A Strange Barrier for Another Boater, and The Nightly Routine


Tuesday, August 27 2019
Day 18 on the Loop – Alton, IL (0 miles)

 Got to meet more Loopers today.  It is nice to have other Loopers now coming into the marina.  Gerrit and Janna are on board a 26' Nordic Tug (very similar to my boat) and I met them briefly on the dock. I look forward to seeing their boat, Green Eyes. 

 I also met Gary Stephan who is solo aboard his Monk 36 Mary Lisa.  He asked me to come over to his boat since he was having a strange issue where he tried to leave the dock and then came to a grinding halt, as if he still had a line tied to the shore.  There was no line, and we later found out that there is a  beam underwater that stops the end of the dock from moving, and he was running into that.   He got his boat moved to a better dock and then came aboard my boat and gave me some hints on operating solo.  I also went aboard his boat, which is considerably larger, and has walk around decks, so he has some advantages when dealing with locks.  All boats are compromises so there are pluses and minuses to each type.

 I thought I would share my evening routine.  My boat is parked stern in, since it is easier to step off the swim step on to the dock, and the electrical connections are on the stern and the pedestal with electrical connections on the dock is nearby.   

 In order to get privacy I put up three canvas panels across the windows, and pull the curtains closed.  I could also put a panel across the front windows, but the bow flares upwards and it would be tough to see in, so I don't bother with that.   
All settled in for the night.  I have both red and white lights overhead and the red light, combined with the white light over the table, makes for a nice homey atmosphere.
My cabin, ready for bed.  The lamps over the bed are warmer than they look in this photo. They are dimmable and each has a socket to allow a USB to be plugged in, so I can charge my phone overnight.

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