.

They did take the courtesy car six miles to a restaurant for seafood. They had a lot of fun with two waitresses who helped them crack their shellfish. A couple of oil well workers joined in and they had a good time.

Day in Memphis

September 26, 2006

A resident named Sherry at the marina offered to take us to Memphis. Bob and Brian met her in the hot tub the night before! After a stop at Walmart to buy oil for her car that had 120,ooo miles on it, we were off. Arrived at the Radisson at the airport and immediately called a cab to get to Graceland. The tour of Elvis's mansion was really interesting; Bob even enjoyed it. From there we went to Sun Studio where Elvis cut his first record and enjoyed the hour with the guide there. The shuttle then took us to Beale Street where we enjoyed delicious ribs and street music.

Then it was back to the hotel which is located next to the Fed Ex headquarters and terminal. Guess what? At 4:00 a.m. their planes took off right over our room. All three of us woke up thinking that the planes were coming in the room.

Tennessee River - Sept 17 to 24

September 24, Sunday - Fulton, Mississippi

Clean up and pack up day. We are booked for Tuesday and fly out of Memphis. Tomorrow we will rent a car and drive into Memphis to check out Graceland!

September 23, Saturday –Fulton, MS – Midway Marina

Very windy, but sunny during the day. Went through 3 locks without waiting. The Whitten lock is 85 deep and drained 466 millon gallons of water just to let our boat go through. After checking in to the slip, the rains came with colder temperatures.

We three are looking into which flight to take home together in the next couple of days. Bob will return to the boat on October 19th. The First Mate is happy! She enjoyed the rivers, but home beckons!

September 22, Friday – Iuka, Mississippi – Aqua Harbor Marina (60 Miles)

Left Clifton at 7:15 a.m. and reached the Pickwick Lock around 1:00 p.m. A Little R & R was able to get in the lock after 15 minutes. It was a little turbulent in the lock and the crew kept busy pushing the boat away from the walls with the poles. A rope was around a floating bollard which carried the boat up to the top. There was a lot of wind before the lock and it grew worse after the lock along with threatening skies. When it was time to turn into Aqua Harbor, the same wind carried the boat a little too fast up to the dock wall; glad the fenders were out to soften the blow.

Bob and Brian played some tennis and finished before the rain. The marina had a wireless connection, but it wouldn’t work most of the time. It is so frustrating not to be able to use the phone or internet. This was another dry county and a common sight was diners carrying insulated wine bottle holders. You can’t buy alcohol, but you can bring your own.

September 21, Thursday – Clifton, Tennessee – Clifton Marina (63 Miles)

Breakfast at the marina and then on their way around 10:30 a.m. Another beautiful day on the river. They missed the cell phone coverage though. Tammy at the Clifton Marina was very helpful and offered her phone if our crew needed it. They walked up the hill to a local restaurant for dinner. Movie night on the boat.

September 20, Wednesday, New Johnson, Tennessee – Pebble Isle Marina (74 Miles)

Brian and Bob were up early and on the tennis court at 7:00 a.m. It has been six weeks since Bob has played tennis. It was cold out and Rhea stayed snuggled under blankets. They went to breakfast at the marina and later talked to other Loopers that they met in Grafton and Alton.
They untied lines around 10:10 a.m. and headed out for a long day on the Kentucky Lake/Tennessee River. Beautiful day, just a little nippy.

September 19, Tuesday – Grand River, Kentucky – Green Turtle Bay Marina (52 Miles)

Bob and Brian were up early to walk to the store to get provisions. The grocery store is called Big John and has a huge fixture outside of a man, namely Big John. Later, Bob, Rhea and Brian walked a mile into town to get pictures of the colorful statue of Superman. I think Big John was in competition with Superman.

We were on our way by 10 a.m. and passed by Paducah. (Wasn’t that where First Mate Rhea was going to get off?) She has decided to stay on one more week. The sun came out and the ride on the Cumberland River was gorgeous. Five eagles flew together over the boat.

Arrived at the Barkley Lock and Dam around 5:00 p.m and lifted up 56 feet. 45 minutes later we were in our slip at the marina (which was ¼ mile from the lock). Using the courtesy van, we found our way to Grand River, a little tourist town. Couldn’t get into the “must eat at” Miss Patti’s, so we ate at her buffet, Miss Patti’s Iron Kettle.

September 18, Monday – Metropolis, Ill – Tied up at Fort Massac State Park Dock (89 Miles)

Today was the first day First Mate Rhea could experience staying in bed while the crew took the boat out at 7:00 a.m. Remember that anchor I mentioned last night? Well, of course, it is located under the First Mate’s berth. The anchor came up and went down, came up and went down, and again for two more times. It seems the chain was wrapped around the anchor. That was enough to rattle her bones out of bed.

It rained all morning and finally cleared up in the afternoon. We tied up at a floating dock big enough for one boat in Metropolis at their Fort Massac State Park. When a barge went by, the boat rocked pretty good. Metropolis is known as the hometown for Superman. We called for a cab and went to the casino to eat, but the buffet was not nearly as nice as the one at Alton.

September 17, Sunday – Anchored in Diversion Channel near Cape Giradeau (110 Miles)

We were on the way by 8:10 a.m. Steady driving in the rain all day and covered 110 miles. At the end of the day, we found the designated anchorage. The narrow channel was calm and we just put out one anchor as there was plenty of swing room. Rhea made chili for dinner while Brian tried to fish for the next dinner. (No catch of the day!)
September 16, Saturday – Kimmswick, Illinois – Hoppie’s Marina (54 Miles)

Bob and Brian were up early and out on a walk. They saw a fox standing near the marina. He never ran away, just hung around for pictures. We left at 10:15 a.m. after Rhea did some scanning and faxing for Bob. We went through two locks today without much delay. The First Mate loved having a Second Mate do all the work. We cruised by the St. Louis Arch; it was nice to experience the view from the water. Today was windy and the river was turbulent, but the ride was comfortable.

At Hoppie’s Marina, we met a “Looper” from Alton and another “Looper”. This marina was a rustic, working barge/fuel dock, which could accommodate about 15 boats. Two women run the place and were very helpful. She set a time when we all gathered near the fuel pump in old lawn chairs to hear her advice on cruising down the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to Kentucky. We will be anchoring out two nights at least as there isn’t a marina for 200 miles. The First Mate was rethinking her decision to stay on board. Brian heard coyotes howling during the night.

Sept 11-16 St. Louis Area

September 16, Saturday – Kimmswick, Illinois – Hoppie’s Marina

Bob and Brian were up early and out on a walk. They saw a fox standing near the marina. He never ran away, just hung around for pictures. We left at 10:15 a.m. after Rhea did some scanning and faxing for Bob. We went through two locks today without much delay. The First Mate loved having a Second Mate do all the work. We cruised by the St. Louis Arch; it was nice to experience the view from the water. Today was windy and the river was turbulent, but the ride was comfortable.

At Hoppie’s Marina, we met a “Looper” from Alton and another “Looper”. This marina was a rustic, working barge/fuel dock, which could accommodate about 15 boats. Two women run the place and were very helpful. The mother set a time when we all gathered near the fuel pump in old lawn chairs to hear her advice on cruising down the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to Kentucky. We will be anchoring out two nights at least as there isn’t a marina for 200 miles. The First Mate was rethinking her decision to stay on board.

September 15, Friday – Alton

At 9:00 a.m., an electronics service tech arrived to repair the electronic compass and chart system. We had to go out in the river with him and cruise in 2 – two minute circles to calibrate the compass. After a half hour of circling, the men decided something else must be wrong. Back at the dock, the tech left and came back with a part. Of course, we had to go out on the river again, but it only took two minutes to calibrate.

We went grocery shopping, but first we ate a deli sandwich on a bench outside the store. Shopping on an empty stomach would have been disastrous! We did some laundry and then left at 8:00 p.m. to pick up our son Brian at the airport in St. Louis. (45 minute ride). On the way back, we stopped in Alton at Fast Eddie’s Bon Air, a well known bar and burger place in this area. Of course, it had a loud band and lots of people. Rhea mentioned that she and Bob were probably the only married people in the place. Brian said, “You mean to each other!”

Brian brought along the dealer replacement for the VHS radio hand held receiver. Well, the radio still doesn’t work with the new receiver.

September 14, Thursday - Alton


Today was a memorable day in St. Louis as we celebrated Bob’s birthday all day. We left the marina at 8:00 a.m. by car to drive to the old Union Station to board a city bus tour. The station is now a Hyatt Hotel and a beautiful old historic site. Where the 37 tracks used to be, stores and restaurants fill the place. During the five hour tour, we visited the city Arch, “Gateway to the West”. We rode the little capsule cars up to the top of the Arch. Five people could squeeze in a car; entering through a short doorway and bumping our heads on the wall behind us. It was like sitting in a cut-out ball. The seven cars went up Ferris wheel style, leveling out as it rounded the curve. The view was great and we had a clear, sunny day for pictures. We even looked down on a “Looper” (Christine Marie) cruising by which had left from our marina that morning.

We continued on to the Millennium Hotel and up to a revolving restaurant for dinner. The views were terrific. It took one hour to make a complete circle. We were glad to be there at 5:00 p.m. to see it all in the daylight.

Rhea really enjoyed Bob’s birthday this year since he was usually up in Canada on his annual fishing trip. And it didn’t hurt that it was Rhea’s type of day.

September 13, Wednesday – Alton

First thing in the morning, we headed over to the nearby casino (The Argosy) for breakfast. Didn’t happen – no breakfast served. We were told to go to Tony’s Sports Bar across the street. What a disappointment. We were the only people in the restaurant and after an hour, Rhea’s oatmeal came out as a water-based soup. The English muffin was a bagel. The waitress said that the cook told her it was an English Muffin.

Well, for dinner we tried again at the Casino and enjoyed a huge feast at the buffet. Restaurants were hard to find in the town of Alton and even outside of Alton by car.

Met three more “Loopers” all docked in the same area.

September 12, Tuesday - Alton – The Alton Marina

We left in the drizzling rain and kept busy zipping and unzipping the plastic windshield flap. We motored two miles up the Mississippi to find diesel at $2.65 per the local boaters’ advice. Otherwise, it was $3.19 at the marina. It was great to get cell phone coverage again and free wireless internet near Alton.

The Alton Marina was also covered and had excellent showers/bathrooms, plus a general store and pool. A boater we met in Grafton offered his spare car to use in Alton. He owned a copy machine business near the marina. The car had 100,000 miles on it, so we hoped that we wouldn’t put it over the edge. We took it out later to find a Walgreen’s Drugstore to get a prescription and find a pizza place.

September 11, Monday – Grafton

Woke up to another rainy day, so we decided to stay one more day. Since we were under cover, Bob was able to clean up the boat; Rhea cleaned windows inside and out. Found another ice cream store and later a video store. Movie night on board the A Little R & R.

September 9 & 10 Grafton IL

September 10, Grafton

Bob went for a bike ride on the special bike trail to Pere Marquette State Park. A tire went flat, but luckily, he had a spare tube along. Relaxed today and did laundry. Wireless internet was available, but Sprint coverage was not. Walked down the street to Mississippi Half Step House for a nice dinner. This marina is very friendly - staff and boaters. Many of the boaters here live in Alton but like the marina here better than the one in Alton.

Did I mention that Grafton is motorcyle haven. All sizes of bikes run up and down the main street. We thought it was a special weekend, but we were told the bikers like to come to Grafton. Sidewalk dining is out for us.


September 9, Saturday – Grafton – Grafton Harbor Marina

We ate breakfast up at the restaurant around nine. Met another Looper couple, Phyllis and Tex, from Pennsylvania who also docked with us. Said Goodbye to Our Way as they followed the new couple to Alton. We had a leisurely three hour ride to Grafton. This marina had covered shelters for most all of the docks. It was like being in a boat barn. The boaters were nice, but they stayed on the dock laughing and talking until midnight. Their voices rebounded to the ceiling and back.
Then they were back out there for coffee in the morning. One fellow offered us his spare car while we were in Alton. Another fellow offered us his boat slip across the river from Alton.

We went to the new restaurant above the marina, but it was so loud and the service so slow. We waited an hour for the food.

Grafton is at the point that the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers merge together.