The adventures of MR5 as she cruises America's Great Loop
Mississippi River: Grafton, Kaskaskia, and Cairo, Illinois (revised)
September 29 through October 2, 2026
Our time on the mighty Mississippi was remarkably brief, both in days and in miles traveled. After spending two nights at Grafton Harbor Marina, surrounded by dozens of fellow Loopers, we finally set off on our journey down the river. It seemed everyone was eager to get moving and make tracks through this stretch of the Great Loop.
The Mississippi is a busy, working river, bustling with commercial traffic and enormous towboats pushing seemingly endless strings of barges filled with who-knows-what. And, let’s just say, the muddy brown water isn’t exactly tempting for swimming. Still, beneath its rather rugged exterior, we found plenty to appreciate. Watching the hardworking crews aboard the towboats and dredges, tirelessly moving cargo and clearing the river bottom to keep the channels navigable, gave us a whole new appreciation for the people who make this vital waterway work.
It’s certainly a different world from the leisurely cruising and picturesque harbors we often enjoy, but that’s part of the adventure of the Great Loop. The Mississippi may not have been the prettiest stretch of water we’ve traveled, but it offered a fascinating glimpse into a hardworking river community—and a reminder that not every mile has to be postcard-worthy to be memorable!
Grafton Harbor is mile 0 on the Illinois River and the transition point for our start of the Mississippi.Despite the empty slips behind us,, the place was actually packed with dozens of other Loopers, and docktales seemed to be a daily event here.Grafton seems to have a strong and visible connection to the military.Yes, this is a ski lift in the middle of town.At the top of the ski lift, there’s a view of the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. (Can you also see the Rambler?)But the best part is the ride in the alpine coaster! Weeeeeeeee!It’s nearly 4,000 feet of track, 7 hair-pin turns, and 8 waves/twisters through the woods.The ride down provides a great shot of the Mississippi. And from this height, it doesn’t look so bad.What would a post be like without a mention of birds?And, there may not be any birds in this photo, but this massive number of swallow mud nests was worth posting.Butterflies are a close second to birds in captivating our attention.Does anyone remember Lily Tomlin’s role on Laugh In? Edith Ann?Captain Jenna had Timeless sparkling clean and ready for the next charter.Another early morning departure. What’s that saying about red sky at dawn, sailor be warned?We left anyway. It’s time to tackle the Mighty Mississippi.Glancing back at that big majestic flag. Our Lady of the Rivers ShrineThanks to our friends on AJAC, we have a shot of the Rambler in front of the Saint Louis Arch.These were definitely not the best accommodations, but we were happy to have a secure wall for the evening in Kaskaskia, off the river.What would the day be like without locking?“OK, I’m ready. Can we get this over with?”The US Army Corps of Engineers is hard at work dredging.Ah, the muddy water and its gifts of debris. Stay alert!!
