We had planned on anchoring upriver from Alton, and save a days moorage. Once again the river gods said no, as the anchorage was totally filled with mud. Proceeding slightly further downstream, we joined the Mississippi River. It is a great feeling to be cruising on the Rivers of a thousand stories again. Going to have to shut off the engines and drift like Huck Finn!

We passed by a Statue of Mary of the rivers.
During the flood of 1951 the Mississippi River had risen so high that it threatened Portage des Sioux for the first time in the history of the town. Father Edward B. Schlattmann, pastor of St. Francis Church, called upon his parish Legion of Mary to pray to the Blessed Virgin. For the first time anywhere, Mary’s protection was sought under the appellative, “Our Lady of the rivers.” The river stopped rising, and the town was saved. The community raised funds for the statue to thank the Church, and Mary for saving them.

The weather started turning today, and by 10:00 we were in light rain. As the afternoon called for more rain, I decided to head to Alton. Good call, as it started to pour as we pulled into the marina. Susan got pretty wet setting up the lines, but there was a silver lining; we were parking in a covered slip. The dock boy was there to catch our lines, and even though there was a constant downpour, we were protected. I love it when a plan works out.

Alton is a very nice marina located just below the junction of the Illinois and Mississippi River. We call it the Club Med of marinas; it is so nicely done up with fresh towels available at the showers, personable dock and office staff, and a pool that floats in the middle of the docks. They have a deal here; stay 3, get 3 free. We will get one free day out of this as we are staying 4 days. Then pedal to the metal as we head downstream again.