Aug 25


St. Charles Mo to Alton IL about 20 miles


As we knew we would be waiting for the pump today we stayed in bed latter than  would be normal for us.  When we did finally leave the bed and dressing we discussed our plan for the day.  On the top of the list while waiting was laundry.  Then cleaning the boat and a few very minor lose screws to tighten.  This included the one in my head.  


The morning was warm as the sun was beating on the boat before the afternoon shade reached us.  We decided to sit down in the service department and enjoy their water cooler and AC.  This also allowed us to watch for the UPS truck.  It got there before I finished my first cup of cold water.  Kurt the mechanic showed me the pump and told him it was one from Reilly I had selected.  He did not believe and checked and it was in stock and cross listed for foreign cars.  No surprise it was less than half the price and right in town.  It was not the pump he thought he would be getting.  I am OK with it although it cost me an extra $125 I understand his insurance problem and difficultly in finding the parts.  Besides why should he believe me an admitted rookie and inexperience guy over the generator supplier.  He came down and installed it and took right off with no problems.  The generator sounds better and starts better now so I would assume this was a problem that was present from the time I bought the boat.  


We left at noon and made it to the Alton Marina at 3 pm.  Filled with diesel which required some time as the dock hands were removing a floating 70 foot tree from the dock area.  They gave us some bottle water to drink while we waited.  After moving the boat to slip we started to look for supplies.  It turns out the local Mom and Pop shop offers us boaters a lift to from their store.  It was not huge but it had all the stuff we needed.  I figure we paid a little extra but saved on the taxi so it worked out just fine.  


As it was late by the time we unpacked and stored the food we decided to walk to the local Casino for dinner.  It was bar food not great but good to fill us up.  Dianne played the slots went up 5 dollars then lost it all so cost of the food was about normal after the losses were included.  At least the beer was cold and the walk did us both good.


Good







news the WIFI here is better so here some pictures

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