Waterworld!

 Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Do you remember the movie Water World with Kevin Kostner?? If not, as a boater, it is a must see!

The movie was about an apocalyptic ending of the earth. There was no land left - only water. Anyone who had a jar of dirt and seeds was wealthy beyond imagination. However, there was not much left to purchase with the dirt. The remaining inhabitants cruised around in some pretty ingenious looking derelict boats. Some were good guys, some bad guys. You get the rest.

This boat was at Grafton Harbor in Grafton, IL. We stayed there for two days to kick back and relax a little. Nice harbor with a bar, restaurant, pool, and some nice shops within walking distance.

Grafton is at the confluence of the Illinois River and the Mississippi. This is where we actually start the Loop.

In talking to the owner, she told us that in mid summer 2010, a guy pulled in with this boat, said he had a taxi waiting to take him to the airport, and he needed three months dockage while he went to Florida to take care of something. Well, the check cleared the bank for the dockage, but he never came back, and does not answer calls. The marina is in the process of filing papers to take possession of the vessel, so they can scrap it. At least the aluminum, newer outboard, and some tools aboard will be worth something.

The stuff inside does not appear to be valuable. It looks like a “hoarders” boat.

The rocks in the photo are a reflection off the glass.

We took a run in the dinghy up the Illinois, and found this car ferry. We have seen a number of these the past two days. No bridges nearby.

I noticed that there are ramps off the ferry on both ends, and wondered how the tug turns itself around to take it to the other shore. Then I thought maybe he just backs up, but that would put his props right on the other bank.

I'll be darned if the tug isn't hinged to the ferry!  How ingenious!

All for now - Captain Ken