ONBOARD ODDYSEA: DAY 6-MILES TRAVELED 79.4

Our day began with Ross and Brad dropping the dinghy and with the boat hook, feeling along the bottom to find our best route out of the harbor. We moved heavy items out of the aft cabin to the front, pulled the dinghy rather than having it hang and Brad and I stood on the bow pulpit with cases of pop and water trying to use the weight to bring the stern up. We made it out of the marina without incident. Ran the engines up and all sounds ok. No vibration or weird noises. Dodged a bullet on that one. Only two locks today. Passed the mouth of the Illinois river. We have now entered never before traveled waters for us. The tow traffic really picked up. Lots of southern drawls on the radio. We stopped at the Alton marina just short of lock 26. Beautiful marina. Went to a place called Fast Eddies for dinner. CHEAP food. I mean, really cheap! Peel and eat shrimp was .29 cents apiece. Teri and I split a ½ pound hamburger for .99 cents. It was a rocking place. We ate in the outdoor area. We all chowed down for the grand total price of 12 bucks. There was a lighted sign which told the number of the orders coming up. By the time we left, it was close to 900 for the day. And the food was great. Mostly meats grilled on a stick, fries and hot dogs or brats. We enjoyed the view of the Alton Highway bridge when we returned to the boat. It was lit up and very picturesque in the dark night.

Dinner at Fast Eddies