Hi Friends and Family,
Well, we are truly rolling down the Mississippi River with Illinois on the left or Port side and Missouri on the right or Starboard side. It truly is the muddy Mississippi and we can't believe that we used to swim in it when we boated the Mississippi years ago - much less skinny dipped. Oooh, I can see the faces of my kids being grossed out by that comment!
We pass many barges - some longer than others. The correct way to pass: Harley who leads our team radios the tow to ask if it is alright to pass on the Port or Starboard. Some of the tow Captains will answer and blow a whistle while others just blow the whistle. One whistle means pass on Port side and 2 whistles means pass on starboard side. I think they consider us "Pleasure boats" just a pain they have to deal with.
Our 6 days in Alton were relaxing and fun. Ann and I had our mani -pedis. Felt so good! Did grocery shopping at a cute little store. Had to make a cab trip to Fast Edie's. It is supposed to be the hot spot. Cheap food and cheap drinks. Another boat couple went there on the weekend and the line was out the door and around the corner. I would have fit in if I had my leathers. Wouldn't that be a picture?!
We rented a car and had a blast with the Lee's and my brother, Tom and my niece, Klara in Overland Park, Kansas. Played Farkel and a great new game. Michael was kind enough to take us to Costco, Auto parts store, Liquor store and we walked to Walmart. Had so much fun with my sister and her kids and grandkids. When we left, I did get a little teary eyed for my munchkins in Wisconsin.
One thing is for sure, we are truly blessed with the weather. It is cool in the mornings. We are leaving each spot at 7 a.m. just as the sun comes up and by noon we are switching to shorts. We haven't had bad weather. We do rock and roll at night due to barge traffic but all of us kind of like that. We continue to meet up with 3-4 other Loopers along the way. Most are traveling faster than we are.
Since Alton we have been to a tiny, picturesque marina: Hoppie's. Most Loopers stop here to fill up with gas/diesel and water before having to anchor out for 3-5 days before getting to another marina.
How do you anchor out? It usually is a marked anchorage on the charts - like a little tributary. Monday night, we were tied to the outside wall of a lock with a dredging machine going full speed until 3 in the morning. Didn't really bother any of us. When you are out in the air all day, sleep comes easily. Tuesday, Oct. 20 we are anchored seperately with 4 different boats. Cook on our grill and dinghy over to either our boat or Harley's. Water is a precious commodity so we sponge bathe, conserve on washing dishes. We both have enough to make it for 2 more anchoring out days IF we are careful! We run our generators to warm up our salon area ( I keep asking Rod what the correct boat terms are.) Have had no TV for at least 2 weeks except at my sister's. The generator helps me to get internet with our traveling WiFi - sometimes. And juice up my phone.
Our goal is to finally get on the Ohio River which will eventually get us to the Cumberland River.
That is it for now. As I type this we ARE rockin' and a rollin' because a barge just passed and leaves quite a wake. Makes me sleepy. Night night.
An addition: was hoping that I, alone, could put pictures on this blog. Nope. So I was hoping tonight, Wednesday, Harley could instruct me again. Well, we had a very adventurous day. We left at 7 a.m. and finally reached the Ohio River. Barge traffic here is crazy. Thought we could sail right through a lock under construction but instead we were escorted by a tow. He escorted us through the unfinished lock and to the beginning of the next lock. Had to wait awhile before they put us through. That is what takes so long - not the lock itself but waiting for the huge barges to get through. Once through, we went on plane and drove as fast as our boats allow to meet at the next lock near Paducah, Kentucky. Found out we can't get in till dark. So--- decision made - we are anchored off the main channel and will be rocking and rolling tonight. It was a long day. So pictures will be posted with explanations at a later date. I am sending this so people can read it before Halloween. Mary
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